Best Stainless Steel Cleaners

The 10 Best Stainless Steel Cleaners for Cookware

"Disclaimer: Thank you for reading our post and in full transparency, we may earn an affiliate commission when you buy products through our links. This will not cost you anything extra, but the small commission we receive helps keep funding our reviews and articles. Learn more about our review process here."

Are you in the market for a cleaning product that will ensure your stainless steel utensils and appliances look as good as the day you bought them? While stainless steel is known for being durable, it can still become tarnished as time goes on. This can leave your stainless steel utensils and appliances looking a little worse for wear, which is why having the best stainless steel cleaner is so important.

Choosing a cleaner that is specifically designed for stainless steel is the best choice you can make. However, there are so many options on the market that claim to be the best that finding out which bring something new to the table can be time-consuming and frustrating. Our comprehensive list of the top 10 stainless steel cleaners will save you the trouble since you’ll already have things narrowed down to just a few of the most high-quality options.

For those who want extra information on stainless steel cleaners, we’ll also share some of our thoughts on the best features of cleaners and how to use the cleaner you do decide to go with. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to properly care for your stainless steel using one of the best cleaners on the market.

Best Pick

Therapy Premium Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish

Therapy Premium Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish is one of the best choices and uses plant-based ingredients to clean and protect stainless steel in a simple single step.

Budget Pick

Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaning Wipes

For convenient cleaning of stainless steel, Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaning Wipes offers an easy way to remove haze, streaks, grease, residue, and more.

Quick Comparison – 10 Top Stainless Steel Cleaners


Therapy Premium’s stainless steel cleaner is a top pick for many reasons, not least of which is the fact that it uses an entirely plant-based formula to clean up your appliances. It’s designed to be safe to use anywhere, even around kids or your cats and dogs. It also happens to work quite well in terms of leaving your stainless steel shiny and clean without using harsh chemicals that can smell bad and even be harmful to your body.

This product comes in a 16-ounce spray bottle, so it’s simple to use and looks great at the same time. Since it comes with everything you need, you can get started using it right away without digging around for other cleaning tools. It also lists all ingredients on its label, which include natural substances like coconut oil, essential oil blends, and water.

Instead of the chemical smell that comes with many cleaners, this one offers an herbal scent that will relax and comfort you. It also leaves a nice shiny finish, which may not last forever, but helps with repelling dirt and dust.

Highlighted Features

  • Comes with everything you need including a soft and gentle microfiber cloth for cleaning
  • Offers safety on a wide range of surfaces so you won’t need additional products
  • Ability to repel dirt, dust, fingerprints, and other debris for less frequent use

When you’re looking for options that work well for frequent less-intensive cleaning, these stainless steel wipes from Weiman are a pick that you can’t afford to ignore. In between bouts of deep cleaning, they provide the perfect way to remove fingerprints from oven doors, wipe up cooking splatters and other smaller cleaning tasks. They come in a resealable, convenient canister to prevent them from dying out.

Using these wipes is simple, as wiping with the grain and buffing with a cloth prevents streams and ensures all dirt and debris are thoroughly removed. Those who have stainless steel grills can also use these wipes to get rid of grease smears on an outside grill or smoker. Similar to other stainless steel wipes, these can get into tight spots easily, something that can be more difficult when using a liquid spray where the cleaner runs down a crack before you can reach it.

One potential downside to be aware of with this cleaner is that it can darken some metals like aluminum, though this isn’t an issue if you’re only going to be using it on stainless steel. The wipes also have a habit of quickly drying out if the canister hasn’t been closed properly, so double-checking it’s properly secured is a good idea.

Highlighted Features

  • Wipes are designed to be easy to use and can fit into even the tightest of spaces
  • The disposable nature of these stainless steel wipes makes them great for quick clean-ups
  • Capable of removing smudges, fingerprints, and water spots for convenience

3. TriNova Premium Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish

This stainless steel cleaner and polish by TriNova is a premium formulation that removes grease, food splatter and more using a water-based list of ingredients that are non-abrasive to prevent scratching. This also coats the surface of your appliances to keep pesky fingerprints and dust from sticking. To use, all you have to do is shake the bottle and spray. The cleaning solution is also rather thick, so it doesn’t run down the front of appliances as quickly as other products might.

