Cleaning stainless steel is a must-know skill whether you’re working in a professional kitchen or maintaining your home. Stainless steel has become the material of choice for appliances, countertops, sinks, and cookware thanks to its sleek look, durability, and modern appeal. But as anyone who’s owned it knows, it shows every fingerprint, water spot, and streak.
Fortunately, cleaning stainless steel doesn’t require fancy products. With the right techniques and a few household ingredients, you can keep it looking polished and fingerprint-free for years to come. Here’s your complete guide to cleaning stainless steel, safely and effectively.
General Rules for Cleaning Stainless Steel
Before jumping into specific areas, keep these key tips in mind for cleaning stainless steel:
Always clean with the grain of the metal, not against it. This helps prevent visible scratches and preserves the natural sheen.
Avoid abrasive cleaners and pads, which can scratch the surface permanently.
Always rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth to avoid streaks or water spots.
If you’re ever unsure, test a cleaning method on a hidden spot first.
Everyday Cleaning Solutions for Stainless Steel
You don’t always need commercial cleaners. Here are some easy and effective at-home methods:
Plain Water and a Soft Cloth
Great for light smudges and dust.
Use a microfiber or terry cloth dampened with warm water.
Dry with a paper towel or dry cloth to prevent streaking.
Glass Cleaner
Effective at removing fingerprints from appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers.
Spray directly on a cloth (not the surface) to avoid overspray.
Mild Dish Soap
Excellent for removing grease and general grime.
Add a few drops to warm water, apply with a soft cloth, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
White Vinegar
Apply undiluted vinegar to a cloth and wipe down surfaces to remove heat stains and water spots.
Follow up with a dry towel to polish.
Club Soda
Spray club soda onto the surface and wipe with a clean cloth for shine and streak removal.
Vegetable or Baby Oil
After cleaning, apply a few drops of oil to a cloth and buff the surface to enhance shine and mask minor scratches.
Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances
Refrigerators, Microwaves & Dishwashers
Wipe down with hot water and a soft, lint-free cloth.
Follow the grain, then buff with a dry cloth.
For fingerprints, use a drop of dish soap or glass cleaner.
Polish with baby oil or a stainless steel polish for a streak-free shine.
Cleaning Stainless Steel Stovetops
Stovetops tend to collect grease and spills, so they require a bit more effort:
Start with warm water and a microfiber cloth to remove surface residue.
For grease, mix a few drops of mild dish soap into warm water and wipe thoroughly.
For burnt-on messes:
Loosen stuck food with warm water first.
If needed, make a baking soda paste (baking soda + hot water).
Apply gently with a cloth, always testing a small area first to avoid scratching.
Baking soda is mildly abrasive, use it carefully and rinse well.
Cleaning Stainless Steel Sinks
Sinks are one of the hardest-working areas in your kitchen, and stainless steel can lose its luster without regular cleaning.
Daily Wipe-Down
Use dish soap and warm water.
Deep Clean
Sprinkle baking soda into the sink.
Scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or soft-bristled brush.
Rinse with hot water.
Deodorize and Sanitize
Fill the sink with hot water and a small amount of bleach.
Let sit for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse thoroughly.
Shine It Up
Finish with white vinegar or baby oil on a soft cloth for added sparkle.
Cleaning Stainless Steel Cookware and Utensils
Stainless steel pots, pans, and flatware need special care to avoid discoloration, heat marks, or scratches.
Do:
Use mild dish soap and warm water.
Remove stuck-on food with baking soda paste or a nylon scrub brush.
Rinse off all detergent before placing in the dishwasher (if dishwasher-safe).
Dry immediately to prevent water spots.
Don’t:
Let acidic foods (like tomato sauce) sit in the pan.
Use steel wool or scouring pads.
Let dishwasher detergent dry on wet utensils—this can leave dark marks.
Commercial Stainless Steel Cleaners
Commercial products can be useful for:
Masking fine scratches
Enhancing shine
Repelling future fingerprints
Just be sure to:
Follow the instructions carefully
Rinse thoroughly if the item comes into contact with food
Avoid products with harsh chemicals unless labeled safe for stainless steel
Cleaning Stainless Steel
Whether you’re dealing with a fridge full of fingerprints, a stove top coated in grease, or a sink that’s lost its shine, cleaning stainless steel is all about gentle methods and consistent care. Skip the harsh chemicals and abrasives, clean with the grain, and polish when needed.
With just a few simple habits, your stainless steel appliances and fixtures will stay looking clean, sleek, and showroom-ready, even in a busy kitchen.
