How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances Without Streaks or Damage
Fingerprints and streaks on stainless steel fridges, dishwashers and ranges come off with dish soap, water and the right wiping direction. Here is what appliance makers say to avoid.
To clean stainless steel appliances, wipe with a soft cloth dampened in warm water and a little dish soap, moving in the direction of the grain, then rinse with a clean damp cloth and dry right away with microfiber to prevent streaks and water spots. Appliance makers such as Whirlpool say to avoid chlorine bleach products, steel wool, abrasive cleaners and gritty cloths. For fingerprint-resistant or coated finishes, check the manual: some cleaners and polishes can damage the coating.
Stainless steel resists rust because of a thin, protective surface layer. Scratching, chlorine and leaving harsh chemicals on it can break that layer down and cause spots or discoloration.
What you need
- Two or three microfiber cloths
- Warm water and dish soap
- A soft sponge for sticky spots
- Optional: a stainless steel cleaner or polish approved by your appliance maker
- Optional: a drop of mineral oil for buffing traditional stainless
Find the grain first
Look closely at the surface in good light. Most brushed stainless has fine lines running in one direction, usually vertically on fridge doors and horizontally on dishwasher fronts. Wiping along the lines lifts dirt out of them; wiping across pushes dirt into them and can leave visible swirls.
Step by step
- Dust first. A dry microfiber cloth removes grit that could scratch during wet cleaning.
- Mix a few drops of dish soap into a bowl of warm water.
- Wipe with the grain using a well-wrung cloth or soft sponge. Start at the top and work down.
- Tackle sticky spots by holding a warm, soapy cloth on them for a minute before wiping.
- Rinse with a second cloth dampened in clean water.
- Dry immediately with a clean, dry microfiber cloth, still following the grain. Whirlpool notes that water left to dry can discolor the surface, possibly from iron in the water.
- Optional polish. On traditional (uncoated) stainless, a few drops of mineral oil or a maker-approved stainless polish on a cloth, buffed in with the grain, can reduce fingerprints. Use very little.
What damages the finish
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Chlorine bleach and chlorine-containing cleaners | Chlorides can cause pitting and discoloration |
| Steel wool and metal scouring pads | Scratch the finish and can leave iron particles that rust |
| Abrasive powders and gritty cloths | Dull and scratch the surface |
| Soap-filled scouring pads | Abrasive, plus residue |
| Oven cleaner and strong degreasers | Can stain or damage finishes and coatings |
| Wiping across the grain | Leaves streaks and swirl marks |
Whirlpool’s care pages for traditional stainless list soap-filled scouring pads, abrasive cleaners, chlorine bleach products, steel wool and gritty cloths as things to avoid, and its refrigerator pages say damage from non-recommended cleaning products is not covered by the warranty. The Whirlpool stainless steel care page has the details for its models; other brands publish similar guidance in their manuals.
Can I use vinegar on stainless steel?
Many people wipe stainless with diluted white vinegar to remove water spots and fingerprints. It is mildly acidic, and appliance makers’ own care pages generally point to warm soapy water or an approved stainless cleaner instead. If you use vinegar, dilute it, don’t let it sit, wipe it off with a damp cloth and dry with the grain, and test on a hidden area first. Avoid it on coated or fingerprint-resistant finishes unless your manual approves it. Never use vinegar together with bleach or right after a chlorine cleaner without rinsing in between; the combination releases chlorine gas. See never mix these cleaning products.
Fingerprint-resistant and coated stainless
Many newer appliances have a clear protective coating marketed as fingerprint-resistant or smudge-proof. These usually need only a soft cloth with warm water and mild soap. Manuals for coated finishes often limit which cleaners and polishes can be used, so check yours before reaching for a stainless polish.
Stubborn problems
Streaks after cleaning
Streaks usually mean leftover soap or polish, or wiping across the grain. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly with a fresh microfiber cloth along the grain.
Greasy film on range hoods and stovetops
Kitchen grease needs a little more soap and a warm, damp cloth held on the spot. For cooked-on residue on stainless cooktops, follow the maker’s guidance; some approve a non-abrasive or liquid cookware cleaner, always used with the grain and rinsed off.
Small rust-colored spots
These often come from iron particles, from steel wool or hard water, sitting on the surface rather than the steel itself rusting. Clean with an approved stainless cleaner and a soft cloth along the grain, then rinse and dry. For sinks and other surfaces, see how to remove rust stains.
How often
Wipe handles and high-touch areas every few days and do a full wipe-down weekly. Inside the appliances, the routines differ; see how to clean a dishwasher for the filter and seals.
Chemical safety
Follow the label on any commercial stainless cleaner, ventilate when using sprays, and test on a hidden spot first. Use one product at a time and keep products in their original containers away from children and pets. If someone swallows, inhales or gets a cleaning product in the eyes, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US) or emergency services.
Bottom line
Warm soapy water, a microfiber cloth and wiping with the grain clean most stainless steel. Rinse, dry right away and polish lightly if you like. Keep bleach, steel wool and abrasives away, and check the manual for coated fingerprint-resistant finishes.
FAQ
Why does my stainless steel fridge look streaky after cleaning?
Soap or polish residue, or wiping against the grain. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry along the grain with a clean microfiber cloth.
Can I use glass cleaner on stainless steel?
Ammonia-based glass cleaners can leave streaks and aren’t designed for stainless. Warm soapy water or a cleaner your appliance maker approves is safer.
Can I use disinfecting wipes on stainless steel handles?
Check the wipe’s label and your appliance manual. Avoid chlorine bleach wipes on stainless, and rinse with a damp cloth and dry if the label allows.
Does olive oil polish stainless steel?
Cooking oils can attract dust and turn sticky over time. A tiny amount of mineral oil or a maker-approved polish is a better choice on uncoated stainless.
