A Maytag Oven surrounded by cabinets and cupboards. On the counters are a container of kitchen utensils and salt and pepper shakers.

Tips to Clean and Polish Stainless Steel

Stainless steel appliances are popular for a reason. They look stunning and complement many decors. However, grease, water drops and dreaded fingerprints can mark up the surfaces of stainless steel stoves, fridges, dishwashers and microwaves.

The good news is that stainless steel is fairly easy to clean. There are a few ways you can clean stainless steel appliances, including using stainless steel cleaners or a mixture of water and vinegar.

Let’s look at some ways you can effectively clean and polish your stainless steel appliances.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN A STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCE?

 

A kitchen with a Maytag Double Oven and a Maytag Over-the-Range microwave surrounded by cabinets and cupboards. On the counters are salt and pepper shakers, a wooden container with kitchen utensils, two oil containers and a bowl.

 

When cleaning stainless steel, the goal is to get it sparkling clean without damaging the surface or creating streaks. Here is the best way to clean a stainless steel appliance.

Gather these supplies:

  • Stainless steel cleaner. They usually come in the form of a spray or a cream.
  • Baking soda
  • Two clean microfiber cloths

You can also gather these optional supplies:

  • Vinegar 
  • Mineral oil
The grain on stainless steel.

STEP 1: NOTE THE GRAIN’S DIRECTION 

You always want to wipe in the direction of the grain as this will avoid streaks. You can spot the grain’s direction by searching the stainless steel surface for small lines, either horizontal or vertical. If the grain is horizontal, you should wipe from left to right. On the other hand, if the grain is vertical, you should only wipe in a downward direction.

STEP 2: REMOVE ALL DEPOSITS

Use a clean microfiber cloth dampened with warm water to remove any food and water deposits from a stainless steel surface. Again, you need to wipe in the direction of the grain to help remove stuck-on grime or smudges.

A person holds a green microfibre cloth in their hand.
A hand holds a green microfibre cloth with some white foamy cleaner on it.

STEP 3: APPLY A STAINLESS STEEL CLEANER

Consult your owner’s manual for information on which products are safe to use. It’s important that you exclusively use the right products to clean your stainless steel appliances. It’s never a good idea to use whatever you have on hand or the cleaner you bought for your dining room table.

STEP 4: SPRAY AND WIPE THE SURFACE

Use an “S” motion to spray the cleaner onto the stainless steel surface. If you’re using a cream cleaner, you should apply only a small amount. Next, wipe with a microfiber cloth in the direction of the grain.

A person wipes away the cleaner on a Maytag Stainless Steel Dishwasher.
A Maytag Stainless Steel Fridge is being wiped down with a blue microfibre cloth.

STEP 5: BUFF WITH A CLEAN MICROFIBER CLOTH

With a clean, dry cloth, wipe the appliance in the direction of the grain. This will polish it, remove any pesky streaks and add a nice shine.

HOW TO HELP REMOVE STAINS AND DISCOLOURATION FROM A STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCE?

 

To help remove stains or discolouration on a stainless steel appliance, you should use a solution comprised of baking soda and water.

 

If you encounter a really stubborn stain or discolouration spot, try diluting some vinegar with water and proceed to wipe it onto the stainless steel surface. The last step is to immediately wipe it away with a dry paper towel or clean cloth.

IS THERE A HOME REMEDY TO CLEAN STAINLESS STEEL?

 

A kitchen with white counters and cabinets and a Maytag Fridge, Maytag Oven with an Over-the-Range Microwave and a Maytag Dishwasher. Around the kitchen are potted plants and other items.

 

Baking soda is something of a marvel. It’s an efficient and safe home remedy for cleaning stainless steel. Here’s what you do: create a paste by combining baking soda and water. Then, rub it gently on the surface (always in the direction of the grain). If any white residue from the baking soda remains, simply use a dry, clean cloth to wipe it away.

 

Vinegar is another home remedy that can help clean stainless steel. It’s natural and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals. Combine one part white vinegar with one part mineral oil. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle, and then apply it to a stainless steel surface. Use a clean cloth and short strokes to remove any lingering residue.

 

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PRO TIP

You can add essential oil drops to your vinegar/mineral oil solution if you want to cover the scent of vinegar.

PRODUCTS TO NEVER USE TO CLEAN STAINLESS STEEL

 

A hand touches the corner above the towel bar on a Maytag Stainless Steel Dishwasher.

 

There are certain cleaners you should avoid using on stainless steel. For instance, avoid using anything that contains harsh chemicals or any cleaner with bleach or ammonia. Also, you should only use a clean, microfiber cloth to wipe a stainless steel surface. Never use steel brushes and steel wool pads as they can leave scratches on the pristine surface of your appliance.

SHOP FOR FINGERPRINT-RESISTANT STAINLESS APPLIANCES FROM MAYTAG

You’ll never have to worry about fingerprints on your beautiful dishwasher or microwave again with a fingerprint-resistant stainless appliance from Maytag. They are designed to resist fingerprints and smudges and make cleaning your appliance’s surface less of a chore.