Stainless steel appliances are stunning when spotless; but keeping them that way is a different story. What starts as a sleek, modern statement piece can quickly turn into a smudged, streaky eyesore with just a few fingerprints or water spots. Whether it’s a greasy oven door in your Dallas, TX home, Phoenix, AZ rental, or Tampa, FL apartment, knowing how to clean stainless steel appliances properly makes all the difference.
This Redfin guide covers what to use, what to avoid, and everything you need to clean and maintain your kitchen appliances.
Step-by-step: How to clean stainless steel appliances
The best cleaning routine is one you can stick to regularly—and that means using simple tools you already have.
Steven Pizollo from Carpentry Innovations in Ridgewood, NJ shares a tried-and-true step-by-step DIY method he recommends to kitchen renovation clients:
- Dampen the cloth. Use a terry cloth or microfiber cloth that’s damp—but not dripping—to avoid leaving water spots.
- Add dish soap. Apply a squirt of mild dish soap like Dawn directly onto the damp cloth. Avoid using too much to prevent excess residue.
- Wipe the surface. Gently but thoroughly wipe down the appliance, working in the direction of the stainless steel grain to reduce streaks and maintain the finish.
- Rinse with a clean cloth. Using a fresh cloth dampened with plain water, wipe the surface again to remove any soap film.
- Dry and buff. Finish by buffing the surface with a dry cloth to prevent water spots and restore the natural shine.
>>Read: How to Clean Your Dishwasher and Improve Its Efficiency
What can you use to clean stainless steel appliances?
Mild and non-abrasive is the golden rule here. Architect Dusko Medakovic of Archiinterdes advises, “It is best to use mild detergents when cleaning stainless steel surfaces. Do not use harsh, abrasive cleaning products.”
Instead, use:
- Soft microfiber or terry cloth.
- Cleaning agents specifically designed for stainless steel.
- A water + baking soda solution: “Even warm water will solve the problem,” Dusko says, “especially if you add a teaspoon of baking soda to half a liter of liquid.”
Jen, founder of the household cleaning brand Mom Remedy, suggests a non-toxic cleaner like her brand’s hydrogen peroxide formula. “Spray directly onto the surface, wipe with a microfiber cloth in the direction of the grain and then buff with a dry section of the cloth to eliminate streaks.”
DIY stainless steel cleaning methods that actually work
If you’re a fan of natural solutions, these DIY kitchen cleaning tips are both safe and surprisingly effective.
Baking soda and cooking oil
New York, NY-based DIY blogger Nikole of My Growing Creative Life suggests, “Mix baking soda and cooking oil in a container. Using your fingers, rub the paste all over the stainless steel surface. For tight spaces, use a soft toothbrush. Wait a few minutes and wipe clean with a rag or paper towel.”
Vinegar and water
Recipe blogger, Kim Artlip of This Old Baker also suggests, “Mix one cup each of vinegar and water, plus a drop of dish soap in a spray bottle. Spritz and wipe with the grain using a microfiber cloth. Then buff with olive or mineral oil for that fingerprint-resistant finish.”
Lint-free cloth and white vinegar
Sylvain Fortin of natural kitchen and household cleaning manufacturer Caron And Doucet also adds, “Use a lint-free cloth dampened with white vinegar, then buff dry in the direction of the grain. For extra shine, finish with a fine mist of our Caron & Doucet Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish.”
How to remove tough stains on stainless steel
For rust, hard water marks, or stubborn grime, the solution is usually a combo of baking soda, vinegar, or a specialized cleaner.
Atlanta City Appliance Repair recommends:
- Apply a baking soda paste to the stain
- Let it sit for a few minutes
- Gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge
- Rinse and dry completely
Tara Abraham adds that their stainless steel cleaner removes oxidation without scratching. When used with the CrobialCoat finish, it helps prevent future buildup.
Pro-level products and methods for extra shine
Sometimes you want to go beyond DIY and use a specialty cleaner that adds long-term protection.
Tara Abraham of Everbrite Coatings in Rancho Cordova, CA, recommends the CrobialCoat Appliance Kit. “Start with our Stainless Steel Cleaner and Rust Remover that eliminates rust, oxidation, and grime without scratching. Then apply the CrobialCoat protective coating, which features antimicrobial protection and helps prevent fingerprints, smudges, and water spots.”
Daniel from cookware brand SardelKitchen, located in Chicago, IL, shares a tip for cookware that also works for tougher appliance messes. “For stuck-on food, boil a little water in the pan and use a flat-bottom spatula to clean it off. The heat releases the food, and then you just wash with soap and water.”
What not to use on stainless steel appliances?
According to Atlanta City Appliance Repair, some common cleaning habits can do more harm than good. Avoid:
- Steel wool or abrasive sponges
- Bleach or chlorine-based cleaners
- Glass cleaner (it can leave streaks)
- Paper towels (they can scratch or leave lint)
Instead, use a clean microfiber cloth. “Frequent light cleaning is better than heavy scrubbing,” they say. “It helps preserve the finish and extend the life of your appliances.”
FAQs on how to clean stainless steel appliances
1. Can you use vinegar on stainless steel appliances?
Yes, white vinegar is safe and effective when used with a microfiber cloth. Just be sure to rinse and dry thoroughly to avoid any residue or 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 all-purpose solution. For tougher spots, a baking soda paste can remove stains without scratching.
3. Is olive oil good for stainless steel?
Yes, a small amount of olive or mineral oil can add shine and help resist fingerprints. Just buff it in with a soft cloth after cleaning.
4. How often should you clean stainless steel appliances?
Light weekly cleaning is ideal. For high-use appliances like refrigerators and ovens, a quick wipe every few days will help maintain their finish and prevent buildup. Chef Charles Knight of Health Craft suggests that “occasional cleaning with a good stainless-steel cleaner is recommended” to preserve appearance and durability.
5. Can you use Windex on stainless steel?
It’s best to avoid Windex and other glass cleaners. They often contain ammonia, which can cause streaking or damage the protective finish on stainless steel. Use products specifically made for stainless steel instead.
6. How do I identify the direction of the grain?
Always wipe in the direction of the grain. You can find it by looking closely at the surface under light; if the lines run left to right, that’s your grain direction. Wiping with the grain helps prevent streaks and preserves the finish.
Final thoughts: How to clean stainless steel appliances
Keeping your kitchen looking its best doesn’t require harsh chemicals or expensive tools. By following these professional house cleaning tips on how to clean stainless steel appliances, you’ll preserve the sleek look of your appliances and extend their lifespan—all while using simple, safe, and effective methods.