Stainless steel refrigerator cleaners

The 8 Best Stainless Steel Cleaners of 2022

The Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish is our top pick

Katie Melynn

Katie Melynn is a product reviewer for The Spruce who specializes in lifestyle and parenting writing. As a mom of three, she's written about parenting and family life for At Ease Magazine, Legacy, and Monterey Bay Parent, where she was a monthly columnist.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 09/23/22

Reviewed by

Becky Rapinchuk

Reviewed by Becky Rapinchuk

Becky Rapinchuk is a natural cleaning expert, homekeeping expert, and founder of the lifestyle brand, Clean Mama. She has published 4 books.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board

Fact checked by

Erin Johnson

Fact checked by Erin Johnson

Erin Johnson has been with Dotdash Meredith since 2021. She is currently the Commerce Editor of Appliances, Cleaning, and Organization at The Spruce. Before joining The Spruce, Erin researched, tested, and wrote thorough guides on home products for several digital outlets, including Real Simple, Better Homes and Gardens, and Southern Living.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

The Spruce / Chloe Jeong

For a sleek, modern look, it’s hard to beat a stainless steel appliance—when it's clean. Fortunately, this surface is easy to clean with the right products. We rounded up the best stainless steel cleaners and rated them on effectiveness, convenience, and affordability, so you can choose the right one to make your surface shine.

Our top pick, Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish, is an easy-to-use spray that wipes clean with common household sponges or lint-free cloths. It is also affordable and available in most supermarkets.

Here are the best stainless steel cleaners, from deep cleaners to eco-friendly options.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish at Amazon

Best Budget:

Pledge Stainless Steel Cleaner Spray at Amazon

Best Eco-Friendly:

Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish Kit at Amazon

Best Polish:

ZEP Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish at Home Depot

Best Wipes:

Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaning Wipes at Amazon

Best for Grills:

Goo Gone Grill Cleaner at Amazon

Best for Cookware:

Bar Keeper's Friend Superior Cookware Cleanser & Polish at Amazon

Best for Cooktops:

CLR Spotless Stainless Steel at Amazon

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

Courtesy of Walmart

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

This top-rated cleaner sprays easily to clean off everything on your stainless steel surfaces—from fingerprints on the refrigerator to stuck-on food in your sink. The Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner is safe to use on kitchen appliances, such as dishwashers and ovens. You can also use it on smaller items, like silverware and cookware. The versatility of this Weiman cleaner sets it apart from other options on the market.

Using Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner goes beyond just getting your items clean. It adds a protective coating to your appliances to keep fingerprints and dirt from finding their way back onto your shiny appliances. It is also effective against grease, a common kitchen culprit that not only looks dingy but can create other problems for your home. The finish is both protective and streak-free, so it will keep your items sparkling for a long time.

This is a budget-friendly option but doesn’t come in a large quantity. While a little bit goes a long way, if you know that you’ll be cleaning a lot of stainless steel items often, we recommend buying in bulk.

Price at time of publish: $17

Type: Spray | Amount: 12 ounces | Scent: Unscented

Amazon

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What We Like

Trusted brand
Easy to apply
Effective cleaner

What We Don't Like

This aerosol spray from Pledge is easy to use and budget-friendly, and on top of that, it's highly effective. It keeps fingerprints off of stainless steel surfaces, including appliances and grills. It leaves a shinier finish than some other cleaners. Rather than providing a protective barrier, this is a true cleaner that removes dirt, grime, and other buildup.

Some people think that the signature lemon Pledge scent is overpowering, while others embrace its familiarity in their home. Either way, it is quite strong and may not be great for those with chemical or scent sensitivities. Pledge uses chemical fragrances, which is important to note for those with allergies.

Price at time of publish: $6

Type: Spray | Amount: 9.7 ounces | Scent: Lemon

Amazon

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Made with plant-based ingredients and essential oils, the Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner Kit still packs a powerful cleaning punch. The scent and cleaning power come from coconut oil, which cleans and polishes. Lavender essential oil adds another natural scent to the formula.

For cleaning food preparation areas, the safe ingredient list is a major perk. This is a more expensive option than some others on our list, but you can buy it in larger quantities for better savings. Remember that with most spray cleaners, you will need a cloth to buff the surface. Therapy recommends a microfiber cloth for best results.

Price at time of publish: $20

Type: Spray | Amount: 16 ounces | Scent: Lavender

Courtesy of The Home Depot

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

Another aerosol spray, the Zep Stainless Steel Polish is easy to use without worrying about drips and streaky spots. Simply spray it on, buff it into the stainless steel surface (with the grain), and reveal a sparkling finish. It can also work for chrome and aluminum surfaces. This spray targets water spots, fingerprints and smudges, and discoloration. It can also protect against rust and corrosion.

This is an ideal spray for appliances, but it isn’t great for cookware. While the ingredients are safe, it’s important to buff all of the product off before using your cookware. And even though it's technically unscented, it has a chemical smell that some people find quite strong.

Price at time of publish: $8

Type: Spray | Amount: 14 ounces | Scent: Unscented

The 7 Best Microfiber Cloths of 2022

Amazon

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

Our top pick, the Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner, also comes in wipes. These convenient wipes clean and polish, just like the spray. They also add a protective layer to keep future fingerprints and grease from accumulating. The wipe application method makes this cleaner easy to use on things like refrigerator handles, which is a common place in the kitchen that needs special attention.

