Best Stainless Steel Cleaners And Polishes. Which Is Best For You?

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
20 min read

The odds are that you have stainless steel products and equipment in your home such as pots and pans, refrigerators, and sink faucets.

We evaluated the effectiveness, adaptability, and formulation of dozens of stainless steel cleaners, comparing them to each other. The Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish, our top overall recommendation, reduces the amount of elbow grease needed to shine your finishes and produces a barrier that protects against smudges and fingerprints.

You can find the top stainless steel cleaners in the following table.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish Trigger Spray

Clean and polish stainless steel appliances, cookware, silverware and fixtures using Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner &Polish. In addition to removing stuck-on food and other debris with ease, the spray solution also disinfects surfaces. Your surfaces will be buffed and protected from watermarks, grease stains, and fingerprints thanks to this product’s protective finish.

8 Best Stainless Steel Cleaners of 2022

A shinier, brighter, streak-free appearance can be achieved by using Weiman on any stainless steel product or surface. Using a clean, dry cloth, buff it in the direction of the brushed grain.

Best Budget: Affresh Stainless Steel Cleaning Spray

Because it is so inexpensive, Affresh is an excellent option for those on a tighter budget. Removes stains and fingerprint smudges off stainless steel with a gentle solution. You’ll be left with a clean, streak-free, finely polished surface that you can be proud of.

If you’re in need of a thorough cleaning or just a fast touch-up, Affresh is the best choice. Your stainless steel surfaces are evenly coated with a fine mist from the aerosol can. You won’t have to worry about it dripping or running off after you’ve applied it.

Best for Cookware: Bar Keeper’s Friend Superior Cookware Cleanser & Polish

Stainless steel cookware is relatively low-maintenance, but it’s crucial to have a proper cleaning solution on hand. Specially formulated to penetrate stuck-on food, stubborn grease, burn marks, and other cooking stains, Bar Keeper’s Friend is up for the task.

Although stainless steel cookware requires little upkeep, it is essential to keep a suitable cleaning solution on hand. Bar Keeper’s Friend is up to the chore of removing stuck-on food, tough grease, burn marks, and other kitchen stains.

Best for Appliances: Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish

Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish is the ideal option for appliances. The plant-based mix is comprised of filtered water, coconut oil, lavender essential oil, and natural emulsifiers.

Cleaning your appliances with therapy is an easy way to remove smudge stains from your oven, microwave, dishwasher, and other countertop appliances. Spray it on and wipe it off with a microfiber cloth, which is mild enough to not harm the steel. The end effect is pristine, polished, and well-guarded.

Best for Cooktops: CLR Spotless Stainless Steel Streak-Free Cleaner

Choose CLR Spotless Stainless Steel for your stovetop if you want a gleaming, ultra-clean finish. Calcium, lime, and rust (or CLR for short) is a common ingredient in bathroom cleansers and other household products. Routine cleaning items include this aerosol spray from the brand. You can compare it to the original in terms of how good it is.

Stovetops and range hoods benefit from the brand’s streak-free cleaning, which is simple to use. Apply a thin, even layer of the product to the surface. Clean up splatters, food residue, and cooking grease using a damp cloth. You can also use a thin coat to polish your jewelry on a daily basis. This stainless steel cleaner leaves a protective barrier that prevents fingerprints and smudges, as well as a streak-free sheen.

Best for Sinks: Hope’s Perfect Sink

We recommend Hope’s Perfect Sink if you have a stainless steel sink in your bathroom or kitchen. Sinks may be cleaned and polished using this cleaning and polishing combination without harming the metal.

In addition to removing stains, polishing the stainless steel basin, and protecting it from future damage, Hope’s Perfect Sink successfully cleans stainless steel. An invisible water-repellent layer is left behind by this substance, making stainless steel less susceptible to streaks and stains. It makes cleaning your sink a breeze, resulting in a sparkling, like-new finish.

Best for Faucets: Zep Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish

For stainless steel faucets, Zep Cleaner & Polish is the best choice. This cleaning solution may remove water marks, calcium deposits, smudges, limescale, mold, and mildew, among other water-related messes.

Allows for even application and minimizes dripping. Spray it on your faucets, then wipe them clean with a clean towel. It leaves a streak-free shine and a protective polish that keeps dirt and grime from adhering to the surface in the future.

Best Eco-Friendly: Method Stainless Steel Cleaner + Polish

A plant-based, biodegradable composition, Method Stainless Steel Cleaner + Polish doesn’t include formaldehyde or phthalates for a green cleaning product. In a 100% recyclable and reusable bottle, it’s available.

