Discuss IKEA stainless steel backsplash on IKEAFANS.com. We're Personalizing the IKEA Experience. IKEA stainless steel backsplash - Choosing a backsplash is like taking a ride in a Dr. Seuss-like Backsplooziesplat! All who enter here are sure to leave with more ideas than thought possible..
Has anyone used the IKEA stainless steel backsplash? I have one beside my stove but am considering the longer one (40 or more inches) for over the countertop.
I have stainless steel countertops, and honestly they couldn't be easier to clean. There's a reason why it's a standard material in restaurant and other commerical kitchens!
Do you mean that they're hard to keep free from fingerprints, or that they're actually more difficult to clean? I think the major difference isn't that stainless steel is hard to clean or that it gets "dirtier" than anything else, it's just that you're seeing marks (streaks, fingerprints, etc.) more clearly than on other surfaces. A textured almond-color fridge is going to get just as dirty as a stainless one, it just won't be as apparent.
I have stainless countertops as well as a stainless fridge, stove, and sink, and I really don't have any issues with keeping them CLEAN. I just wipe them down with a damp sponge (not a scrubby--it will scratch, and it's not necessary anyway) and mild spray cleanser (I like Mrs. Meyers), and that's that. If I want to get extra fancy about it, I'll dry them immediately after wiping with a kitchen towel...then there aren't any streaks from the water. It's really not any different from keeping glass clean.
For your stainless steel sink, you might want to try something like liquid Barkeeper's Friend every now and then to keep it looking good. The nature of a sink (dishes scratch the surface, constantly exposed to minerals in water, etc.) does mean that it will show wear faster than, say, a backsplash.
What I definitely would NOT do is use any of those sprays that are supposedly formulated for cleaning stainless appliances. They have oils in them that coat the surface and actually attract dirt and grime (which, in time, may etch the surface and make it look dirty even if it's not). The idea is that the oils will prevent fingerprints (which are oil) from showing...but in my opinion, that's not worth it. Even glass cleaner and a paper towel is a better option.
But yeah...if you're obsessive about stuff looking NEW forever, it's probably wise to stay away from materials like stainless steel, marble, and wood. They do show age; they do gain a patina. That patina is something I crave, especially as my taste tends to run towards the modern and I like the contrast it provides. Not for everyone, but don't confuse that patina with "dirtyness".
I second the endorsement for barkeeper's friend. Great stuff.I've used those oil sprays and they leave a nasty residue not to mention they are pretty expesive. I prefer a product called Citra-solv (www.citra-solv.com) over glass cleaner. I use this stuff for prety much everything. Works, biodegradable, smells good and pretty much streak free. In my neck of the woods it's available at some of the larger Loblaw'sgrocery stores or their affiliates or "green" stores like Grassroots. It's made in the US so it's probably a bit easier to find there.
I'm not the neatest housekeeper so obessive about cleanliness isn't my thing, but my sink is a builder's grade SS (soon to be trashed), and for years I've tried to clean the marks and streaks on it and it takes time. Water leaves spots too and just has an untidy look to it. Some have said that the better grade SS will be easier. As for the trash can....it has loads of prints and streaks that I've tried to clean with soap and water, glass plus etc., and have given up. I'll have an undercab trash can and leave this one in the garage. I've seen the SS countertops in Europe and they look like better quality than the SS I've got.
A patina is nice...I have wooden furniture and I love the look. The appliance guy told me to buy a spray (if I get SS appliances) that's oil based and it's much better to clean them with Now I won't be listening to him!
I use the Method stainless spray I get at Target. I had a stainless trashcan that always looked *awful* but I've never had a problem with my EMSEN sink, my LANSA handles, my VARDE worktop, my dishwasher or my range. All stainless. All clean.
And I even have a dog, a 6 year old and now, on the weekends - a man.
I do think there's something to the grade as to how easy it is to keep clean.
IKEA - it's unlike any other furniture store in the world. How did IKEA start? What's unique about IKEA stores? Read about how a young man named Ingvar Kamprad began the largest furniture store in the world and became one of the richest men in the world.Read more...
Now I won't be listening to him!
