How To Get Water Stains Off Stainless Steel

How to Clean Stainless Steel (Even Those Dark Water Stains!)

Rid your appliances of water stains and fingerprints with our expert tips for cleaning stainless steel. You can usually tackle the job with just a microfiber cloth and a bit of water, no tedious scrubbing or hard-to-find cleaners needed.

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In the world of kitchen appliances, nothing stands out more than sparkling stainless steel. The popular finish is striking, sleek, and looks great with nearly any kitchen color scheme. But then real life happens. Fingerprints, smudges, and the errant spill or splash can all dampen the clean stainless-steel sparkle. But the good news is that as quick as those surfaces get dirty, they look like new again with a few tricks for cleaning appliances. Keep your appliances looking shiny and new with our proven tips for the best way to clean stainless-steel appliances. We'll help you clean every inch of your stainless steel, including those hard-to-remove water spots.

modern kitchen with black and stainless steel

What to Use to Clean Stainless-Steel Appliances

It's also important to know what not to use when cleaning stainless-steel appliances. Always avoid using abrasive cleaners or sponges on stainless-steel appliance surfaces, as they can permanently scratch the steel's surface. Skip the steel wool and chlorine-based cleaners, too. Some cleaning methods include using rubbing oil and essential oils. These products are great cleaning agents, but they're also flammable. Don't use them on your oven or other appliances that conduct heat.

white kitchen green tile backsplash

How to Clean Stainless-Steel Appliances: Routine Care

For daily stainless-steel cleaning and eliminating most water spots, a simple wipe with a microfiber cloth ($10 for ten, Bed Bath & Beyond) and water does the trick. Start by wetting the cloth and wiping down the appliance. Then wipe the surface again with another microfiber cloth to dry. By giving the appliance a once-over with a dry cloth, you'll remove any excess moisture that could become future water spots. For extra shine, use a polishing rag to buff the steel.

You can also use a little dish soap if you feel like your stainless-steel surfaces are extra grimy. Pick a dish soap that doesn't contain chlorine ($1, Target) and put a drop on a cloth. Dampen the cloth with water and wring out excess water. Wipe down the surface and follow up with another damp cloth (sans dish soap), and, finally, dry the surface with a clean, dry rag.

cleaning stainless-steel fridge with microfiber cloth

How to Clean Stainless-Steel Appliances with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Sometimes the microfiber method needs a little support. Look no farther than your kitchen pantry for a hardworking stainless-steel cleaning solution. Vinegar is a cleaning superhero and can work on stainless steel, too. Pair it with baking soda (another cleaning wonder) and you have one powerful duo.

For tough spots on stainless-steel appliances, wet a thick, clean towel with distilled white vinegar that has been brought to a boil. (Use caution so you do not scald yourself when handling the liquid.) Place the damp towel on the spot and let it sit for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with baking soda, then scrub gently until the spot disappears. Wipe the area clean with water and dry with a clean cloth.

How to Clean Stains on Stainless-Steel Appliances

If there's a stain that won't come out no matter how hard you scrub, consider buying a stain removal product made specifically for metals. These cleaners are particularly helpful when removing stainless-steel oxidation or rust. For serious blemishes, invest in a stainless-steel scratch-removal kit ($9, The Home Depot), which typically combines special polishes and fine-grade sandpaper to remove the problem.

Before using a commercial cleaner or a scratch-removal kit, read all of the instructions and follow the manufacturer's recommendations as you work. It's also a good idea to check out your appliance owner's manual for instructions specific to your make and model. Some stainless-steel appliances have special finishes that require more specific care options. You'll want to read up on the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure you are properly caring for your appliances.

Kitchen with stainless steel fridge and white cabinets

More Tips for Cleaning Stainless Steel

To protect your stainless-steel appliances, follow these must-know tips during daily wipedowns and deeper cleanings.

Go with the Grain

Much like wood furniture, stainless steel has a grain. Always wipe with the grain to loosen and remove all the dirt from those little recesses. Going against the grain can result in less effective cleaning and may even scratch the steel. To find the appliance's grain direction, simply rub both vertically and horizontally with a soft cloth. If you feel a slight resistance, that means you're rubbing against the grain.

Dissolve Fingerprints

Fingerprints on stainless steel are almost impossible to avoid, especially if you have little ones who like to touch everything in sight or budding chefs who pay no mind to the mess in the moment. Luckily, there's an easy solution to rid your stainless-steel appliances of fingerprints. Simply drop a little rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth and rub over the stains. The alcohol will zap the oily residue and grime left by a human hand.

Add Shine to Stainless-Steel Appliances

Make your stainless steel extra shiny with a secret ingredient: lemon oil. Just put a few drops of the oil on a clean cloth and rub it into the surface. If you can't find lemon oil, you can use olive oil as a substitute. Aim to give your stainless-steel appliances this oil treatment once a month. And remember: Don't use this method on an oven or appliance surfaces that conduct heat.

Make it a Habit

Old stains and water spots are harder to tackle. Prevent them with frequent appliance cleaning. We recommend committing to daily wipedowns with a clean, soft cloth and hot water. Also, aim for weekly cleanings with an oil-based stainless-steel cleaner and polish ($7, Target). This regular routine will help reduce buildup and keep your stainless-steel appliances easy to clean.

Now that you know how to clean stainless appliances, you don't have to dread fingerprints. With a little bit of simple routine cleaning, some minimal elbow grease, and household ingredients (vinegar and baking soda straight from the pantry), and special care items for regular maintenance, you can ensure cleaning stainless appliances is a breeze and sparkling surfaces can be a real-life thing, too!

By Berit Thorkelson and Alicia Chilton