All stainless steel surfaces and goods, including kitchen appliances, worktops, sinks, faucets, cookware, and silverware, can be cleaned and polished with this method. For an eco-friendly shine, simply spray it on with a fine mist and gently rub in.

Best Polish: Cerama Bryte Stainless Steel Polish

Mineral oil, orange oil, and surfactants go into the creation of Cerama Bryte Stainless Steel Polish. Practically any metal surface in the house can be cleaned, buffed, polished, protected, and shined using this solution.

To use, simply wet a clean towel with Cerama Bryte and blot it dry. To polish, use a dry cloth and a long, even stroke in the direction of the brushed steel grain.

Amazon.com: Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner Kit - Fingerprint Resistant, Removes Residue, Water Marks and Grease from Appliances - Works Great on Refrigerators, Dishwashers, Ovens, and Grills - Packaging May Vary : Health & Household

How To Clean Stainless Steel: 10 Affordable Methods For A Sleek Finish

Kitchens and bathrooms benefit greatly from stainless steel’s ability to resist rust and other corrosion, making it a popular choice. Cleaning it on a regular basis is essential, as fingerprints and other smudges are almost unavoidable. The good news is that there are a number of simple and inexpensive techniques to restore the shine of your stainless steel.

Stainless steel material

In order to properly clean stainless steel, you first need to understand it. Stainless steel has a grain to it, just like wood and some fabrics. The surface of the object has a few minor striations. Make sure to wipe the material in the direction of the grain to ensure the best possible cleaning and gloss.

So, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, here are our top 10 recommendations for cleaning stainless steel.

1. Dish soap and baby oil

When it comes to cleaning and polishing, the dish soap and baby oil pair is practically unmatched. Dish soap removes oil, fingerprints, and dust off stainless steel, while oil polishes and shines it. To clean stainless steel, wet a cotton rag with a little dish soap and wipe it over the grain. Dry the area with a clean cloth once you’ve removed any stains.

Then, apply a few drops of baby oil to another rag and rub it in. In the same way you used dish soap to clean the surface, wipe along the grain. This procedure restores the luster to your stainless steel, making it look if it was just installed!

2. Windex and microfiber cloth

Fingerprints on stainless steel are a common gripe. When everything else fails, Windex can do the trick! A dry cloth (ideally microfiber) should be used to evenly distribute the cleanser. Drip marks and residue could result if you spray straight onto your appliance, so avoid doing so. For best results, use a towel to dry the surface and then rinse well.

3. White vinegar and olive oil

When it comes to cleaning and polishing stainless steel, white vinegar and olive oil are both excellent options. Using a microfiber cloth or spraying it straight on your surface, spritz white vinegar onto it and let it sit for a few seconds before cleaning it away (with the grain). Repeat this procedure until there is no more dirt or grit remaining. After that, use a clean towel dipped in olive oil to polish along the grain. Wipe away any remaining olive oil with a new cloth.

Does vinegar damage stainless steel?

Vinegar can wreak havoc on stainless steel if left on for too long. To avoid damaging stainless steel, do not let vinegar sink into it for long periods of time, but wipe it away as soon as possible.

4. Club soda

It’s a surprise that club soda works so well as a cleaning because it removes dirt and grime while still leaving a brilliant sheen. Wipe in the grain direction after spraying club soda over your stainless steel surface. Repeat as needed.

5. Warm water

You’d be surprised how much cleaning can be done with only a little warm water and elbow effort. It’s also the safest way to clean stainless steel. Wipe your surface with a damp microfiber or polishing cloth in the direction of the polish lines. To avoid water marks, dry the material thoroughly after removing any smudges or residue.

6. WD-40

Use the WD-40 that was used to fix your noisy door. WD-40 has the added benefit of cleaning and protecting stainless steel, which is great news for you. Wipe in the direction of the grain after spraying or dipping a clean towel in the solution. Additionally, WD-40 acts as a layer of protection to assist prevent future blemished surfaces. Avoid using it on surfaces where you’ll be handling food because this is a petroleum-based product. So be sure to fully clean the area before going on with your day.

7. Lemon oil furniture polish

If you happen to have some furniture polish lying around, you can use it to clean stainless steel. A clean cloth should be used to apply the polish evenly on your appliance. It is best not to use the polish directly on the stainless steel surface, as this could result in an uneven buildup of polish. Wipe it clean in the direction of the grain with a fresh cloth once it has been applied evenly.

Appliances made of stainless steel are preferable.

