How to Clean Stainless Steel Without Streaks

Stainless steel looks amazing for about five minutes after you clean it. Then someone opens the fridge, and it's back to fingerprints. If you've ever wiped your appliances only to end up with more streaks than you started with, this one's for you.

Why stainless steel streaks so easily

Stainless steel shows everything: oils from fingers, water spots, cooking splatter and any residue left behind by your cleaner. Most streaks come from three things:

• Using too much product and not wiping it all away
• Wiping against the grain
• Using a cloth that leaves lint or has fabric softener in it

First, find the grain

Most stainless steel appliances have a brushed finish. Look closely at your fridge or dishwasher and you'll see faint lines running in one direction, usually horizontal or vertical. That's the grain. Always wipe along it, never across or in circles. It's the single biggest difference between a streaky finish and a polished one.

How to clean stainless steel appliances

1. Mix a gentle cleaner. A few drops of dishwashing liquid in a bowl of warm water is all you need.
2. Wipe with the grain. Dampen your cloth, wring it out well and wipe along the grain to lift grease and fingerprints.
3. Rinse. Go over it again with a cloth dampened with plain water to remove any soap.
4. Buff dry. Finish with a dry, lint-free cloth, again following the grain. This is the step that takes it from clean to gleaming.

For everyday fingerprints

You don't need to do the full routine every time. For fresh fingerprints and smudges, a cloth dampened with water and a quick dry buff is usually enough. A good cleaning cloth picks up the oils rather than spreading them around, so you can skip the spray altogether.

What not to use on stainless steel

• Bleach or chlorine cleaners. They can stain and corrode the surface.
• Steel wool and abrasive scourers. They'll leave scratches you can't buff out.
• Abrasive cream cleansers on brushed finishes, unless the manufacturer says they're fine.
• Oven cleaner. Far too harsh for appliance fronts.
• Glass cleaner with ammonia. It can leave stubborn streaks and dull the finish.

Some newer appliances have a fingerprint-resistant coating that needs extra care, so check your manual if yours is labelled that way.

Cleaning other stainless steel around the house

Stainless steel sink

Sprinkle bicarb soda over a damp sink, scrub gently with a soft sponge along the grain, then rinse. A spritz of white vinegar afterwards will fizz away any leftover bicarb and help with water spots. Dry it with a cloth for a mirror-like finish.

Rangehood

Rangehoods collect a sticky layer of grease. Warm water with a generous squeeze of dishwashing liquid will cut through it. Wipe along the grain, rinse and buff dry. Pop the filters in the dishwasher if the manufacturer says they're dishwasher safe.

Stovetops and ovens

Always let them cool completely first. Wiping hot surfaces is a burn risk, and heat can damage your cloth too.

Stainless steel FAQs

Can I use vinegar on stainless steel?

Diluted white vinegar is fine for water spots on most stainless steel, but don't leave it sitting on the surface. Rinse and dry afterwards.

Does olive oil make stainless steel shine?

A tiny amount on a dry cloth will add shine, but it can attract dust and fingerprints. If you try it, use the smallest amount possible and buff well.

Why does my stainless steel fridge look streaky after cleaning?

Usually leftover cleaner, wiping against the grain, or a cloth with softener residue. Rinse with plain water and buff dry along the grain.

DirtyGirl cleaning cloths are streak-free on stainless steel and work with just water, which means fewer sprays under the sink. See our Wash, Use & Care Guide for everything else they can do.

Please note: the tips in this post are general information only. Every home, surface, fabric and appliance is different, so always check the manufacturer's care instructions and patch test on a small, hidden area first. Any tips are used at your own risk, and DirtyGirl can't be held responsible for any damage that may result.