How to Clean Stainless Steel Taps Naturally

Stainless steel taps and faucets in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms are high-touch areas that need regular cleaning.

Fortunately, they clean up quickly (even when neglected!) using simple and natural ingredients.

This article shows you how to clean stainless steel taps naturally using Branch Basics and/or common household products like vinegar, baking soda, and more.

How To Clean Taps With Vinegar 

Vinegar’s natural acetic acid works wonders on soap scum, germs, and even mineral deposits without harsh synthetic chemicals.

Here’s how to clean your stainless steel taps using plain old white vinegar.

What you’ll need:

• Distilled white vinegar
• A clean microfiber cloth
• A toothbrush or grout brush (optional)

To use for everyday cleaning:

1. Spray or apply undiluted white vinegar directly onto your tap.
2. Wipe clean.
1. Bonus: Use the rest of the vinegar to clean your sink and/or countertops while you’re at it!

To use for deep cleaning/hard water stains:

1. Spray or apply undiluted white vinegar directly onto your tap.
2. Allow the vinegar to “dwell” for about 5 minutes.
3. Scrub with a toothbrush or grout brush (if needed).
4. Rinse and wipe clean with a cloth.

Important Note: Vinegar contains acetic acid which becomes an eye and lung irritant when sprayed. Make sure you avoid breathing the fumes and provide good ventilation to clear the air quickly of the acetic acid. Do not allow the elderly, babies, young children, or the chronically ill to be present when vinegar is being used as a spray.

Get more helpful advice and information on how to clean with vinegar in: 12 Ways To Use Vinegar In Your Home.

How To Clean Taps With Baking Soda

Pure baking soda is an excellent non-toxic scouring agent that won’t scratch or damage your stainless steel taps.

What you’ll need:

• Baking soda
• Water
• A clean microfiber cloth
• A toothbrush or grout brush (optional)

To use:

1. Make a paste using baking soda and enough water to form a creamy consistency.
2. Rub onto your tap with a microfiber cloth, toothbrush, or grout brush.
3. Rinse or wipe clean.

Discover more ways to use baking soda as a non-toxic cleaner in: Cleaning With Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate): 12 Surprising Uses.

How To Clean Taps With Lemon

Lemon juice is an underutilized non-toxic option for cleaning taps, surfaces, and removing stains. Its natural citric acid dissolves dirt, hard water stains, and grime while leaving taps sparkling clean.

What you’ll need:

• Lemon juice or a cut fresh lemon
• A clean microfiber cloth
• A toothbrush or grout brush (optional)

To use for everyday cleaning:

1. Apply undiluted lemon juice directly to the tap using a cloth, sponge, toothbrush or grout brush, or rub a cut lemon over the surface.
2. Wipe clean.
1. Bonus: While you're at it, use the rest of the cut lemon or lemon juice to clean your sink and/or countertops.

To use for deep cleaning/hard water stains:

1. Apply undiluted lemon juice or rub the cut lemon directly onto your tap.
2. Allow lemon juice to “dwell” for about 5 minutes.
3. Scrub with a toothbrush or grout brush (if needed).
4. Rinse and wipe clean with a cloth.

Learn how to use lemon juice to make your own all-purpose cleaner in: 5 Best Natural All-Purpose Cleaners.

How To Clean Taps With Branch Basics

Branch Basics is an all-in-one human- and environmentally-safe cleaning line designed to replace every cleaner and laundry product in your home with just one Concentrate.

For stainless steel taps, we recommend either Branch Basics Streak-Free (for everyday jobs) or All-Purpose (for bigger jobs).

Here’s how to use it.

For everyday cleaning:

1. Spray Branch Basics Streak-Free directly onto taps.
2. Wipe clean.
1. If you’re already cleaning your sink with Branch Basics All-Purpose or Bathroom dilution, you can also use this to clean your taps.

For deep cleaning:

1. Spray taps with Branch Basics All-Purpose or Bathroom dilution.
2. Let dwell for 2-3 minutes.
3. Scrub clean using a toothbrush or grout brush.
4. Rinse and wipe clean.

Learn more about Branch Basics all-in-one EWG-Verified and Made Safe Certified cleaning line in: Is Branch Basics Safe? 

Tips For Maintaining Your Stainless Steel Taps

Stainless steel taps are a beautiful fixture when they’re clean and shiny. Here are some tips to help keep them looking great between cleanings:

• Avoid using hard water to clean stainless steel as this can lead to build-up and staining.
• Avoid using cleaners with harsh chemicals, like ammonia or bleach, which can dull or damage stainless steel over time.
• Dry your taps after usage to prevent water spots.
• Wipe taps and faucet bases down regularly around the base to prevent slimy build-up.
• If you notice spots between cleanings, gently buff them out using a dry towel or cloth.
• If your stainless steel taps begin to look cloudy, try draping them with a vinegar-soaked cloth for 15-20 minutes or cleaning them with a baking soda paste.

Get more helpful tips for cleaning stainless steel in: Cleaning Stainless Steel Naturally: 7 Simple Methods.