Stainless steel is hardly ever stainless, especially if you have little ones running around the house. And as sleek as they may look, stainless steel appliances lose their alluring shine when they're covered with sticky fingerprints, smudges, water spots and streaks.

When considering how to clean stainless steel appliances like stoves, dishwashers or refrigerators, knowing what NOT to do is just as valuable as knowing what to do. Harsh abrasives, scouring powders or steel wool, as well as cleaning products containing chlorine, bleach and ammonia all have the potential to damage the finish. You should also steer clear of using oven cleaners, as they may scratch your surfaces. Even plain water can leave unsightly marks and spots if not utilized properly. Additionally, home remedies such as dish soap, white vinegar or baking soda may not always provide the desired results in your steel cleaning.

To save time, a combination cleaner and polish is ideal. Simple Green Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish cleans and polishes in one step, while actually creating a protective barrier to help resist future dust, marks and smudges, keeping your metal looking cleaner, longer. It's great for kitchen appliances, grills and other stainless steel surfaces.

Before cleaning, always determine the direction of the grain. The grain is the brushed finish of stainless steel, and it's different from surface-to-surface. Your stainless steel's grain will be faint lines running either horizontally or vertically, and it's important that you rub back-and-forth or up-and-down in the direction of the grain for optimum shine. If you mistakenly wipe against the grain, soils may sink deeper into the grain of the surface, resulting in more difficult removal.

Directions for Cleaning Stainless Steel

Oil-based stainless steel cleaners are popular, but often contain strong solvents or toxic petroleum distillates that Simple Green Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish does not. If you’ve previously used these products on your appliances, you should first use our Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner to strip off the built-up oil they leave behind.

1. Prep area for cleaning. Be sure appliances are cool to the touch before cleaning. It’s best to remove any food items from surfaces to be cleaned.
2. Apply Simple Green Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish by spraying onto a clean, lint-free cloth, microfiber or paper towel. Wipe along the grain of the metal surface.
3. Buff with a clean, non-abrasive cloth or microfiber to your desired luster.

Tip: Simple Green Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish can be used on more than just stainless steel. It’s a multi-metal safe formula that can be used on chrome, nickel, aluminum, alloys and more.