Stainless steel appliances are great when they’re clean. But keeping them that way is another story. What begins as a refined, modern statement piece can quickly turn into a dirty striped eyelash with just a few fingerprints and water spots. Whether it’s a greasy oven door in your Dallas, Texas home, Phoenix, Arizona, or an apartment in Tampa, Florida, knowing how to clean stainless steel appliances makes all the difference.
This Redfin guide covers everything you need to use, avoid, and what you need to clean and maintain your kitchen appliances.
Step by Step: How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances
The best cleaning routines are things you can stick with on a regular basis. This means using simple tools you already have.
Stephen Pizolo, Carpenter Innovation in Ridgewood, New Jersey, shares a proven, step-by-step DIY method recommended for kitchen renovation clients.
Moisten the cloth. Use a damp terry cloth or microfiber cloth – it won’t drip, but it won’t leave the water spots. Add dish soap. Apply a gentle dawn-like spout of dish soap directly onto a damp cloth. Avoid too much to prevent excess residue. Wipe the surface. Gently, but thoroughly wipe off the appliance and work in the direction of stainless steel grains to reduce streak and maintain the finish. Rinse with a clean cloth. Using a fresh cloth moistened with plain water, wipe the surface again to remove the soapy membrane. Dry and buff. Buff the surface with a dry cloth to prevent water spots and restore natural glow.
>>Read: How to Clean Your Dishwasher and Improve Its Efficiency
What can I use to clean stainless steel appliances?
Here, mild and non-aggressive is the golden rule. “We recommend using mild detergent when cleaning stainless steel surfaces. Do not use harsh, abrasive cleaning products,” says Archiinterdes architect Dusko Medakovic.
Use it instead.
Soft microfiber or terry cloth. A cleaner specifically designed for stainless steel. Water + Baking Soda Solution: “Even warm water solves the problem,” says Dusko, “especially when you add a teaspoon of liquid, or half a liter of liquid.”
Jen, the founder of home cleaning brand Mom Remedy, proposes non-toxic cleaners like her brand’s hydrogen peroxide formula. “Spray directly onto the surface, wipe it with a microfiber cloth in the direction of the grain, and buff it with the dry part of the cloth to remove any streaks.”
How to clean DIY stainless steel that actually works
If you’re a fan of natural solutions, these DIY kitchen cleaning tips are safe and incredibly effective.
Baking soda and cooking oil
Nikole, a DIY blogger based in DIY in New York, said, “Mix baking soda and cooking oil into the container. Use your fingers to rub the entire surface of the stainless steel. Using a tight space, use a soft toothbrush, wait a few minutes and wipe it clean with a rag or paper towel.”
Vinegar and water
Recipe blogger Kim Artlip, an old baker, said, “Mix one glass of vinegar and water each, mix dish soap into a spray bottle, and wipe off the grain using a spritz and a microfiber cloth.
Lint-free cloth and white vinegar
Natural kitchen and home cleaning manufacturer Sylvan Fortin said, “Use a lint-free cloth moistened with white vinegar and then buff dry in the direction of the grain. For a glow, finish with Caron and Douset Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish fine mist.”
How to remove durable stains from stainless steel
For rust, hard water marks, or stubborn stains, the solution is usually a combo of baking soda, vinegar, or a special cleaner.
Atlanta City Appliance Repair is recommended:
Apply baking soda paste to the dirt, gently scrub it with a soft cloth or sponge rinse to dry completely, then leave for a few minutes
Tara Abraham adds that stainless steel cleaners remove oxidation without scratching. Use with Crobialcoat finish to help prevent future accumulation.
Professional-level products and special ways to shine
Beyond DIY, you may want to use a specialized cleaner that adds long-term protection.
Tara Abraham, Everbright Coated in Rancho Cordova, California, recommends the Clovial Coat Appliance Kit. “We’ll start with a stainless steel cleaner and a rusty remover that eliminates rust, oxidation and dirt. We’ll then apply a clovial coat protective coating that features antibacterial protection and helps prevent fingerprints, dirt and water spots.”
Daniel from Sardelkitchen, a cooking utensil brand in Chicago, Illinois, shares cooking utensil tips that also work with the stricter appliance Messes. “For food that’s stuck, boil a little water in a pan and use a flat bottom spatula to clean it. The heat releases the food and just wash it with soap and water.”
What stainless steel appliances do not use?
According to repairs on the Atlanta City Appliance, some common cleaning practices can do more harm than good. avoid:
Steel wool or polished sponge bleach or chlorine-based cleaner glass cleaner (can leave striped) Paper towel (can be scratched or lint)
Instead, use clean microfiber fabric. “Frequent light cleaning is better than heavy scrubs,” they say. “It helps maintain the finish and extend the life of your appliance.”
FAQ on how to clean stainless steel appliances
1. Can I use vinegar in stainless steel appliances?
Yes, white vinegar is safe and effective when used with microfiber cloth. Always rinse and dry to avoid residue and dullness.
2. What is the best homemade stainless steel cleaner?
A mix of vinegar, water, and a drop of dish soap in a spray bottle is a great versatile solution. For tougher spots, baking soda paste can remove dirt without scratching.
3. Is olive oil suitable for stainless steel?
Yes, a small amount of olive or mineral oil adds a glow and helps resist fingerprints. Simply polish it with a soft cloth after cleaning.
4.How often do you clean stainless steel appliances?
Light weekly cleaning is ideal. For highly capable home appliances such as refrigerators and ovens, using quick wipes every few days will help maintain the finish and prevent build-up. Chef Charles Night at Healthcraft suggests that “clean stainless steel cleaners are sometimes recommended” to maintain their appearance and durability.
5. Can I use Windex with stainless steel?
It’s best to avoid Windex and other glass cleaners. It often contains ammonia, which can streaking or damage the protective finish of stainless steel. Use a product specially made for stainless steel instead.
6. How do I identify the orientation of the grain?
Always wipe the grain direction. You can find it by looking closely at the surface under the light. If the line works from left to right, it is your grain direction. To wipe with grain, prevent streaks and store the finish.
Final Thoughts: How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances
Keeping your kitchen in top condition doesn’t require any harsh chemicals or expensive tools. By following these professional house cleaning tips, how to clean stainless steel appliances, preserve the sophisticated look of your equipment and extend the lifespan.
