5 Ways to Clean Stainless Steel for a Streak-Free Finish

33" Atlas 60/40 Offset Double-Bowl Stainless Steel Farmhouse Sink in Gunmetal Black for cleaning stainless steel

With a high resistance to rust, extreme temperatures, and — as the name implies — stains, there is a place for stainless steel across all areas of the home. Though reliably durable, the material is not indestructible, with maintenance needed to keep it looking like new.

Though many stainless steel cleaners are on the market, there are a variety of methods for cleaning and maintaining stainless steel using what you already have around the house that work just as well, if not better. Follow along for our favorite home remedies, along with some quick tips, for how to clean stainless steel.

Method #1 - Dish Soap & Baby Oil Remedy

For general, everyday cleaning and a streak-free shine, look no further than this quick, easy home remedy.

What You'll Need:

Dish detergent
Baby oil
Cleaning rag
Soft cloth

Illustration of tools & materials to clean stainless steel using method 1 - dish detergent, baby oil, cleaning rag, soft cloth

Step 1

Place a small amount of dish detergent on your cleaning rag, and dampen the rag with warm water.

Step 2

Wipe along the surface of the stainless steel in the direction of the grain (this may run horizontally or vertically).

Step 3

When all dirt is wiped away, dry any remaining water marks with a soft cloth or paper towel.

Step 4

Apply a small amount of baby oil to the soft cloth.

Step 5

Polish the steel with the cloth and baby oil in the direction of the grain.

Step 1

Place a small amount of dish detergent on your cleaning rag, and dampen the rag with warm water.

Step 2

Wipe along the surface of the stainless steel in the direction of the grain (this may run horizontally or vertically).

Step 3

When all dirt is wiped away, dry any remaining water marks with a soft cloth or paper towel.

Step 4

Apply a small amount of baby oil to the soft cloth.

Step 5

Polish the steel with the cloth and baby oil in the direction of the grain.

Method #2 – Vinegar & Olive Oil Remedy

This remedy is perfect for cleaning stainless steel and leaving a streak-free shine, especially for those seeking a natural stainless steel cleaner.

What You'll Need:

Vinegar
Spray bottle
Paper towel
Soft cloth
Olive oil or mineral oil

Illustration of tools & materials to clean stainless steel using method 2 - vinegar, spray bottle, paper towel, soft cloth

Step 1

Spray your stainless steel surface with vinegar.

Step 2

With a paper towel or soft cloth, wipe away the vinegar. Be sure to wipe in the direction of the grain.

Step 3

Dip your soft cloth in a small amount of olive or mineral oil.

Step 4

Polish the steel with the cloth and oil in the direction of the grain.

Step 1

Spray your stainless steel surface with vinegar.

Step 2

With a paper towel or soft cloth, wipe away the vinegar. Be sure to wipe in the direction of the grain.

Step 3

Dip your soft cloth in a small amount of olive or mineral oil.

Step 4

Polish the steel with the cloth and oil in the direction of the grain.

Method #3 – Dish Soap & Rubbing Alcohol Remedy

Try this simple remedy for removing grease or stains from your stainless steel surfaces.

What You'll Need:

Soft cloth
Cleaning rag
Dish detergent
Rubbing alcohol

Illustration of tools & materials to clean stainless steel using method 3 - soft cloth, cleaning rag, dish detergent

Step 1

Wipe the surface of the fixture with a warm, damp rag and a small amount of dish detergent.

Step 2

Dry the fixture with a soft cloth.

Step 3

If grease or oil stains remain, wet a soft cloth with a small amount of rubbing alcohol.

Step 4

Rub the stain thoroughly with the cloth until stain is diminished.

Step 5

Rinse the area with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

Step 1

Wipe the surface of the fixture with a warm, damp rag and a small amount of dish detergent.

Step 2

Dry the fixture with a soft cloth.

Step 3

If grease or oil stains remain, wet a soft cloth with a small amount of rubbing alcohol.

Step 4

Rub the stain thoroughly with the cloth until stain is diminished.

Step 5

Rinse the area with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

Method #4 – Dish Soap & Baking Soda Remedy

This is an excellent at-home solution for tackling tough stains on stainless steel.

What You'll Need:

Soft cloth
Cleaning rag or soft-bristled brush
Dish detergent
Baking soda

Illustration of tools & materials to clean stainless steel using method 4 - soft cloth, cleaning rag or brush, dish detergent

Step 1

Combine baking soda, dish detergent, and warm water to create a paste.

Step 2

Apply the paste to the stain and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 3

Scrub the area with a dampened rag or a soft-bristled brush.

Step 4

Rinse the area with warm water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Step 1

Combine baking soda, dish detergent, and warm water to create a paste.

Step 2

Apply the paste to the stain and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 3

Scrub the area with a dampened rag or a soft-bristled brush.

Step 4

Rinse the area with warm water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Method #5 – Club Soda

To remove rust on stainless steel, try this! Popular for removing stains in clothing, this easy alternative is also known to restore the luster of metals by removing dirt, grime, and rust with its carbonation.

What You'll Need:

Club soda
Spray bottle
Soft cloth

Illustration of tools & materials to clean stainless steel using method 5 - club soda, spray bottle, soft cloth

Step 1

Spray your stainless steel surface with club soda.

Step 2

Using the soft cloth, wipe in the direction of the grain to both clean and polish.

Step 1

Spray your stainless steel surface with club soda.

Step 2

Using the soft cloth, wipe in the direction of the grain to both clean and polish.

Quick Tips

Never clean with abrasive materials like steel wool or scouring pads.
Do not use abrasive cleaners such as chlorine bleach, chloride, or oven cleaner.
Always go with the grain when both cleaning and polishing.
For green cleaning, opt for natural cleaning solutions like white vinegar or olive oil.
Do not use silver cleaners or polish on stainless steel.
Using harsh tap water may result in unsightly spots or stains.

FAQs About Cleaning Stainless Steel

Can I use Clorox wipes on stainless steel?

Using any cleaner containing bleach, such as Clorox wipes, should not be used on metal surfaces like stainless steel, as this could result in corrosion or rust.