The cloth that comes with the bottle is large, and one side is designed to apply and wipe cleaner, while the other side is perfect for buffing. This stainless steel cleaner can be used on any surface made of stainless steel, whether that’s a small appliance like a stand mixer, a large one like a refrigerator, the outside of pans, or even wheels on a vehicle. It’s also capable of cleaning hard plastic, which makes it more versatile than most options.

One of the only issues common with this cleaner is that you aren’t going to find it in big-box stores like many other stainless steel cleaners. However, since it’s readily available online, this won’t be an issue for most people.

Highlighted Features

  • Features an easy to use formula that removes smudges and grease quickly and easily
  • Provided package also comes with a microfiber cloth
  • Offers a streak-free option to keep all your stainless steel looking as good as new

4. 3M Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish

This cleaner and polish for stainless steel comes from the well-known 3M company. It offers a tremendous amount of versatility, so it can be used almost anywhere and on anything. It can remove stains on stainless steel and polish surfaces so that they look just as good as new. Beyond working on stainless steel, it can also be used to clean chrome, aluminum and laminated plastics.

This is a non-evaporating foam cleaner that will polish at the same time as it cleans, so you don’t have to go through any extra steps to achieve your desired result. It gets rid of grease stains and offers a citrus fragrance that is much nicer than the scent of most stainless steel cleaners on the market. It can be used to minimize the appearance of fingerprints and resists streaking after application.

The only negative for some people is that the film that is left on your stainless steel items may not be something you want to deal with. Otherwise, you’re getting a quality cleaner from a popular manufacturer with a positive reputation.

Highlighted Features

  • Leaves a light protective film over your stainless steel
  • Easy to apply and cleans and polishes at the same time
  • Works well in the home as well as offices, garages, commercial kitchens, and other locations

5. CLR Stainless Steel Cleaner 

The typical process of cleaning stainless steel involves using the cleaner to clean stains and smudges and then using a dry cloth to buff out streaks that the cleaner might leave behind. However, with CLR Stainless Steel Cleaner, the process is quick and easy and negates the need for this extra buffing step. All you have to do is shake the can, spray and use a microfiber cloth to achieve a streak-free and shiny finish.

Many stainless steel cleaners have an intense chemical smell that people prefer to avoid, and while this product does have a scent, it’s very light and dissipates quickly, so you don't end up with a headache. It removes debris and dirt from everything from dishwashers to barbeque grills, countertops, and small appliances. It also comes in an environmentally-friendly, recyclable container, making it a great option for the eco-friendly among us.

One thing to be aware of is that this is a petroleum-based cleaner, so you should take care never to use it near gas flames or appliances that are hot. Make sure everything is cooled down to prevent accidents or injury.

Highlighted Features

  • A one-step cleaning option that works well for removing smudges and fingerprints
  • Has a mild scent that dissipates quickly
  • One of the few stainless steel cleaners on the market that does not require an additional buffing step

6. Hope’s Perfect Stainless Steel Cleaner

It can be a great idea to stock up on cleaner once you find a top-quality option that suits your needs. It keeps you from worrying that the product is going to run out or needing to make an emergency purchase when the store may or may not have the item in stock. Hope's Perfect Stainless Steel Polish eliminates this issue by allowing you to buy in bulk.

Another positive with this product is that it applies super easily; all you have to do is spray it onto a surface and then wipe it away for a streak-free, clean surface that will help keep dust moisture at bay. However, it’s best used as a quick clean option, as it doesn’t work as well as other options at scrubbing away excessive grime or dirt.

This is another option that isn’t let down by an overbearing scent, and it also eliminates the need for buffing once you’re finished with the cleaning.

Highlighted Features

  • Offers a very simple to use design that promises streak-free performance for convenience
  • Comes in a variety of packages including one, two, four, five, six, or 12 bottles of cleaner
  • Includes a formulation that is thicker than average to prevent it from running down vertical surfaces

7. Cerama Bryte Stainless Steel Cleaning Polish

One of the things that sets Cerama Bryte Stainless Steel Cleaning Polish apart from the rest is that it comes in a mineral oil formula made to protect and polish any stainless steel surfaces just as well as it handles everyday cleaning. While it isn’t made for deep cleaning, it can handle frequent use to clean up stains and water spots, so all your appliances look great day after day. It also comes in a pack of two, so you aren’t going to be running out anytime soon.

This is a non-aerosol option, making it more environmentally friendly and less harsh on your space. It can be applied using a soft, clean cloth for an even and smooth coating that offers less streaking than other types of cleaners. This product is also sampled by the company GE Appliances, adding to its reputability as a high-quality cleaner.  

