What’s the best way to clean stainless steel?

Stainless steel is a popular material for appliances, kitchen sinks, taps and even kitchen cabinet doors. But how do you ensure your stainless steel stays as shiny as it was on the day you brought it home?

Here, we’ll look at the best way to clean stainless steel.

Best way to clean stainless steel

There are lots of different grades of stainless steel, and some are harder-wearing than others. With that in mind, the absolute best way to clean stainless steel is by following the manufacturer’s instructions – check the manual if you still have it, or search for your appliance online.

That said, if you’re looking for general advice on how to clean stainless steel, here are a few of the best methods.

1. Best for regular cleaning: water

First things first, using water is probably the best way to clean stainless steel if you don’t have any stubborn stains to get out. To make your stainless steel shine, simply:

• Dip a microfibre cloth in warm water
• Wipe the stainless steel
• Make sure to follow the grain of the stainless steel, to avoid scratches
• Dry it with a dry towel or cloth to prevent watermarks

2. Best for light marks: washing up liquid

If your stainless steel needs a bit more power to clean it, you can try adding a drop of mild washing-up liquid:

• Add a drop of washing-up liquid to a microfibre cloth, then wet with warm water
• Wipe the stainless steel in the same direction of the grain
• Rinse to prevent the soap residue from marking
• Dry the stainless steel with a towel or cloth

3. Best for stains and fingerprints: window cleaner

To get rid of stains and fingerprints, you can try cleaning your stainless steel using window cleaner – just make sure to choose one that doesn’t contain ammonia, as this could damage your stainless steel.

• Spray window cleaner onto a microfibre cloth
• Wipe the stainless steel in a circular motion
• Repeat until all fingerprints and marks have been removed
• Rinse the surface using a microfibre cloth dipped in warm water
• Dry the surface by wiping a dry towel over it in the direction of the grain

4. Best for stubborn watermarks: vinegar

If your stainless steel is covered in unsightly limescale, vinegar is your best friend:

• Create a solution of one part vinegar to two parts water
• Dip a microfibre cloth in the solution
• Wipe down your stainless steel surface, without letting the vinegar sit on it
• Rinse the surface with a microfibre cloth dipped in warm water
• Dry it with a towel

How NOT to clean stainless steel

It’s important to be careful about what cleaning methods you use on stainless steel, as the wrong methods could stain, scratch or dull your stainless steel.

Here are a few methods that you should generally avoid:

• Harsh abrasives
• Bleach or other products that contain chlorine
• Glass cleaner that contains ammonia
• Oven cleaner
• Scouring powder
• Steel wool

Get your stainless steel cleaned professionally

If you don’t feel confident cleaning your stainless steel surfaces – or you simply lack the time and energy – why not get your stainless steel cleaned professionally?

Not only will your cleaner be confident using the right methods to avoid damaging your stainless steel, but they should also carry insurance to protect your items just in case. And of course, using a professional who has experience cleaning stainless steel will ensure a sparkling finish that you might struggle to attain yourself!