How to Clean & Care for Stainless Steel Furniture

A step-by-step guide on how to care for your Stainless Steel.

Stainless Steel is a premium metal with a lustre like no other that’s known for its durability. To ensure the longevity of this material, we recommend following the below care guide.

Round stainless steel coffee table styled

1. Care

Always use a cleaner specifically formulated for stainless steel.

Wipe up spills immediately with a clean, soft cloth.

Always use coasters and placemats to help protect the surface.

Avoid contact with acidic or alkaline liquids and cleaning products, particularly those containing potassium hydroxide.

Apply protective felt pads to the underside of objects placed on stainless steel surfaces to help prevent scratching.

Modern stainless steel coffee table.

2. Cleaning

The best way to maintain the luster of your stainless steel piece and remove everyday marks is to use a purpose-designed stainless steel cleaner and protector.

We have tested and recommend the following:

There can sometimes be confusion when it comes to stainless steel cleaning. Popular multi-purpose household cleaners can be very harmful to the stainless steel surface. Products containing harsh alkaline ingredients, including potassium hydroxide, or acidic ingredients such as citrus and orange oil may compromise the surface over time and contribute to discoloration, surface rust, or tea staining.

Never use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or other materials that may scratch the surface.

Modern stainless steel side table styled in a home.

3. How To Remove Tea Stains

For isolated tea staining, a diluted vinegar solution can be used as a targeted treatment:

  • Mix 4 tablespoons of white vinegar with 1 tablespoon of water.
  • Apply a small amount to the affected area using a soft sponge or cloth.
  • Gently work the area with a soft-bristle brush. Do not use a scourer or abrasive pad.
  • Leave for up to 10 minutes.
  • Gently buff the area as needed. More stubborn staining may require the process to be repeated.
  • Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water and dry immediately with a soft cloth.
  • Finish with a recommended stainless steel cleaner and protector.

This treatment should only be used for tea staining rather than everyday cleaning. Regular cleaning and the use of a stainless steel protector will help reduce the likelihood of marks and tea staining developing over time.

Stainless steel vase
Stainless steel dining table styled in a home.

Why Stainless Steel?

Steel is a solid, silver metal which is very robust and offers maximum strength and durability. Our collections feature both brushed and polished stainless steel.

Despite a significant increase in cost compared to aluminium, we chose premium stainless steel for its unique lustre, strength and durability.

Reisinger Studio in Barcelona by Isern Serra.

Common Questions

How do I avoid scratches?

To maintain the showroom finish of stainless steel, you must always use drink coasters, placements and apply protective pads to any items displayed on top of the stainless steel surface.

The beauty of stainless steel is that it will always maintains its lustre, even if over time of daily use the finish becomes more lived in with scratches. We believe it becomes better with age.

Can stainless steel be used outdoors?

Our stainless steel furniture is designed for indoor use. While grade 306 stainless steel is highly durable, prolonged exposure to the elements can affect its finish over time. We recommend keeping your piece indoors to preserve its lustre long-term.

How will my stainless steel piece age?

Over time, your piece may develop a gentle patina - subtle tonal variations and natural surface character that emerge through daily use and environmental exposure. This evolution is part of the beauty of stainless steel, reflecting the life of the material as it grows with you.

Below are some examples of how stainless steel naturally develops over time. Imagery reflects daily use and has been captured over a 12-month period.

Three months

Six months

Twelve months

How to Style Stainless Steel Furniture

Growing in popularity, Stainless Steel is loved for its timeless appearance and durability. A statement in itself, Stainless Steel has the ability to elevate a space without needing anything extra.

Let it shine 

Left bare, our pieces shine through no matter how big or small. Its unique industrial aesthetic combined with our bold design silhouettes can be used as a beautiful statement piece in your space. Take advantage of this as an opportunity to be bold. 

Dress it up 

Opt for a minimalist vase with an arrangement, or keep it simple with some books. Our pieces are perfect when styled with simple elements, especially in smaller spaces like apartments - less is more.

Mixed Materiality

Combining the coolness of stainless with the luxuriousness of marble or earthy timber creates a warm and inviting feeling in a space. We love exploring the combination of different materials to create texture and balance.

Read more in our stainless steel material guide.

Stainless steel dining table styled