The Best Way to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances

Updated May 2026

Stainless steel appliances can give your kitchen a clean, modern look. But keeping them free from fingerprints and streaks can take a bit of effort. Smudges and marks tend to build up quickly, especially with everyday use.

With the right approach, it doesn’t need to feel like a constant chore. A few simple methods can help you keep your appliances looking clean and polished.

When trying any new cleaning methods, it’s always best to spot test first.

What Can You Use to Clean Stainless Steel?

Different surfaces can respond better to different cleaning methods. What works well on a stovetop may not be as effective on a fridge or sink. So it’s important to know which items are best for which appliances in your kitchen.

You don’t need specialised products to get a good result! A few common household items can help restore the natural finish of your appliances:

Olive Oil – Useful for polishing and helping reduce the appearance of light marks or water spots on stainless steel appliances or sinks.

White Vinegar – Despite its initial strong odour, it’s great for removing fingerprints and smudges. Diluted vinegar can help reduce fingerprints and bring back some shine on many stainless steel surfaces.

Dishwashing Liquid – A gentler option for everyday grease and surface build-up when mixed with warm water.

Baking Soda – Suitable for areas with heavier residue, such as burnt-on stains. It can be mixed into a paste to lift stubborn marks.

Microfibre Cloth – A soft, lint-free cloth that helps clean without scratching or leaving fibres behind.

How to Clean Stainless Steel

Once you have gathered all your cleaning supplies, you can start with a light clean to remove immediate dirt.

First, dampen a microfibre cloth with warm water and a small amount of dishwashing liquid. Wring it out well so it is only slightly damp. Wipe the surface gently, following the direction of the grain. This helps avoid streaks.

Next, dab a small amount of diluted vinegar on a clean cloth to remove any remaining smudges. Wipe over the surface, then go back over it with a fresh cloth to remove any residue.

If you come across more stubborn build-up, this is where the baking soda comes in. For this, you will need to mix the baking soda with a small amount of water to make a paste. Apply it to the affected area and leave it to rest for around 20 minutes before gently wiping it away. Then, rinse with warm water and dry the surface with a clean cloth.

Drying is an important step. Leaving moisture behind can cause marks and affect the finish over time.

How to Make Your Stainless Steel Shine

Now that the surface is clean, you can add a light polish. A small amount of olive oil can help polish some stainless steel appliances and sinks. Place a few drops on a clean cloth and wipe along the grain. This helps bring out the shine, repel dust, and can reduce the appearance of fine marks.

If there is any excess oil, lightly wipe over the area with a small amount of vinegar on a cloth to balance the finish.

How to Keep Your Stainless Steel Looking Its Best

A quick wipe-down every few days can help prevent build-up and make deeper cleaning easier when it’s needed. Paying attention to the grain and avoiding overly wet cloths can also make a noticeable difference to the final result.

A Little Extra Help at Home

Keeping your kitchen clean can take time and energy, especially when it’s part of a busy routine.

If you or someone close to you could use a hand at home, Simply Helping offers flexible support with everyday tasks, including cleaning and domestic assistance. Click here to contact your local Simply Helping team today, and learn more about how we can support you.