How to Clean Stainless Steel to Make It Shine

How to Clean Stainless Steel With Warm Water

A microfiber cloth moistened with warm water should be sufficient for most routine cleaning to remove grime and fingerprints.

Wipe the Surface With Warm Water

Simply wipe down the stainless steel surface with a damp microfiber cloth. Always wipe in the direction of the metal grain to help prevent scratches and create a polished finish.

1. Dry to Prevent Water Spots

   Use a dry cloth or towel to immediately dry the surface, again wiping in the direction of the metal grain. Drying is important because otherwise minerals in water can leave marks on stainless steel.

    

How to Clean Stainless Steel With Dish Soap

For cleaning that needs a little more power, a drop of mild dish soap and warm water can do a great job. This combination won't damage your stainless steel.

What You'll Need

Supplies

• Dish soap
• Warm water

Tools

• Microfiber cloth
• Towel

1. Add a Few Drops of Dish Soap to a Sink Full of Warm Water

   Another option is to put a small drop of dish soap on a microfiber cloth, then add warm water to the cloth.

2. 

    

3. Wipe Everything Down

   Wipe down the stainless steel with the cloth, rubbing in the same direction as the grain in the metal.

    
4. 

5. Rinse

   Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing away the dirt. Rinsing will help prevent staining and spotting due to soap residue.

    
6. 

7. Towel-Dry

   Towel-dry the metal to prevent water spots.

    
8. 

How to Clean Stainless Steel With Glass Cleaner

Fingerprints are one of the biggest complaints about stainless steel. You can take care of them by using glass cleaner.

What You'll Need

Supplies

• Glass cleaner
• Warm water

Tools

• 2 microfiber cloths
• Towel

1. Spray the Cleaner Onto a Microfiber Cloth

   Begin by spraying your cloth with your chosen glass cleaner. Spraying directly on the stainless steel can result in drips and overuse of the cleaner.

    
2. 

Wipe the Area in a Circular Motion

Wipe the stainless steel using a circular motion to remove fingerprints and stains. Repeat by spraying more cleaner on the cloth as needed.

Rinse and Dry the Surface

Rinse the surface with a microfiber cloth moistened with warm water. Finally, use a dry towel to dry the surface, moving in the direction of the metal grain to prevent any streaks.

How to Use Stainless Steel Cleaner

If you have stains that are difficult to remove or scratches on the surface, a stainless steel cleaner can be a good option. Some of these cleaners remove stains and protect against scratches. They can also be used to polish surfaces.

Read and follow the directions carefully, and be sure to test the cleaner on an inconspicuous spot first. When you're done, rinse the area thoroughly and towel dry.