Want Sparkling Clean Stainless Steel? These Cheap Pantry Staples Beat Soap Every Time

Here’s the thing about stainless steel kitchenware — it’s got a prickly side. Sure, it laughs in the face of rust and gives corrosion the cold shoulder, but it’s susceptible to fingerprints, water spots, and the occasional mysterious scratch that definitely wasn’t there yesterday. 

Despite being generally bulletproof, stainless steel has one quirky demand: it wants special cleaning treatment to keep looking like it just rolled off the showroom floor. No half-hearted wipe-downs, and even dish soap doesn’t always do the trick. 

If this Reddit discussion is any indicator, the struggle to keep stainless steel fridges, ovens and other appliances looking fresh is real. But we’ve devised an easy-to-follow guide to cleaning stainless steel that’s easy on the appliance but tough on its surface grime, stains and smudges.

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What to use for cleaning stainless steel

I like to go natural with my cleaning supplies whenever possible. Commercial cleaners can be effective, but many contain harsh chemicals and leave residues that you wouldn’t want on your appliances. You can make an effective and nontoxic cleaner out of these two pantry staples. 

If you’re going to use store-bought cleaner, be sure to use a cleaner specifically for stainless steel such as Barkeeper’s Friend.

Do not use any kind of cleaner that includes scouring powders, abrasives, bleach or ammonia. These damage the surface. Never use steel wool or a pumice stone, as they will permanently scratch your appliance. 

Every day

Every day, wipe down any food splatters, dust or grease that makes its way onto your appliance with a dishcloth. 

Orange peel is great for adding shine to your stainless steel. 

Alina Bradford/CNET

Also, remember to wipe in the direction of the grain. Like wood, stainless steel has different variations in the color of the surface. You’ll notice these run in lines across the surface in one direction. This is the grain. So, if the grain runs horizontally, then be sure to wipe left and right. If the grain runs vertically, wipe up and down. 

Every week

If you’re like me, once a week polish your stainless steel with the orange side of an orange peel. Orange peels produce natural oils that shine surfaces like stainless steel. 

The fresher the orange, the better it works — and again, be sure to work with the grain. This method not only makes your appliances look new but also gives your kitchen a fresh, citrusy smell.

Once a month

Every month, give your appliances an oil treatment to protect them from rust and smudges. This extra layer of protection will help prevent oxidation and create a barrier against fingerprints, water spots and other smudges that usually accumulate with use.

First, wipe down your appliance with white vinegar in the direction of the grain. Then rub it with olive oil or mineral oil along the grain.

For more cleaning tips, see how to get your filthy Keurig sparkling clean and make this all-purpose cleaner using three common kitchen ingredients.