Keep your oven, dishwasher, microwave, and other stainless steel appliances gleaming.
Stainless steel appliances are popular in the kitchen because of the sleek, modern look they bring to the space. However, they generally show spills and fingerprints more easily than some of their glossier counterparts—which is why maintaining a cleaning routine is a must. To help, we’re sharing our best stainless steel cleaning tips that will keep everything from your dishwasher to your refrigerator sparkling.
Before You Begin
Before you use any type of cleaning product on your appliances, be sure to consult the specific item’s manual for a safe ingredient list. “You don’t want to ruin your appliance, nor do you want to apply anything to a gas stove or oven that is flammable,” says Rochelle Wilkinson of Dirt Detectives Cleaning Services. Though it may not cause a fire when applied, residue left near the open flame can lead to trouble once you turn up the heat.
I’ve learned this the hard way—once, I used a random cleaner on my gas stove without checking the manual, and the smell lingered for days when I turned it on. Always double-check what’s safe for your specific appliance. Beyond flammability, some cleaners can damage the protective coating on stainless steel, which can lead to corrosion over time. For example, harsh chemicals might strip away the chromium oxide layer that makes stainless steel resistant to rust. To be extra cautious, test any new cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first. This simple step can save you from costly repairs or unsightly damage.
Materials to Avoid
Never use anything abrasive when cleaning stainless steel appliances, including scouring powder and scrubbing brushes or sponges, says Sabrina Fierman, owner of New York’s Little Elves. You should also avoid using oil-based cleaners. “Oils in stainless steel cleaning products or do-it-yourself solutions will initially leave the surface looking shiny and pretty, but with time, oil attracts dust and shows every fingerprint,” says Fierman. Glass cleaners and products containing alcohol should also be avoided, as these can leave streaks and discolor the appliance.
I can’t stress enough how tempting it is to grab a scrubby sponge when you see a stubborn spot, but trust me, it’s a recipe for scratches. Those tiny abrasions can dull the finish and make your appliance look worn out faster. Also, steer clear of chlorine-based cleaners like bleach, which can pit the surface and cause permanent damage. A good rule of thumb is to stick with non-abrasive, water-based solutions. If you’re unsure about a product, check its pH level—stainless steel prefers neutral or slightly acidic cleaners, ideally between a pH of 6 and 8, to avoid corrosion. Keeping a dedicated microfiber cloth just for your appliances can also make a big difference in preventing accidental scratches.
Materials Needed
Make sure you have these materials on hand when cleaning stainless steel.
- Dish soap
- Water
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Spray bottle
- Small bowl
- Microfiber towels
These items are kitchen staples for most of us, which makes this cleaning method super budget-friendly. Dish soap and vinegar are dirt cheap—think less than $5 for enough to clean your appliances for months. Microfiber towels are a bit pricier, but you can often snag a pack of four for under $10, and they’re reusable. I like to keep a small spray bottle just for my cleaning solutions; it’s handy and cuts down on waste. Pro tip: use distilled water instead of tap if you’re in a hard water area to avoid mineral deposits. It’s a small tweak, but it keeps your appliances looking pristine without extra effort.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances
Dish soap is an effective way to cut through built-up grease on stainless steel appliances. To wipe away the cleaning solution, make sure you use a microfiber cloth, as general-purpose towels can potentially scratch stainless steel, says Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds.
- Fill a spray bottle with 1 ½ cups of water; add ½ teaspoon of dish soap and shake well.
- Spray the appliance with the cleaning solution.
- Working with the grain and moving in an “S” pattern, wipe the appliance with a flatweave microfiber towel.
- Use a damp microfiber towel to wipe away remaining residue.
- Dry thoroughly with a clean microfiber towel to avoid leaving water stains behind.
This method is my go-to because it’s so simple and works like a charm. The “S” pattern is key—it follows the grain of the stainless steel, which helps avoid streaks and keeps the surface looking polished. I’ve found that dish soap cuts through grease better than most fancy cleaners, and it’s gentle enough not to harm the finish. For an extra touch, you can add a drop of lemon essential oil to the spray bottle for a fresh scent—just make sure it’s diluted so it doesn’t leave a residue. If you’re dealing with a particularly greasy appliance, like a range hood, let the solution sit for a minute before wiping. It’ll save you some elbow grease!
How to Remove Hard Water Stains From Stainless Steel Appliances
If you notice hard water spots on your stainless steel appliances, vinegar is an effective way to remove them, says Parnell.
- Soak a soft cloth in vinegar and apply it directly to the stained area.
- Let the cloth sit for five to 10 minutes.
- Fill a spray bottle with 1 ½ cups of water; add ½ teaspoon of dish soap and shake well.
- Spray the appliance with the cleaning solution.
- Working with the grain and moving in an “S” pattern, wipe the appliance with a flatweave microfiber towel.
- Use a damp microfiber towel to wipe away remaining residue.
- Dry thoroughly with a clean microfiber towel to avoid leaving water stains behind.
Hard water stains are the bane of my existence in my kitchen, especially since our tap water is loaded with minerals. Vinegar works because its acetic acid dissolves calcium and magnesium deposits—usually within that 5- to 10-minute window. If the stains are really stubborn, I’ve had success warming the vinegar slightly (not boiling, just warm to the touch) before applying it. It seems to break down the deposits faster. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward, as vinegar can be a bit too acidic if left on too long. For prevention, I keep a small squeegee handy to wipe down my sink area after dishes—it cuts down on those pesky water spots big time.
How to Remove Rust Stains From Stainless Steel Appliances
To remove rust stains from stainless steel, make a homemade paste with baking powder, says Parnell.
- In a small bowl, combine baking soda and water until a paste forms.
- Apply a small amount with your finger and very gently rub the stain.
- Fill a spray bottle with 1 ½ cups of water; add ½ teaspoon of dish soap and shake well.
- Spray the appliance with the cleaning solution.
- Working with the grain and moving in an “S” pattern, wipe the appliance with a flatweave microfiber towel.
- Use a damp microfiber towel to wipe away remaining residue.
- Dry thoroughly with a clean microfiber towel to avoid leaving water stains behind.
Rust on stainless steel always feels like a betrayal—shouldn’t it be rust-proof? Turns out, small scratches or prolonged exposure to moisture can let rust sneak in. Baking soda’s mild abrasiveness is just enough to tackle the stain without scratching the surface, and its alkaline nature helps neutralize the rust. I’ve used this trick on a fridge handle that got rusty from constant wet hands, and it worked like magic. For really tough spots, you can let the paste sit for 10 minutes before rubbing. To prevent rust, keep your appliances dry and consider a stainless steel polish (non-oil-based) every few months to restore the protective layer. It’s a small step that goes a long way.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances With a Steamer
If these products and methods don’t work, try using steam, which works especially well on appliances that have built-up or hardened food particles, says Leanne Stapf—the Chief Operating Officer at The Cleaning Authority. Go over the appliance with a handheld steamer then wipe dry with a microfiber cloth, moving in an “S” pattern.
I was skeptical about using a steamer at first, but it’s a game-changer for caked-on messes, especially on my oven door. The steam loosens grime without any chemicals, which is great for sensitive surfaces like stainless steel. Handheld steamers are pretty affordable—many cost between $30 and $50—and they’re versatile for other household cleaning tasks, too. Just be careful not to overdo it with the steam, as too much moisture can lead to water spots or even rust if not dried properly. I usually do a quick pass with the steamer and follow up immediately with a dry microfiber cloth to keep everything spotless.
