Top 5 Stainless Steel Cleaners
Best Wipes: Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaning Wipes Best Plant-Based Cleaner: Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish Best For Sinks: Hope’s Perfect Sink Cleaner and Polish Best Aerosol Cleaner: CLR Spot-Free Stainless Steel Aerosol Spray Can Best Reusable Cleaner: Nano Towels Stainless Steel Cleaner
Best Wipes: Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaning Wipes
For those looking for a quick, convenient way to clean stainless steel products, these wipes will do the trick. They come covered in a pH-neutral solution that works on all types of stainless steel surfaces and appliances, including grills, countertops, trash cans, microwaves, and range hoods.
Key Features
Wipes Two 30-wipe containers Streak-free formula
What Customers Are Saying
Customers said that these wipes were easy to use and effective on multiple appliances. Reviewers also liked how they didn’t have an unpleasant smell. However, those who didn’t like this product claimed that the wipes sometimes left behind streaks and dried out quickly.
Best Plant-Based Cleaner: Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish
Made with natural coconut oil, this plant-based cleaner is an environmentally friendly option for cleaning your stainless steel appliances. After cleaning and shining your appliances, it leaves a protective barrier that helps fight off future fingerprints, dust, oil, and smudges for days.
Key Features
Spray 16-ounce bottle Solvent-free, pH-neutral formula
What Customers are Saying
Those who were happy with this product liked that it was simple to use and came with a microfiber cloth. They also appreciated how little spray they needed to use to get a thorough clean. However, those who were unhappy with the cleaner claimed that the liquid sometimes left streaks or smudges and that the bottle leaked easily.
Best For Sinks: Hope’s Perfect Sink Cleaner and Polish
Stainless steel sinks can be tough to clean, but this product does the work for you with its water-repellent formula that removes rust stains and water spots. It both cleans and polishes for a one-stop solution to maintaining your kitchen sink.
Key Features
Liquid Two 8.5-ounce bottles Water-repellant formula
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who were pleased with this stainless steel cleaner said that it had a pleasant scent, effectively eliminated acid stains, and left a shine. However, displeased customers claimed that they had to use a lot of the liquid to get their sink clean, which meant that they ran out of the product sooner than they expected to. Others didn’t like that it was more expensive than other similar sink cleaners.
Best Aerosol Cleaner: CLR Spot-Free Stainless Steel Aerosol Spray Can
Packaged in an aerosol can, this cleaner works simply by spraying onto your appliance. You follow up the spray with a cloth to wipe the area. This cleaner removes dirt, dust, fingerprints, and smudges from all stainless steel surfaces and appliances in your kitchen, including grills, fridges, and dishwashers.
Key Features
Aerosol spray 12-ounce bottle Spot- and streak-free formula
What Customers Are Saying
Those who liked this cleaner said that it worked quickly and was effective at removing fingerprints. However, some customers were unhappy with this product because it had an overwhelming odor and left a film on appliances.
Best Reusable Cleaner: Nano Towels Stainless Steel Cleaner
If you’re tired of purchasing more stainless steel cleaner every few months, this cleaning towel is the solution for you. It’s reusable, cleaning your steel appliances for years to come. It only needs water to eliminate smudges and fingerprints, and once you’re done using it, you can hang it on a hook from the built-in loop.
Key Features
Towel 7 by 16 inches Double-sided design
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers said that this towel was convenient, dried quickly, and required minimal effort. However, some unsatisfied customers said that it didn’t leave a shine. In fact, it sometimes left streaks.
Buyer’s Guide
From microwaves to stoves, stainless steel is a common material in the kitchen. Read our guide below to learn how to choose the right cleaner for your appliances.
Appliance or Surface
Not all stainless steel cleaners work on all stainless steel appliances and surfaces. For example, some liquid cleaners have an abrasive formula that can scratch delicate items, such as cookware. Check the label on your stainless steel cleaner to determine if it’s the right fit for the items you need to be cleaned.
Application
Stainless steel cleaners come in many forms, including:
Pre-soaked wipes Sprays Liquids Reusable towels Creams Powders
Each form is just as effective as the next one, so it comes down to personal preference. For example, maybe you are environmentally conscious and want a reusable option.
Scent
Some cleaners have powerful smells, especially if they’re made from harsh chemicals. Too harsh of a scent can cause headaches, especially if the cleaner is used in a small area. If you’re sensitive to smells, look for a cleaner with an odorless formula, weak scent, or floral or fruity scent.
How do you clean stainless steel?
Check the instructions on your cleaner to determine the best way to use it. Generally, stainless steel cleaners are applied onto the surface or onto a cloth or paper towel and gently rubbed. Once the surface is clean, wipe the product away with a new cloth.
How do you remove scratches from stainless steel?
The method for removing scratches from stainless steel depends largely on the size of the scratch. Small scratches may be fixed by rubbing a small amount of non-abrasive compound into the surface. However, larger scratches may require a scouring pad and more elbow grease. Even then, you might not be able to fully eliminate them.
How do you maintain a stainless steel finish?
Find a product that’s specifically designed for maintaining stainless steel finishes. Some cleaners may also polish your steel, cutting down on the number of products you need. Alternatively, some household items, such as baking soda, vinegar, and flour, can be effective at maintaining polished stainless steel.
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