However, keep in mind that this polish can leave a film on your appliances and may not be the best option for deep cleaning. It’s also a bit thin, so it might run down some surfaces before you have a chance to work with it.

Highlighted Features

  • A bright and clear finish that will leave your utensils and appliances looking brand new
  • Offers a protective coating after use so dirt and debris won’t stick to the surface
  • Uses a special formula that is best used for regular light cleaning

8. Magic Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish Trigger Spray

When you want a trusted product used all across the market, Magic Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish is one that should definitely be on your list. It offers a fantastic option for removing grease, smudges, fingerprints, and residue from utensils and other stainless steel products. It gets its cleaning power from a pH neutral formula that is compatible with stainless steel surfaces of all kinds.

This product creates a protective film which acts as a barrier to help prevent future grime and grunge. It works a pump spray that allows you to spray out as much or as little as you want at one time. This can make it last longer than other products where you have less control over the application.

The main thing to be aware of with this stainless steel cleaner is that it can end up making your stainless steel kitchenware a little darker after use, but this is common with a wide variety of cleaners. Otherwise, it’s an option that many find meets their needs and lasts a long time.

Highlighted Features

  • Designed to prevent unwanted residue on your appliances and utensils
  • Has a quick and easy application process and is just as straightforward to remove when done
  • Offers a fingerprint resistance formula that can keep your appliances looking great for days

9. MiracleWipes for Stainless Steel Cleaning

These MiracleWipes for Stainless Steel Cleaning were created specifically for use in the kitchen on appliances but can also be used on other surfaces. The advanced cleaning formula applied to the wipes ensures everything you use them on is perfectly polished with a nice shiny finish. These steel-cleaning wipes can help lift and remove everything from dirt and dust to grease, food particles and other residue.

Not only do these wipes clean off any debris on your appliances, but they also protect them by leaving a film to prevent other dust and dirt from collecting. They’re one of the easiest to use products you could choose since they come in a large canister that allows you to simply pull out a wipe, use it, and toss it in the trash. They have also been made to be safe for those who have sensitive skin.

Sometimes the wipes can tear when you are pulling them out, but they can still be used in the same way as wipes that don’t, so that shouldn’t be an issue. As long as you use them properly, they will keep your items clean and protected so you only need to clean every once in a while.

Highlighted Features

  • Comes in a compact canister with easy-pull technology to make it easier to grab a wipe
  • Offers a pH balanced cleaning formula that is effective and safe on both black and silver stainless steel
  • Ideal for use on range hoods, trash cans, steel sinks, microwaves, trash compactors, and more

10. Endust Stainless Steel Cleaner

With Endust Stainless Steel Cleaner, you get plenty of cleaner in a formula that is made to work on everything from kitchen appliances to faucets, sinks, grills and countertops. Since it comes as a spray, it’s easy to use and thicker than some options, so you don’t have to hurry too much when you’re cleaning up vertical surfaces.

Rather than having a chemical smell that permeates everything in the room, this cleaner has a nice, fragrant scent that many people enjoy. It also offers a better shine than many other stainless steel cleaners.

Highlighted Features

  • Comes in a three-count package so you can stock up
  • Created with a non-abrasive formula that creates a protective film to keep streaks away
  • Can be sprayed at any angle so you can easily clean areas close to the floor

Factors to Be Aware of When Choosing the Best Stainless Steel Cleaner

You may have already decided you’ve chosen a great cleaner for all your stainless steel appliances, but ensuring that's actually the case can give you that extra peace of mind. While most of the products on the market make similar claims to their effectiveness, that doesn't mean that they are all made the same. Many factors set each of the cleaners apart from the others and can tell you whether your choice is going to be a winner.

Type of Stainless Steel Cleaner

When you’re shopping for a stainless steel cleaner, you’ll quickly notice that they can come in sprays, wipes and powders. The most traditional version is a powder, but it also takes more time to use since it needs to be mixed in with water to create a paste that you can then use. Since the other two types of stainless steel cleaner are more convenient and less messy, powders are less popular now but can still be found on the market.

Stainless steel cleaner that comes in a spray bottle can be a much more convenient choice. However, the wipes are also an excellent option for getting into hard to read areas and small crevices. When choosing between these two options, it really comes down to personal preference and what kind of product will work best for your needs.

