Keeping stainless steel kitchen appliances free of smudges may seem like a thankless task. After you achieve the perfect look, you reach in the fridge for a snack, put a glass into the dishwasher, or heat up a frozen pizza, and you have a fingerprint-covered kitchen.

In addition to being highly durable, stainless steel is resistant to rust and water damage. Our labs at the Good Housekeeping Institute are surrounded by rows of stainless steel dishwashers, refrigerators and ranges, cabinets of cookware, and sinks made of stainless steel, so we can keep these things clean. In the Good Housekeeping Cleaning Lab, we walk through the halls trying to find as many grease-smeared and fingerprinted surfaces as possible in Institute labs and test kitchens we can. Add marks to appliances if there aren’t any.

Therefore, despite its hardiness, stainless steel requires a significant amount of maintenance. The products we test are compared for how well they remove grease, food residues, and dust, how easy they are to apply and use, and how easily they buff without streaking. This is our list of the best stainless steel cleaner In 2023.

1. Hope’s Perfect Sink Cleaner and Polish

Hard water spots, grime, and rust from stainless steel sinks can be removed with Hope’s Perfect Sink Cleaner and Polish. A visible water-repellent coating leaves a barrier on stainless steel, making it more resistant to streaks and stains following a thorough cleaning. Though it is a cream cleaner and polish, it is not recommended for surfaces susceptible to abrasion, such as mirror finishes.

Testing has shown Hope’s Perfect Sink Cleaner and Polish to be an effective cleaner and polisher for removing hard-water spots and rust stains from stainless steel sinks. In addition, the stainless steel becomes brighter and noticeable scratches are removed. If you want to rinse it afterward, you must wash it with soapy water. This cleaner left a finish that repels water and resists fingerprints remarkably well. Another feature we liked was that it could clean both stainless steel and cast-iron cookware.

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2. Magic Stainless Steel Cleaner Aerosol

Choosing this powerful and effective stainless steel spray cleaner will eliminate the need for polishing. A very simple and intuitive design makes Magic Stainless Steel Cleaner Aerosol very easy to use. Removes fingerprints and tarnishes effortlessly without leaving streaks on the stainless steel items.

After the application of this product, stainless steel surfaces and appliances look as good as new. The stainless steel cleaner works on just about any surface you can imagine. The dishwasher cleaner will work on stoves, microwaves, and refrigerators.

Its application creates a protective coating for stainless steel objects. These coatings are completely clear and highly durable. Keeping your stainless steel in top condition will reduce the frequency of cleaning it.

It’s because Magic’s Stay Clean Technology is patented. In addition, the product is designed to be remarkably simple to use. You only need to spray a few drops on the stainless steel surface you want and then wipe away the residue.

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3. Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaning Wipes

It can be tricky to clean stainless steel surfaces with tight corners. Certain areas are simply not reachable by conventional cleaners and even modern cleaning sprays. Dirt and grime left behind can make these areas unsightly and even unhygienic.

With Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaning Wipes, you can easily clean areas that are difficult to reach. Even the tightest corners can be cleaned with thin cleaning wipes. Yet they also promise a strong cleaning action.

All you need to do is remove one of the wipes from the canister before popping the top off. After wiping the surface in the direction of the grain, buff the metal with a dry, soft cloth. You will have pristine stainless steel surfaces that are fully sanitized and clean.

You will get thirty different wipes in each can, which should keep you occupied for quite a while. Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaning Wipes also come in a pack of two, which is a nice touch. As a precaution, you might want to have a few extras on hand to ensure that you will not run out when you need them.

4. E-Cloth Stainless Steel Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

This microfiber cloth is specifically made for cleaning stainless steel. The brushed stainless steel side is slightly textured and the polished side is smooth and soft. Despite its tiny fibers, wet cloths capture debris and food removing grime, fingerprints, and streaks without producing lint or new ones.

