The Best Stainless Steel Cleaner for Shiny, Streak-Free Appliances

A few years ago we redid the kitchen with gorgeous stainless steel appliances—sleek, modern, and beautiful… until someone touches them. Fingerprints and smudges show up fast, but thankfully, I’ve discovered that keeping stainless steel clean doesn’t have to be hard, expensive or use chemical cleaners.

My Original Routine for Cleaning Stainless Steel

When I first started cleaning them, I used a simple method:

• Wipe down with a soapy cloth

• Rinse with clean water

• Dry with a microfiber cloth (always wiping with the grain)

It worked fine, but let’s be honest—it was a bit of a process. I wanted something quicker. Something I (or one of the kids) could spray and wipe everything down everyday. I tested a mixture of vinegar, water, and Dawn dish soap. It was decent, but I kept looking for that holy grail.

And then I found the winner…and it couldn’t be simpler…

The Best DIY Stainless Steel Cleaner: Just Vinegar!

That’s right—good old-fashioned distilled white vinegar is now my go-to non-toxic stainless steel cleaner. It’s cheap, effective, and safe. You probably already have some in your pantry. If not, grab a gallon next time you’re at the store. Vinegar is cheap at Walmart, Costco and Sam’s Club!

To use it to clean stainless steel, just:

1. Pour vinegar into a clean spray bottle

2. Lightly mist your appliance

3. Wipe clean with a soft microfiber cloth (always with the grain)

4. Buff dry if needed

That’s it!

Does it leave an odor? Nope! The vinegar smell fades quickly once it dries, and your appliances will look polished and clean without any residue or harsh fumes.

Pro tip: Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh cleaners—those can scratch the surface. Always wipe with the grain and dry thoroughly to avoid streaks.

Optional: Want Extra Shine?

Some people swear by polishing with a tiny bit of oil (like olive oil or baby oil) afterward. Personally, I skip this step and still love the results. The photos in this post? Just vinegar!

Final Thoughts

Not all stainless steel is created equal. Some finishes respond better to certain products, so feel free to test a few things to see what works for you. But for me? Vinegar is the best at cleaning stainless steel I’ve found. It’s simple, effective, and totally non-toxic.

If vinegar alone doesn’t do the trick on your appliances, here are some other options you can try:

• DIY Window Cleaner or use Windex

• Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish – a popular commercial option

• Pledge – yes, the furniture polish!

• DIY Streak-Free Counter Cleaner

• Club Soda – spray and wipe with the grain using a microfiber cloth

• WD-40 – surprisingly effective for stubborn spots

• A mix of equal parts baby oil and rubbing alcohol

Let me know in the comments—do you have a favorite DIY cleaner for stainless steel or method that works for you?

👉 And don’t miss this easy way to clean your stainless steel sink too!

Sources: Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things by Reader’s Digest pg. 181, CleanMama