Stainless steel appliances make a kitchen look modern and clean, but they can very quickly become covered in fingerprints. And while you may be tempted to clean your appliances using the same stainless steel cleaner you use to clean your outdoor grill grates, experts say it’s not a good idea. The beautiful, shiny finish of kitchen appliances is prone to scratches and damage and should be cleaned more gently with cleaners specially formulated for appliance exteriors. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we have rows of stainless steel dishwashers, refrigerators and ranges in every test kitchen. All of our Labs are fitted with stainless steel sinks and our cabinets are full of stainless steel cookware.
Top 10 Stainless Steel Cleaners
1. Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish
With over 8,000 reviews and a near-perfect score on Amazon-not to mention the brand’s “#1 Bestseller” badge-Weiman’s Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish is a consistent crowd-pleaser. With a pH-neutral formula, this option cleans, polishes, and protects stainless steel. In fact, Adam Moore of Paradise Home Cleaning says it’s the only stainless steel cleaner his team uses. “What to look for in a stainless steel cleaner is a product that is effective in removing fingerprints, dirt, and grime while leaving a protective barrier to prevent future buildup,” he explains. “It has stood the test of time-over 50 years-and remains the most effective stainless steel cleaner on the market.”
- Pros: Long-lasting, easy to use, leaves a protective topcoat.
- Cons: Overspray can make floors slippery.
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2. Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner Kit
If “eco-friendly” is at the top of your wish list, pick up a bottle of Therapy’s Stainless Steel Cleaner Kit. “It has plant-based cleaning agents, it’s effective, and if you use a spray cleaner, it will last for a long time,” Varela says. Therapy’s cleaner might be a gentler alternative to harsher formulas, but it still packs a punch. “It goes the extra mile with a natural coconut oil blend that adds a layer of protection without compromising the layers underneath,” add Javier and Rebeca Medina, co-founders of Tidy Home Cleaning Services in Houston, Texas.
- Pros: Plant-based, includes microfiber cloth, pleasant lavender scent.
- Cons: Not suited for heavy-duty cleaning, may spread dirt if overused.
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3. Magic Stainless Steel Cleaner
This aerosol from Magic earned the top spot in our test of stainless steel cleaners for how quickly it removed stains like greasy splatters and oily fingerprints without streaking. In the Lab, it was the only aerosol to completely dissolve our test soil, and it did not darken stainless steel surfaces like some other cleaners we tested. Magic’s stainless steel cleaner was very easy to use and left our appliance fronts shiny with very little residue or streaking.
- Pros: Removes 100% of test soil, leaves protective coating.
- Cons: Aerosol can version may leave streaks if not wiped properly.
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4. CLR Spot-Free Stainless Steel
If you need a cleaner that’s effective and easy on the budget, consider CLR Spot-Free Stainless Steel. It comes in an aerosol spray can and will clean and shine stainless steel. To use CLR Spot-Free Stainless Steel, spray it on the exterior of your appliances and wipe it with a microfiber cloth. Apply a second time if needed. You can use it on appliances, range hoods, sinks, and cookware.
- Pros: Budget-friendly, effective on water stains and smudges.
- Cons: Struggles with cooked-on debris.
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5. Method Stainless Steel Cleaner + Polish
We think the Method Stainless Steel Clean + Polish is the best overall stainless steel cleaner for its effectiveness and ease of use. Among our survey respondents, this was the top-rated product, praised for its pleasant scent and plant-based formulation. It’s also great at removing stains, fingerprints, and other smudges, all while adding a streak-free shine to all of your stainless steel surfaces.
- Pros: Eco-friendly, pleasant apple orchard scent, effective.
- Cons: No unscented option available.
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6. Sprayway Stainless Steel Cleaner
For a budget-friendly stainless steel appliance cleaner that doesn’t compromise its effectiveness, we recommend Sprayway Stainless Steel Cleaner Aerosol Spray. Our survey respondents loved that it works quickly, it does not require scrubbing, and that it’s easy to find from different retailers. It also leaves behind a brilliant shine so your refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, and microwave can be sparkling, smudge-free clean.
- Pros: Affordable, quick-acting, no scrubbing needed.
- Cons: Messy spray nozzle may affect nearby surfaces.
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7. Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaning Wipes
With tons of positive reviews, the unscented wipes are one of the best stainless steel cleaners on the market. One reviewer, Dee McBee, who has tried ¡°countless¡± products maintains that ¡°these sheets are the easiest to use and the shine holds up.¡± The wipes also erase streaks and handprints, leaving appliances shiny and looking brand new.
- Pros: Convenient, unscented, effective on streaks.
- Cons: Wipes may dry out quickly or leave streaks if not buffed.
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8. Bar Keepers Friend Cookware Cleanser
For buffing out tough splotches, Bar Keepers Friend is a great stainless steel cleaner to keep around. We frequently use this nonabrasive, oxalic acid-based cleanser on stainless steel sinks and metallic bathroom fixtures. Letting this goopy cleaning paste sit briefly on the most tarnished spots helps easily lift the grime when it’s wiped away.
- Pros: Effective on tough stains, ideal for cookware.
- Cons: Requires rinsing, may irritate sensitive skin.
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9. Hope’s Perfect Sink Cleaner and Polish
Though buying a specific stainless steel cleaner for your sinks might feel a tad over-the-top; however, Hope’s Perfect Sink Cleaner and Polish is specially designed to make this neglected area shine-literally. Not only does this formula clean and polish stainless steel, it also works on other materials like cast-iron, acrylic, and composite.
- Pros: Specialized for sinks, versatile on multiple materials.