The daily smudges and messes in the home can be cleaned by water alone, and larger jobs can be cleaned by one of the solutions listed above. Extra-large, this machine-washable cloth measures 12 inches by 12 inches and can withstand 300 washes before it needs to be replaced.

I just got new appliances last week and though there was no print on the fridge, we have been seeing a print on it. I decided to take a chance on this. It’s fantastic and I’m in love with it. Because of our busy schedules, I don’t have time to constantly clean the fridge. This method was very easy, removed all the prints, and left the fridge looking shiny.

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5. Bar Keepers Friend Superior Cookware Cleanser & Polish

The appearance of rusted stainless steel surfaces and utensils will be unsightly. Even though traditional stainless steel cleaners are effective for cleaning stainless steel, they typically fail to remove rust. In order to combat rust, the Superior Cookware Cleanser & Polish from Bar Keepers’ Friend has been designed specifically for it.

Dirt, dust, water stains, discoloration, and discoloration can all be removed easily with this product. Stainless steel pots and pans will remain like new for a very long time after cleaning. With this trick, you can upgrade your stainless steel cookware set without spending a lot of money.

This superior cleaner and polisher can be used on a large range of surfaces. There are copper, tiles, plastics, and glass, as well as stainless steel. You can finally put an end to using other cleaning products.

It is placed in a tin and applied with a soft cloth. By removing a small amount of the product and smearing it onto the desired area, you can then wipe it away. In spite of the fact that this process is quick and easy, it does not offer the convenience of spray cleaning.

6. Sheila Shine Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish

Aerosol cans from Sheila Shine are ideal for use in low-to-medium usage scenarios. Among other effective cleaning agents, the Sheila Shine Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish eliminate water spots and water stains thanks to an industrial-grade formula containing acetone and petroleum distillates. Stainless steel cleaners are great for preventing fingerprints and streaking, plus they are easy to apply without rubbing or buffing.

This product’s ability to clean porcelain, fiberglass, plastic, steel and other surfaces is impressive. However, it comes in a small 10-ounce container that may not last long. The formula of this product is very potent, and as a result, it emits a pretty strong odor during use; as a result, you may need to wear a mask. If you want to fully clean your kitchen, make sure to grab some of the best countertop cleaners.

7. Sprayway Stainless Steel Cleaner

Would you like a stainless steel cleaner that is particularly easy to use? You don’t want to spend hours scrubbing stains and watermarks on the stainless steel surfaces. The Sprayway Stainless Steel Cleaner enables you to remove dirt by spraying it away.

This product comes in a handy aerosol can, so it doesn’t require too much touching of dirt. It is enough to spray a little cleaner onto the area that needs cleaning. You should wait a few seconds before wiping the spray along with the dirt and grime away.

Stainless steel cleaners from Sprayway are proven to remove tough grease and grime. Their specially designed formula won’t scratch stainless steel. The pack contains three cans, which provide a lot of cleaning power.

Despite this, you may notice that it leaves a mild residue behind. Although it is a little disappointing, this is a fairly quick and easy process to remove. There may also be a need for a second pass to remove fingerprints.

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8. TriNova Premium Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish

The well-priced, targeted product may suit your budget if you typically use all-purpose cleaning products to save money. With this water-based cleaner, you’ll be able to clean stainless steel appliances, sinks, grills, and even tools without harsh chemicals or abrasives. You get an 18-ounce bottle with a 14-square-inch soft microfiber cloth for polishing polished appliances streak-free.

Stainless steel cleaners such as this one are very light-duty. Water spots, fingerprints, and minor debris are easily removed with this product. Cooked-on splatter wasn’t easily lifted with it without some elbow grease. It had a nice smell, and we found that a little spritz covered a lot of area. We were pleased with the performance of the TriNova cleaner for daily cleaning tasks.

