Stainless steel is more of a challenge to keep clean because it shows fingerprints and can easily look streaky. Because of this, it’s very important to move your cloth in one direction and go with the grain when you clean. If you’re not sure which direction you should go, start in a small area and test things out. I find that a clean microfiber cloth works best, though you can also use paper towels.
You should also remember that there are different types of stainless steel. You might need to do a bit of experimenting before you hit on exactly what works best for your specific appliance. In fact, if you have several stainless-steel appliances, each one might require a slightly different cleaning routine.
There are also some major “don’ts” when it comes to cleaning stainless steel:
Avoid using steel wool or any other abrasive sponges or scrubber pads.
Don’t use any chlorine-based cleaner or anything with chloride in it.
Don’t use an oven cleaner.
If your tap water is harsh, it might leave spots or stains.
If you are looking at the best at-home methods, many people swear by the simple combination of vinegar and olive oil for keeping their stainless-steel appliances clean. Simple dish soap, followed by baby oil on a microfiber cloth, is another way to go. And some say club soda is the way to go.
If you’d rather just buy it in the store, the top brands for Stainless Steel are Weiman’s Stainless Steel Wipes ($4), Simple Green’s Stainless Steel Cleaner ($8.50), and Therapy’s Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish ($17). Therapy is the more expensive option, but it’s claim to fame is that it’s the most “natural” solution, containing 100% pure coconut oil, among other natural ingredients.
Whichever cleaning solution you choose, using a microfiber cloth is key, say the experts.
