What is the best way to clean stainless steel appliances

The sleek durability of stainless steel is a standard for today’s kitchens. While this hardworking finish is known for showing smudges and streaks, Maytag has some simple tips to help get the job done. Whether you’re working with a stainless steel refrigerator, dishwasher, stove or microwave, use this guide to keep your stainless steel appliances shiny.

Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances: The Basics

What is the best way to clean stainless steel appliances

Store-bought stainless steel cleaners are optimal for cleaning your appliances, and should give them a nice polish as well. They usually just need to be sprayed onto the appliance then wiped with a soft cloth in the direction of the grain. If you don’t have a stainless steel cleaner on hand, use warm water mixed with a drop of dish soap.

Cleaning stainless steel frequently will help maintain the polish. Be careful not to use any of the following on your stainless steel appliances: products containing bleach, abrasive or grainy cleaners, glass cleaner, oven cleaner, ammonia or abrasive cloths or pads like steel wool. 

What is the best way to clean stainless steel appliances

How To Clean & Polish Stainless Steel Appliances, Step-By-Step

Always check your appliance’s Use and Care Guide before cleaning. If you’re using a store-bought product like affresh® stainless steel cleaning spray, make sure to read the instructions on the label before beginning. Follow the steps below or watch a video to keep your stainless looking like new.

What is the best way to clean stainless steel appliances

What is the best way to clean stainless steel appliances

Step 1: Apply cleaner directly to the surface 

If using a store-bought cleaner, you’ll probably need to shake it before spraying. Once it’s shook up, spray it directly onto the stainless steel surface in an S pattern. If you’re using water with a drop of dish soap, apply it to the surface with a soft cloth. 

What is the best way to clean stainless steel appliances

Step 2: Wipe in the direction of the grain

Look for striations in the stainless steel finish running vertically or horizontally. This is the grain. Using a soft, dry cloth, wipe the cleaner in the direction of the grain. If you’re using a dish soap solution, rinse it off with a soft, damp cloth. 

What is the best way to clean stainless steel appliances

Step 3: Buff with a soft, dry cloth

Using a different soft, dry cloth, buff the surface in the direction of the grain until it shines. 

BRING BACK YOUR STAINLESS STEEL’S BRIGHTNESS

What is the best way to clean stainless steel appliances

Regular cleaning is essential, but you may also want to know how to remove rust and discoloration from stainless steel. Cooking and heat can create yellow stains or areas of rust on your appliances, especially your stove. The affresh® stainless steel brightener clears rust, heat discoloration and yellowing from stainless steel while restoring your appliance's brightness and shine.

SHOP NOW

Find the right tool for the job with affresh® stainless steel cleaners, the #1 recommended appliance cleaner brand by Maytag brand.1 You’ll never question your clean with a spray, mousse or brightener that delivers a like-new shine.

Model: W11042467

Color: Other

Model: W10252111

Color: Other

UPGRADE TO FINGERPRINT RESISTANT STAINLESS STEEL

What is the best way to clean stainless steel appliances

Most appliance brands today offer a finish that naturally resists smudges, like Maytag brand’s Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel. This seriously stealthy finish resists fingerprints, smears and streaks to keep your appliance looking as good on the outside as it works on the inside. And when major messes happen, it cleans up with a simple wipe. 

EXPLORE FINISH

Discover more appliance cleaning tips

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1. affresh® brand products and the recommending brands’ products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.

What should you not clean stainless steel appliances with?

7 Cleaning Products You Should Never Use on Stainless Steel.
Harsh abrasives..
Scouring powders..
Steel wool..
Bleach and other chlorine products..
Glass cleaners that contain ammonia, such as Windex..
Tap water, especially if yours tends to be hard water (use clean distilled or filtered H2O instead).
Oven cleaners..

Can I use Windex on my stainless steel appliances?

If all you're dealing with are those smudgy fingerprints, you can give your stainless steel appliances a quick touch-up using glass cleaner. Brands like Windex will do just fine, here. Once again, spray the solution onto your cleaning rag and apply it to the smudgy areas on your appliances using a circular motion.

How do you clean stainless steel without streaks?

Look for striations in the stainless steel finish running vertically or horizontally. This is the grain. Using a soft, dry cloth, wipe the cleaner in the direction of the grain. If you're using a dish soap solution, rinse it off with a soft, damp cloth.

How do you clean stainless steel and make it shine?

If you're looking for greater natural shine, use olive oil, white vinegar, or a specifically formulated stainless steel cleaner. Always use a gentle microfiber cloth to prevent scuffs, use a light coating of mineral oil to avoid grime, and if any stainless-steel cookware is left in the sink, wash it right away.