9. Weiman Microfiber Cloth for Stainless Steel

In the case of stainless steel, a good cleaner only accomplishes half the job. The surface should also be cleaned with a great cloth to remove dirt and residue, and buffed to remove streaks. With Weiman’s cloths, stainless steel can be cleaned and polished at the same time. Using soft ribs on the cleaning side, you can gently agitate and lift dirt without scratching. On the polishing side, you can remove streaks by buffing against them.

Cleaning and polishing stainless steel appliances and sinks with this cloth was found to be a great experience in our lab. We also found its instructions easy to follow, and after washing and drying it, it continued to perform well. With this Good Housekeeping Seal star cloth, you will get a large, absorbent cloth that is machine washable and dryer friendly so you can reuse it time and time again.

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10. 3M Stainless Steel Cleaner Polish

This stainless steel cleaner from 3M can be used to refresh nearly any shiny metal surface in your kitchen, such as aluminum and chrome. Makes it easy to restore near-reflectiveness to stainless steel appliances, such as microwaves, trash cans, and range hoods. Compared to normal paper, it reduces the print and smudges by 70%.

The only product that can even come close to doing the job that 3M does is stainless steel appliances, including a commercial-size refrigerator. Users appreciate the solution’s instant effectiveness: They only need a tiny amount to make a difference.

11. Bosch Stainless Steel Conditioner Spray Bottle

This spray comes in a set of two bottles and can be used on all stainless steel surfaces except black ones. No petroleum distillates are used in this formula, which is made from 100% organic biodegradable and biodegradable ingredients.

By using the cleaner on a daily basis, you can leave your surfaces sparkling and clean. Wipe the surface with a soft cloth after washing it with lukewarm soapy water. To get the results you expect, apply this conditioner, wipe it down with a soft cloth, and let it dry.

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12. Pledge Expert Care Stainless Steel Cleaner

On top of being easy to use and budget-friendly, Pledge’s aerosol spray is also highly effective. In addition to stainless steel surfaces, such as appliances and grills, it also keeps fingerprints off. A shinier finish is left after using it than with some other cleaners. Rather than merely acting as a barrier against dirt and grime, this cleaner thoroughly removes them.

There are some people who find the signature lemon scent of Pledge overpowering, while others love the comfort it provides. As strong as it is, it may not be suitable for those who are sensitive to chemicals or scents. The fragrances used by Pledge are chemical, which is important for allergic people to know.

Buying Guide: Best Stainless Steel Cleaners

If you think you have chosen a good stainless steel cleaner, how are you going to know? The products on the market seem to make similar claims, although not all are equally efficient or effective. Following these key factors will help you decide on the best stainless steel cleaner.

Type Of Cleaner

A metal cleaner is typically available as a power, a spray, or a wipe. It is a powder that needs to be dissolved in water to form a paste. The use of this type of stainless steel cleaner has become less popular lately due to its messy nature.

An aerosol can or spray bottle of stainless steel cleaner is usually much more convenient than a bottle. You can also use special wipes for getting into smaller crevices and hard-to-reach areas. The type of cleaner you choose will likely be determined by your personal preferences.

Multi-Purpose For The Win

You will want to stick with a cleaning product that is particularly effective once you find it. Specially designed stainless steel cleaners can be used on a variety of surfaces. You will save yourself the hassle and storage space that comes with having to store a large collection of cleaning products.

Ingredients

The chemicals and compounds that stainless steel cleaners use vary widely. Nevertheless, some of these chemicals, like bleach, can be harsh and even harmful to your skin and eyes. Therefore, you should use these products with extreme caution around children and animals.

Natural stainless steel cleaners are becoming increasingly popular these days as they use natural ingredients. These products do not sanitize surfaces, they simply make surfaces appear clean. Perfect cleaning products should be non-toxic and safe to use while providing clean, effective results.

Scent

There are also some ingredients lurking in traditional cleaning products that can emit a strong and unpleasant odor cleaner. When inhaled, some ingredients, such as phthalates, can also damage the lungs and kidneys. Therefore, it is best to select a stainless steel cleaner that has a natural composition.

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Frequently Asked Questions