How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances
I have lived with stainless steel appliances for more than eight years. During that time I’ve battled fingerprints, smudges and mystery streaks across every surface. Manufacturer manuals often recommend specialty cleaners and warn against using certain chemicals that might damage the finish.
Despite those cautions, I discovered that simple glass cleaner—Windex—consistently gave me the best results for wiping down fronts and handles. It felt risky at first, but after years of cleaning with Windex and paper towels I’ve had no problems with the appliance finishes. It cleans beautifully on several major-brand refrigerators, dishwashers and ovens in our home.
Not all stainless is created equal. We also have a stainless-looking sink that stains and rusts and resists cleaning; Windex doesn’t help there. Some pieces are higher-quality stainless with a more resilient finish, while others can show wear more easily. For those tricky sinks or lower-grade steel, you may need different cleaners designed for that specific material.
If you’re considering finishes for a new kitchen, stainless remains a popular choice because it looks modern and coordinates with many styles. It does require regular wiping to keep it looking pristine, though, and different brands and parts of your kitchen may respond to different products.
I especially love the inside of my Electrolux dishwasher — it’s sturdy, looks clean and keeps that fresh stainless appearance.
If you could choose any appliance finish for a new kitchen, would you choose stainless or something else? What finish would you pick?
Share your favorite stainless steel cleaning tips in the comments.
Disclaimer: use any products on your stainless appliances at your own risk. Test cleaners in an inconspicuous spot first and follow manufacturer recommendations when available.
Prefer white appliances? Consider that look as well for a classic, bright kitchen.
This post was part of a Homemaking series sponsored by Electrolux. An Electrolux appliance was provided for participation; opinions expressed are my own. My previous dishwasher was donated.
The other posts in this series include:
My New Dishwasher, Order from Chaos, 3 Truths and a Lie, How to Organize a Kitchen, My Dishes: Lessons Learned