Anyone with stainless steel appliances like refrigerators or dishwashers in their kitchen knows that they require quite a bit of upkeep for that spot-free look. Stainless steel is very susceptible to fingerprint smudges, scratches, and water stains, but seeing that pristine, mirror-like gleam once they've been cleaned up is so worth it.
For a quick spiffing-up of your stainless steel surfaces at home, a good all-purpose cleaner should do the trick. However, there are plenty of great stainless steel cleaners out there that are formulated to tackle this specific metallic material. Using a dedicated stainless steel cleaner should result in a spot-free shine and smudge- and fingerprint-free surface for a little while afterward (until the cleaner's coating fades). And because stainless steel can scratch, you never want to use an abrasive scrubber on it, like steel wool.
To get the most out of your stainless steel cleaners, you have to make sure you're using them the right way. To start, dust off your stainless steel unit with a microfiber cleaning cloth. Then, apply a little bit of your stainless steel cleaner of choice and wipe down with the grain to restore the piece to its original luster.
Our guide to the nine best stainless steel cleaners covers the wipes, sprays, powders, and pastes that make up an essential part of any cleaning arsenal.
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This reviewer-favorite stainless steel cleaner from Weiman easily wipes away cooking residue and water stains without you needing to buff out the streaks afterward. It also imparts a protective layer of polish that helps stave off grime for longer.
We like that this one comes in a three-piece kit, which includes a handy tube of wipes for quick smudge-busting, a spray bottle, and a microfiber cloth for the ultimate deep-clean treatment.
The microfiber cloth, in fact, is Good Housekeeping Research Institute-certified for its inventive dual-sided design — one side is for cleaning, while the other is for polishing.
For buffing out tough splotches on stainless steel, Bar Keepers Friend is a great cleaner to keep around. This handy set even includes a gentle scouring cloth if you need to apply extra elbow grease to your surfaces.
I use this nonabrasive, oxalic acid-based cleanser on my stainless steel sink and metallic bathroom fixtures. Letting this goopy cleaning liquid sit briefly on the most tarnished spots in my sink helps lift the grime when I wipe it away.
I recommend always wearing gloves when you use this stainless steel cleaner, as it can be irritating to sensitive skin. Also, make sure to rinse the surfaces afterward, and wipe them dry to get rid of residual cleaner.
Nearly any shiny metal surface in your kitchen can get a refresh with this stainless steel cleaner from 3M, as it works on aluminum and chrome as well. It'll help get your stainless steel-covered microwave, trash can, and even range hood get back to their near-reflective states.
Users love how the solution is instantly effective: Only a tiny amount is needed for it to work.
We love a product that does double duty. A little bit of mineral oil on a soft cloth is not only great for keeping your carving boards and butcher-block surfaces in tip-top shape, but it can also be used to put the shine back in your stainless steel kitchenware.
Just keep in mind that a little goes a long way, and this might be a method best suited to countertop appliances (which are handled less than dishwashers and refrigerators) and pet-free homes (this oil attracts pet hair).
You've invested in the luxe look of stainless steel, so keep it gleaming with this Magic cleaner.
Gunk on your dishwasher, toaster, fridge, and even outdoor grill easily wipes away with a cloth after a few sprays. Its polishing properties smooth out fine scratches, all while helping them stay fingerprint-resistant.
Bon Ami is a powder cleanser that works on a multitude of different surface materials. It's a step up from baking soda in terms of abrasiveness, but it cleans thoroughly without any harsh chemicals added. This product even has an A rating from the Environmental Working Group!
As a stainless steel cleaner, it works best when sprinkled onto a damp cloth, then applied in circular motions to the appliance's surface. When the gunk is gone, wipe down with the grain for an even sheen.
Your stainless steel sink is a kitchen workhorse, so show it some love by spritzing and wiping it down with this cleaner/polish solution every couple of weeks.
It has hundreds of reviews and a near-five-star rating on Amazon, with users loving that the polish helps prolong the clean gleam. It even has “a faint tropical smell,” thanks to its coconut-oil base! The microfiber cloth that’s included with the bottle can be designated for all of your metal-shining needs.
Vinegar is another multi-use wonder product that can be used to clean windows and bathroom tiles, de-gunk the inside of your microwave, and even spiff up stainless steel surfaces. Opt for the largest jug you can find, so you can divvy it up into spray bottles to use all over the home.
To clean stainless steel, simply spritz it with white vinegar and wipe it down with the grain to remove any gunk, stains, or smudges. Follow up with another wipe of a water-moistened cloth to make it extra shiny.
Folks who want to keep their ride looking extra sharp after a wash should keep a dedicated tube of this metal polish in their garage.
It's adept at polishing all kinds of stainless steel — as well as chrome, copper, and brass. Just apply a little of this cleaning paste to a cotton rag or pad, and use it to spiff up your chrome wheels and tailpipe.
Melanie YatesSenior Home Decor EditorMelanie is the senior home decor editor of Best Products, where she's been researching and testing out home and bedding products since 2015 — her work can also be found on House Beautiful and Women's Health.
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