The Case for a Multi-Purpose Product

In many cases, when you find a product that you enjoy that you know works well, you want to keep using it as often as possible. Some stainless steel cleaners also double as cleaners for other surfaces, which means you can get more use out of the product. Another benefit of choosing this kind of stainless steel cleaner is that you save space and hassle that you might have to deal with when using a huge selection of different cleaners.

Ingredients Included in the Stainless Steel Cleaner

While some stainless steel cleaners use similar ingredients, in many cases, these are very different blends of compounds and chemicals. Depending on the chemicals that are used, some cleaners are very harsh and can be harmful to human eyes and skin. While that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use products with ingredients like bleach, it does mean that you need to be cautious when using them, especially if you have pets or children.

Something that is becoming more and more common is choosing a stainless steel cleaner that uses only natural ingredients. The only thing you need to watch out for if you go for a natural option is that the product both cleans and sanitizes all of your stainless steel products effectively, which can be an issue with some options.

The Scent Associated with Stainless Steel Cleaners

Since many stainless steel cleaners do use chemicals, they can create an intense and unpleasant scent that nobody really wants hanging around in their kitchen. In addition to that, some ingredients like phthalates can cause harm to your kidneys and lungs when inhaled. This is one of the reasons why choosing a stainless steel cleaner that uses only natural ingredients is becoming a popular choice.

Cleaner Costs and Your Budget

As with any product you're thinking about buying, you're going to want to consider your budget. The price of the product itself is only one aspect of this, as you also want to take into account how much the product costs you per each cleaning session. You certainly do not want to buy something outside of your budget, but the most inexpensive product might not always be the best choice.

For example, a product might be very inexpensive but run out quickly while another may be more expensive but last twice as long. Sometimes the more expensive product ends up being better value in the long run.

The Best Way to Use a Stainless Steel Cleaner

So now you know what factors to look for in top-quality cleaners, but you may be wondering how to use it to ensure the best results. That’s why we want to break down the process into easy steps and offer some extra tips that’ll have your stainless steel items looking just like they just left the store.

The first thing you want to be sure of is that you have a cloth that will work for your needs. If you choose an abrasive cloth, it can lead to an uneven finish and leave scuff marks, which nobody wants to deal with. The bigger issue with using this kind of cloth is that it can potentially scratch the stainless steel, leaving permanent marks.

Once you have a cloth that is appropriate for the job, the next step is to dampen it and use it to clean off and loosen any stuck dirt and debris. This step is crucial in helping your stainless steel cleaner do its job effectively, as it will ensure the surface is free of buildup that the cleaner may not be able to get rid of on its own.

Next, it’s time to take out your new stainless steel cleaner of choice and get ready to use it. When using the cleaner, make sure that you wipe down every inch of the appliances or utensils. Be especially careful to make sure that you get into all the easy-to-miss nooks and crannies.

For powder-based cream cleaners and sprays, make sure you don’t let the cleaner sit so long that it dries on the surface, because this can cause damage if left for too long. For those who have appliances made with brushed steel, you also want to be sure you apply the cleaner in the direction of the grain as much as possible. Most of the time the grain will be horizontal, so you can work from left to right.

After you’ve done the cleaning, there’s still a step or two to go. You want to take a clean, dry cloth and buff the area where you used the stainless steel cleaner. This removes any extra cleaner that is still present, leaving your appliances looking shiny and clean. The best option for this is using a high-quality cloth and making sure you get into all the cracks and crevices again, especially for those working with brushed steel.

At this point, you’re all set, but we have a few bonus tips to add. If you want to keep your stainless steel surfaces looking great, regular cleaning is the best way to prevent a buildup of dirt and grease, which can lead to corrosion if it isn’t removed. Having a specific cleaning schedule will ensure you don’t forget and you keep your items looking great all year round. You can even add an alert to your smartphone calendar if you want to be really thorough.

Conclusion

All of the products listed above are widely available and sure to leave your stainless steel appliances and utensils looking shiny and clean. The best stainless steel cleaner for you is going to be one that cuts through grime and grease while being easy to use and offered at a reasonable price. You now have all the knowledge you need to decide which cleaner is best for you and your kitchen, so get cleaning and enjoy your shiny new surfaces!
5/5 - (1 vote)

Related Posts

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

user-avatar

Madison Taylor

Based in upstate New York, Madison is a devoted foodie and spends some of her time developing new re...

Pin It on Pinterest

Shares
Scroll to Top