The Secret to Smudge-Free Stainless Steel (and a Cleaner-Looking Kitchen)

Anyone with stainless steel appliances knows how stunning they look in a home–and also how greasy and smudge-y they can become in a flash. Keeping these appliances clean feels like a full-time job, especially if you cook frequently or have little hands touching every surface they can find. 

To achieve smudge-free stainless steel appliances, see the best tips and tricks of cleaning experts below, and let your kitchen shine.

Why Stainless Steel Smudges So Easily

Since stainless steel isn’t porous like other materials (think brick, limestone, and cork), any oil or moisture from fingers sits on the surface, Bree Uebergang, co-founder of Filthy Clean, explains. And under the bright lights of your kitchen, these smudges stand out. 

Maytag appliance expert Lindsay Jones adds that since most stainless steel appliances are located in high-traffic areas, like the kitchen, this also contributes to their seemingly constant smudges.

How to Quickly Clean Smudges From Stainless Steel

Looking for a quick, stainless steel cleaning method? Uebergang has the secret—and all you’ll need are a few items that you likely have lying around your house already. (Score!)

Materials Needed

• Two microfiber cloths
• Dish soap
• Warm water
• Vinegar
• Small container

Instructions

1. Add warm water and a few drops of dish soap to a small container.
   
2. Dip one of the microfiber cloths into the mixture. Wring the cloth out over the sink.
   
3. Wipe with the grain of the steel to eliminate grease and fingerprints, Uebergang says.
   
4. Rinse the microfiber cloth and use it to wipe the appliance to remove any remaining soap.
   
5. Use a dry microfiber cloth to immediately dry the appliance.
   
6. Spray a small amount of vinegar onto the cloth and gently buff it on the steel for a bit of shine.

Don't Miss

4 Ways to Remove Hard Water Stains From Stainless Steel

The Easiest Way to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances

For Stubborn Streaks: A DIY Solution

If it’s been a while since you cleaned your stainless steel appliances, reach for two household staples: baking soda and vinegar.

Materials Needed

• Baking soda
• Warm water
• White vinegar
• Multiple microfiber cloths
• Two small containers

Instructions

1. Combine baking soda and water in your small container to form a spreadable paste, instructs metals expert Paul McFadyen.
   
2.  Apply the paste to areas with dirt, greasy fingerprints, or stuck-on messes. Allow the mixture to sit for two minutes.
   
3. Gently wipe off the mixture with a microfiber cloth.
   
4. Once the mixture has been removed, use a dry microfiber cloth to thoroughly dry the area.
   
5. Next, combine a mixture of water and white vinegar in a container.
   
6. Dip a clean microfiber cloth into the mixture and apply it to the stubborn areas.
   
7. Immediately wipe away the solution in the direction of the grain using a clean cloth.

Expert Secrets to Keeping Stainless Steel Smudge-Free

Here are our experts' top tips for keeping your stainless steel appliances looking straight off the showroom floor.

• Do a quick wipe-down with a microfiber cloth daily. Uebergang says consistency is key, and this helps cut down on the number of fingerprints.
  
• Wipe with the grain. Jones says this is key to preventing streaks (and not scratching the surface of the appliance).
  
• Avoid excess moisture. Whether it’s a cleaning solution or splashes of water, it’s important to make sure there’s nothing left on the appliance’s surface. Any liquid can cause spots on stainless steel.
  
• Use commercial products sparingly. Our experts said many off-the-shelf stainless steel cleaning products can actually cause buildup and dull your appliance over time—so don’t overuse them.