8. Flour

In addition to making delectable cakes, wheat may also be used to buff and polish stainless steel. Flour doesn’t do much to remove dirt or oil, but it can be used as a finishing touch to make your surfaces sparkle! Then, using a dry stainless steel surface, sprinkle flour over the top until it is completely covered. After that, use a soft cloth to polish the surface in circular motions until it gleams like new!

9. Baking soda

When it comes to cleaning, baking soda is a godsend. Everything you can think of can be done with it because it’s so easy and cheap to find. Make a paste with baking soda and water and let it sit for a few minutes on a problem region. After removing the vinegar residue, wet a cloth and then wring it out. Microfiber cloths are ideal for drying. This method is best suited for tougher stains and larger messes that need to be removed.

10. Store-bought stainless steel cleaner

Even though there are cleaners specifically developed for stainless steel cleaning and polishing, the cost is prohibitive. An appliance or surface that needs substantial staining, scratching and/or polishing may be well worth the extra cost if this option is chosen. Before using the cleaner on the entire surface of your stainless steel, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test a small area first.

What should you not use on stainless steel?

To properly clean stainless steel, you must also know the major “don’ts,” which are things you should never do.

Don’t use:

  • Products containing chlorine
  • Cleaners for ovens
  • abrasive materials such as steel wool or scratchers
  • Harsh tap water that could leave water spots and stains (best to use distilled or filtered water)

What is the best cleaner for stainless steel?

Harsh tap water that could leave water spots and stains (best to use distilled or filtered water)

How to Keep Stainless Steel Shiny and Clean 1 min read

Drinking water that is too hard to drink and may leave water stains (best to use distilled or filtered water)

The good news is that children and stainless steel can coexist without incident. Stainless steel can be cleaned in a variety of ways. We propose trying out a natural mixture first, rather than relying on commercial products. A couple of our preferred methods are listed herein.

Club soda

This is as simple as it gets. Club soda sprayed on your device will do the trick. To remove the stains and blotches, use a microfiber towel to wipe the appliance thoroughly dry. The grain must be followed when wiping surfaces.

Vinegar + oil

A little, clean spray bottle is all that is needed to make use of this approach. Take a hose and douse your appliance in antibacterial solution. Wipe in the direction of the grain using a microfiber cloth. Dip a clean area of the cloth into pure olive oil or baby oil once it’s clean and streak-free. Wipe the appliance again, following the grain. A protective sheen will be added by the olive oil.

Mild dish soap + oil

Combine warm water and mild dish soap. Using a spray bottle, apply the solution to the appliance, wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth, and then add either type of oil on the item to seal it in.

How do you maintain stainless steel so gleaming? Post your thoughts in the space provided.

FAQs

What is the best way to clean and polish stainless steel?

White vinegar and olive oil can also be used to clean stainless steel equipment while polishing them. Using a microfiber cloth or spraying it straight on your surface, spritz white vinegar onto it and let it sit for a few seconds before cleaning it away (with the grain).

How do you keep stainless steel clean and shiny?

Wipe in the direction of the grain using a microfiber cloth. Dip a clean area of the cloth into pure olive oil or baby oil once it’s clean and streak-free. Wipe the appliance again, following the grain. A protective sheen will be added by the olive oil.

Does WD 40 clean stainless steel?

WD-40 can be sprayed on a rag and then wiped clean. When wiping stainless steel, remember that it has a grain, just like wood, and that wiping with the grain is preferable to wiping against it. Your sink’s surface will be spotless and gleaming. To keep stainless steel surfaces around the sink clean, apply it with a sponge or cloth.

Does vinegar damage stainless steel?

Chlorine, vinegar, and table salt can corrode stainless steel if left to soak for long periods of time.

Can you use a magic eraser on stainless steel?

A Magic Eraser can leave minor scratches on the surface of stainless steel, no matter how robust it is. It’s not uncommon for consumers to want to keep their stainless steel appliances as sparkling as possible for as long as feasible.

Best Stainless Steel Cleaners in 2021

What is the easiest way to polish stainless steel?

Make sure to polish your stainless steel goods on a regular basis to keep them shiny and free of tarnishing and water spots. You can use water, vinegar, or olive oil to clean stainless steel, or you can use a specialized steel cleaner.

Can you clean stainless steel with furniture polish?

Lemon oil furniture polish, as you may be aware, is formulated for use on wood surfaces. Appliances made of stainless steel can also benefit from this technique. This could be a good alternative for you if you want to restore the luster of your refrigerator while also infusing your home with a new aroma.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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