- Cons: More expensive than general-purpose cleaners.
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10. Affresh Stainless Steel Brightener
Where there’s stainless steel, there’s also a threat of rust infiltrating your silvery, shiny surfaces. The good news is that even your stainless steel is a little dingy, hope is not lost. In addition to the typical fingerprint smudges, Affresh’s Stainless Steel Brightener is built to tackle rust and yellow areas.
- Pros: Effective on rust and discoloration, recommended by appliance brands.
- Cons: Not a cleaner, requires separate cleaning product.
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Comparison Table of Top Stainless Steel Cleaners
| Product | Form | Key Feature | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weiman Cleaner and Polish | Spray | Protective topcoat | $15-$20 | Appliances |
| Therapy Cleaner Kit | Spray + Cloth | Eco-friendly, coconut oil | $18-$22 | Daily cleaning |
| Magic Cleaner | Aerosol | 100% soil removal | $12-$15 | Greasy stains |
| CLR Spot-Free | Aerosol | Budget-friendly | $10-$13 | Multiple surfaces |
| Method Cleaner | Spray | Plant-based | $8-$12 | Eco-conscious users |
| Sprayway Cleaner | Aerosol | Quick-acting | $5-$8 | Budget cleaning |
| Weiman Wipes | Wipes | Convenient | $10-$15 | Quick touch-ups |
| Bar Keepers Friend | Powder | Tough stains | $8-$12 | Cookware, sinks |
| Hope’s Sink Cleaner | Liquid | Sink-specific | $15-$20 | Sinks |
| Affresh Brightener | Liquid | Rust removal | $12-$18 | Rust, discoloration |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
To test the 10 cleaners side by side, we used masking tape to section off the front of a stove. We covered each section with grease and ketchup and let them dry on the surface, and then tested each cleaner on the dried-on gunk. After scrubbing and buffing with each cleaner, we were able to perform a good side-by-side comparison. We also performed the same test with all the cleaners on a dishwasher microwave and a refrigerator. We used the same type of microfiber cloth to clean and buff all our appliances. We tested each cleaner in a sink to see if they would help conceal scratches and remove stains. We also tested the cleaners on smaller appliances such as microwaves and toasters. As we worked, we noted how easy it was to apply the cleaners and how quickly and with how much effort we could remove the stains. After cleaning, we checked to see if any streaks remained and how shiny the stainless steel looked.
Key Observations
- Magic Stainless Steel Cleaner excelled in removing 100% of grease and ketchup in lab tests, leaving no streaks.
- Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner performed well on daily smudges but struggled with cooked-on food.
- Weiman Wipes were convenient for quick touch-ups but required extra buffing to avoid streaks.
- Bar Keepers Friend was unmatched for tough stains on cookware but required rinsing.
- CLR Spot-Free was effective on water stains but less so on heavy grease.
Purchasing Guide for Stainless Steel Cleaners
Consider the Type of Surface
Consider the type of stainless steel surface when buying the best stainless steel cleaner. While some cleaners may safely clean a variety of surfaces, others have formulations for specific types, like sinks, cookware or grills. Sokolowski stresses the importance of checking the manual before cleaning stainless steel surfaces, as they will usually explain what type of cleaning agents to use and those to avoid.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Don’t even think of using bleach or ammonia or any products containing them as they can corrode the finish and lead to rusting. On appliances that can’t be rinsed under running water, avoid powdered cleaners that are hard to remove with a cloth. Resist the urge to grab an oven or grill cleaner as they’re way too harsh for stainless steel.
Application Method
- Sprays: Ideal for large surfaces like refrigerators and dishwashers. Ensure even application to avoid streaks.
- Wipes: Convenient for quick clean-ups but may dry out over time.
- Powders: Best for cookware and tough stains, but require mixing and rinsing.
Eco-Friendly Options
For surfaces that often come into direct contact with food, like stainless-steel countertops, consider a DIY cleaning solution. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and white vinegar, then add a few drops of lemon juice or essential oils, recommends Ron Shimek, president of Mr. Appliance.
FAQs About Stainless Steel Cleaners
Can I use all-purpose cleaners on stainless steel?
While some all-purpose cleaners are safe, they may leave streaks or fail to polish the surface. Dedicated stainless steel cleaners with polishing agents are recommended for a streak-free shine.
How often should I clean my stainless steel appliances?
Cleaning frequency depends on usage. In busy kitchens, weekly cleaning may be necessary to remove fingerprints and smudges. For less active kitchens, cleaning every 1-2 months can maintain shine.
Are DIY solutions effective for stainless steel?
Yes, a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar with a few drops of essential oils can effectively clean stainless steel. However, it may not provide the protective coating of commercial cleaners.
Can I use stainless steel cleaners on cookware?
Not all cleaners are safe for cookware. Check the label to ensure the product is food-safe. Products like Bar Keepers Friend are specifically designed for cookware and sinks.
How do I prevent streaks when cleaning?
Always wipe with the grain of the stainless steel using a microfiber cloth. Buff the surface after cleaning to remove excess product and ensure a streak-free finish.
Conclusion
Stainless steel cleaners remove fingerprints, smudges, and water spots, bringing appliances back to a clean shine. While you can use almost any multi-purpose cleaner on your stainless steel, products that contain a polish will add a protective coat that keeps appliances looking cleaner for longer. But before you get to wiping, there are a couple of important tips to follow. First, never use anything abrasive, like steel wool or scouring sponges, on stainless. For more cleaning tips, check out Top 7 Best Cleaning Agents for Wood Floors to Keep Them Shiny