The sleek and hygienic characteristics of stainless steel make it a popular finish for appliances and household fixtures.

However, it seems to attract fingerprints and smears more frequently than other surfaces. Thankfully, there are particular methods to help you keep your stainless steel looking shiny and new.

Also, keep in mind to test them on a small undetectable section of your appliance before using it all over. If your appliance is new or you still have a user manual, refer to this for special cleaning instructions too.

Are you wondering how to clean stainless steel? Look no further than these 4 easy methods.

1. Microfiber Cloth

With any cleaning solution, you always want to use a microfiber cloth for your stainless steel appliances. Using anything harsher like sponges or scrubbers will undoubtedly damage and scratch your stainless steel. You can even use a microfiber cloth and a bit of water to wipe away any smudges or quick touch-ups.

Microfiber cloths are also the best material to use because they don’t leave streaks when you buff away messes. Use a clean cloth and your cleaning solution to clean the appliance, and then dry it off with a second cloth. Using the second cloth will ensure no water spots remain.

For a streak-free finish, it is also recommended that you wipe in the direction of the stainless steel grain.

2. Stainless Steel Solution

By using a solution made specifically for your stainless steel appliances, you ensure that you’re using the safest cleanser. There are options for wipes and sprays that are already pre-made and allow you to simply spray and wipe. For ease and efficiency of treating everyday spots, this is the best option.

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar

For difficult messes that require more than a simple spray down, or if you’re looking for ways how to clean a stainless steel sink, baking soda and vinegar is the way to go. Grease stains, dried food drips, water stains, and caked-on grime are no match for this cleaning combo.

Carefully mix a paste of these common household cleaners and lightly buff the affected areas. The baking soda is abrasive enough to scrub away difficult residues but not so rough that it scratches your appliances.

Once you’ve wiped away most of the soiled surface, wipe it down again with water to get any baking soda residue off. Then you can go in with your stainless steel polish or spray to create a fresh and shiny finish.

4. Glass Cleaner

Glass cleaner adds a shine to your appliances after you’ve removed the mess. Use it to finish off any of the previous methods, or spray it on and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth to remove a few fingerprints and grease spots. Either way, it’s effective and leaves your stainless steel bright and shiny.