Looking for the best stainless steel cleaners to keep your appliances, cookware, and other surfaces spotless? Stainless steel is a popular material in kitchens and bathrooms thanks to its sleek look, durability, and corrosion resistance. However, it does require some maintenance to keep it looking shiny and new. Fingerprints, water spots, grease, and other residue can dull the finish if not removed properly.
Choosing the right stainless steel cleaner is key to safely and effectively clean and polish your stainless steel surfaces. The wrong formulations can actually damage and corrode stainless steel over time. When selecting a stainless steel cleaner, you want one that is non-abrasive to avoid scratching, but also powerful enough to dissolve oil, grease, mineral deposits, dust, and other contaminants.
To help you find the ideal stainless steel cleaner for your needs, here is a look at 5 of the best options on the market:
1. Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish
Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish is a top pick when it comes to the best stainless steel cleaners. This liquid formula is specifically designed to dissolve oil, grease, smudges, fingerprints, dust, and other particles from stainless steel while leaving behind a protective barrier.
Some key features:
- Strengthens stainless steel’s resistance to water marks and stains
- Restores lost luster and shine
- Prevents fingerprint smudges with an invisible barrier
- PH balanced, streak-free formula
- Safe for most stainless steel appliances, sinks, fixtures, trim, and more
This versatile cleaner can be used on refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, stoves, sinks, faucets, showers, railings, and other stainless steel surfaces. It wipes away dirt easily without abrasive scrubbing. The coconut-scented formula leaves behind a clean shine without any oily residue.
Overall, Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish is a reliable and effective cleaner to keep stainless looking its best with routine use. It’s affordable, easy to use, and works great at removing all types of grime from stainless steel.
2. Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish
Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish is another excellent choice for keeping your stainless surfaces sparkling. This pH-balanced formula removes fingerprints, smudges, grease, soap scum, water spots, and other residue quickly and easily.
Features:
- Contains no abrasives, bleach, ammonia, or phosphates
- Polishes away oxidation and restores original shine
- Leaves a protective coating to repel fingerprints
- Makes cleaning faster and easier over time
- Safe for all stainless steel and chrome
- Pleasant citrus fragrance
This non-toxic cleaner and polish can be used on appliances (refrigerators, ovens, etc.), kitchen and bathroom fixtures, outdoor grills, railings, doors, sinks, showers, and anywhere stainless steel is found. The spray formula goes on evenly then wipes away dirt with minimal scrubbing. It also inhibits rust and corrosion.
Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish is made in the USA and is a great choice for easy, regular upkeep of stainless steel. It helps maintain the finish and prevents streaks, water spots, and fingerprints from adhering and buildup.
3. CLR Calcium, Lime, and Rust Remover
For tackling more stubborn stains and buildup on stainless steel, CLR Calcium, Lime, and Rust Remover is a top contender for one of the best stainless steel cleaners. This heavy-duty formulation quickly dissolves calcium and lime deposits, soap scum, hard water stains, rust stains, and other challenging grime.
Benefits:
- Fast-acting deep cleaning formula
- Helps restore stainless steel’s original appearance
- Removes discoloration and stains from rust, minerals, etc.
- Safe on most stainless steel surfaces
- Cuts through soap scum, grease, food residue, and more
CLR is a versatile cleaner that can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, showers, outdoor areas, and more. While powerful on serious buildup, it is still safe for everyday use on stainless steel appliances, sinks, grills, railings, trim, and fixtures. It also helps prevent new stains and deposits by dissolving any residues.
For set-in hard water stains, calcium deposits, rust marks, and other grime on stainless steel, CLR will make the cleaning job much easier. Just spray, let sit briefly, and wipe away.
4. 3M Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish
Trusted brand 3M also makes an excellent stainless steel cleaning product that polishes away dirt and leaves a protective finish. 3M Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish cleans, shines, and helps prevent fingerprints and smears with regular use.
Features:
- Foaming spray formula for easy cleaning
- Removes smudges, fingerprints, grease, residue, etc.
- Restores bright polish to stainless steel
- Repels stains and makes future cleaning easier
- Protects against fingerprints and smears
- Fresh clean scent
This versatile cleaner can be sprayed on stainless steel appliances, cookware, sinks, fixtures, railings, doors, outdoor grills, and more. The foaming action clings to surfaces to allow the powerful formula to dissolve stuck-on gunk. It wipes away easily with a cloth, leaving a bright polished shine.
3M’s cleaner and polish is a good maintenance option for routine cleaning and upkeep of stainless steel. The protective finish helps stainless repel new messes to make cleaning quicker.
5. Zep Commercial Stainless Steel Cleaner
For commercial kitchens and very grimy stainless steel, Zep Commercial Stainless Steel Cleaner is one of the best choices for tackling messes. This industrial-strength cleaner quickly cuts through grease, oil, food residue, soap scum, hard water stains, and anything else dirtying stainless steel.
Key advantages:
- Commercial-grade cleaning formula
- Foaming spray clings to surfaces for contact time
- Dissolves grease, fats, proteins, and carbonized soils
- Restores dull stainless steel to original polish
- Fresh lemon scent
This heavy-duty cleaner can be used on oven hoods, kitchen equipment, counters, appliances, pots and pans, sinks, and other frequently used stainless steel. The clinging foam lets the active ingredients work to dissolve caked-on messes without heavy scrubbing needed. Just spray, let sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
For restaurants, commercial kitchens, and extremely dirty stainless steel, Zep Commercial Stainless Steel Cleaner is an ideal pick as one of the best stainless steel cleaners available.
What To Look For In Stainless Steel Cleaners
When shopping for the best stainless steel cleaners for your needs, here are some key factors to consider:
Ingredients
- Surfactants – These cleaning agents lift dirt, grease, and residue from the surface so it can be wiped away easily.
- Solvents – Solvents dissolve deposits like hard water stains, calcium, lime, rust marks, and soap scum buildup. Look for solvents like glycolic acid.
- pH balanced formula – Cleaners with a neutral pH around 7 are safest for stainless steel and won’t damage the finish.
- Protectants/polishing oils – Some cleaners deposit a protective barrier or mild polish to repel fingerprints and make cleaning easier over time.
- Fragrance – Many cleaners also contain a fresh scent from essential oils, though fragrance-free options are available for sensitive individuals.
Package Form
- Spray – Spray cleaners are most convenient for applying directly onto stainless steel surfaces. Formulas that foam/cling upon spraying are most effective.
- Gel/cream – Gel and cream cleaners are best for vertical surfaces as they stay in place without running or dripping. Good for appliance fronts, fixtures, etc.
- Wipes – Pre-moistened wipes are handy for quick touch-ups and cleaning stainless on the go.
Abrasiveness
The ideal stainless steel cleaner should be non-abrasive to gently yet effectively clean without scratching or damaging the stainless steel finish. Avoid any cleaners with added grit, sanding agents, etc.
How To Clean Stainless Steel
Using one of the best stainless steel cleaners properly is key to avoiding streaks, smudges, and swirls on stainless surfaces:
- Wipe down stainless steel frequently with a microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints and prevent buildup. Dry immediately after getting wet.
- Spray cleaner directly onto stainless surface instead of cloth to evenly coat and dissolve residue. Avoid excess dripping.
- Allow cleaners to sit briefly before wiping to give ingredients time to work on stuck-on gunk.
- Always wipe gently in direction of grain – rub in straight strokes instead of circular motions.
- Rinse thoroughly after cleaning to prevent streaks, especially when using strong solvent-based cleaners.
- Follow up by drying and gently buffing surface with microfiber cloth to restore shine and luster.
- For best results, regularly apply stainless steel polish/protectant after cleaning to help repel smudges.
Benefits Of Stainless Steel Cleaners
Using a specialized stainless steel cleaner has many advantages over generic household cleaners:
- Removes oils and residue – Cleaners designed for stainless steel cut through grease, oils, fats, food debris, sticky residues, etc. that build up on stainless over time.
- Restores shine and luster – Cleaners dissolve oxidation, dullness, and foggy appearances to bring back stainless steel’s original polish and shine.
- Prevents water spots and streaks – Quality cleaners help stainless steel maintain its water-resistant finish by preventing water marks and streaks.
- Repels fingerprints – Some cleaners leave a protective finish that helps stainless steel resist new fingerprints and smudges so cleaning is easier.
- Prevents corrosion – Using the right cleaners helps prevent rust, pitting, corrosion and other damage by dissolving any residues that could break down stainless steel’s protective chromium layer.
- pH balanced formulas – Purpose-made stainless steel cleaners have a neutral pH that is safe for the finish yet still effective at cleaning.
- Pleasant scents – Many cleaners have added essential oil fragrances leaving your kitchen and surfaces smelling clean and fresh.
FAQs About Stainless Steel Cleaners
How often should I clean stainless steel?
It’s best to clean stainless steel at least once a week to keep the surfaces looking their best. High-use areas like sinks, appliances, and backsplashes may need cleaning every 2-3 days. Always wipe up spills and messes quickly.
Can I clean stainless steel with regular household cleaners?
It’s best to avoid harsh cleaners like bleach, ammonia, and abrasive scouring powders. Only use cleaners specifically formulated for stainless steel. Look for “stainless steel cleaner” on the label.
What’s the best way to apply stainless steel cleaner?
Spray directly onto the stainless steel surface rather than the cloth. Allow it to sit briefly before wiping to give the cleaner time to break down residue. Wipe in direction of grain and rinse thoroughly.
How do you polish stainless steel?
Use a stainless steel cleaner and polish formulated to gently yet effectively remove tarnish and restore shine as you clean. A separate polish product can also be applied after cleaning for the ultimate shine. Always rub in straight lines with a microfiber cloth.
What household items remove stains from stainless steel?
White vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and coconut oil can remove some stains and residue. Make a paste with baking soda and water for a gentle scouring effect. Be sure to rinse well and wipe dry.
Conclusion
Regular cleaning and polishing is key to keeping stainless steel surfaces spotless and looking their best. The 5 best stainless steel cleaners reviewed here all provide effective cleaning power to dissolve stuck-on messes, restore lost shine, and help stainless steel resist new fingerprints and water spots in between cleaning sessions.
Look for stainless steel cleaners that contain surfactants for grease-cutting power, pH balanced formulas, polishing oils for shine and fingerprint resistance, and solvents to dissolve stuck-on gunk and deposits. Spray and gel cleaners are convenient to apply evenly to vertical and horizontal stainless steel surfaces.
Be sure to wipe gently in direction of grain, allow time for the cleaner to work before wiping, and rinse thoroughly after cleaning. Follow up with a microfiber cloth to buff stainless steel to a bright, flawless finish.
With routine cleaning using a quality stainless steel cleaner, you can keep all your stainless steel surfaces looking like new.