Each container includes 30 wipes, making it convenient but not the best value. One wipe can carry you through cleaning multiple appliances if they aren't too dirty. For a better value, consider purchasing these in bulk. You can also purchase a combination kit that includes the wipes for convenience and the spray for long-term use.

Price at time of publish: $18

Type: Wipes | Amount: 30 | Scent: Unscented

Amazon

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What We Like

What We Don't like

Grills often require heavy-duty cleaning, but you still want them to remain safe for food prep areas. The Goo Gone Grill and Grate Cleaner does just that. This spray destroys cooked-on food on the interior grates and built-up dirt from the grill’s exterior. This choice also has a degreaser, which is perfect for cleaning up food spills. It can be used on most standard grills, which Goo Gone goes into detail about in its instruction manual.

This isn’t safe for faux stainless steel or aluminum. It’s important to know what type of surface you need to clean. If you are in doubt, try a small section with this cleaner before using it on your entire grill surface.

Price at time of publish: $18

Type: Spray | Amount: 24 ounces | Scent: Citrus

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Courtesy of Amazon

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

Bar Keeper’s Friend is a favorite among home chefs and professionals alike. This convenient powder cleaner can be applied directly to stainless steel cookware and scrubbed away to reveal a sparkling clean finish. It includes a cleaner and degreaser, making it our top choice for cookware. Even if your items have been cleaned with regular dishwashing detergent, try Bar Keeper’s Friend cookware polish and see what clean really looks like.

This cleaner can be used on a variety of cookware, not just stainless steel. It is safe for glass cookware, grills, and sinks. It also tackles rust stains, lime deposits, and baked-on grease. You will need a sink and sponge or cloth to use this cleaner. It is the best option for cookware but is hard to apply to appliances and larger items.

Price at time of publish: $9

Type: Powder | Amount: 12 ounces | Scent: Unscented

The Best Dish Scrubbers for All Your Cleaning Needs

Courtesy of Amazon

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Small capacity

This CLR spray cleaner is easy to use on stovetops and grills; plus, it’s safe for so many stainless steel surfaces that it is a one-stop option for all of your cleaning needs. It takes care of cooked-on food, grease, and other grime. To use, spray on the CLR formula, let it sit for a minute, and wipe any extra away.

The capacity is on the smaller side, especially considering the price. It does leave a protective barrier, which can be helpful in preventing future issues.

Price at time of publish: $11

Type: Spray | Amount: 12 ounces | Scent: Unscented

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish. In addition to cleaning, this easy-to-use spray cleaner also polishes your items and creates a protective barrier on your appliances. Our budget choice, Pledge Stainless Steel Cleaner Spray, is a spray that provides a great clean at an affordable price. However, it does use chemical ingredients and fragrances that can be overpowering for some.

Type

Stainless steel cleaners come in spray, wipe, and liquid forms. Your preferred application method will influence which type of stainless steel cleaner you choose. Sprays are the easiest to use, although you do need to purchase an extra cloth in order to use them. Wipes come with everything that you need, but they are the most expensive and often sold in the smallest quantities. Liquid is the hardest to apply but can be purchased in bulk. No matter which type you choose, many stainless steel cleaners can be used on other surfaces.

Purpose

Consider how you plan to use a stainless steel cleaner and what types of items you want to clean. Are you mainly looking to wipe fingerprints off of your refrigerator, or is shiny cookware your top priority? Some stainless steel cleaners are specifically made for cookware. Others are more of an all-purpose cleaner and can be used on everything from appliances to grills to cookware.

Ingredients

Most cleaners use chemical ingredients in their cleaning formula, especially if they’re scented. While all products on our list are approved and monitored for ingredient safety by regulatory authorities, opting for an all-natural plant-based cleaner may be a better option for those with skin or scent sensitivities.

This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. A mother of three young children, Katie spends too much of her time cleaning spaces in her home. When compiling this list, she looked for products that were effective and easy to use, even for busy parents. She also interviewed Maryland-based cleaning expert Arryn Wilmington for tips and tricks on how to optimize your cleaning routine.

The 10 Best Stovetop Cleaners of 2022

We Tried 5 Methods to Clean Stainless Steel Kitchen Appliances — And the Winner Is Ridiculously Effective

Kitchen

Tips & Techniques

by Shifrah Combiths

published Dec 7, 2021

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

Stainless steel kitchen appliances are a double-edged sword when it comes to how they affect the overall appearance of our kitchens. When clean and polished, stainless steel can uplift the whole look of a kitchen. But when it’s smudged and dirty, it makes even a tidy kitchen appear unkempt. So, naturally, I wanted to find the easiest method to get my stainless steel kitchen appliances looking clean and polished. (Because who doesn’t love a gleaming fridge?) The trick was figuring out exactly which methods were the most effective.

After a bit of internet research, I finally settled on the top five: Bon Ami, WD-40, vinegar and olive oil, dish soap, and Bar Keepers Friend. Then, I got to work and tried all five — let’s see which one was the ultimate winner!

How I Tested the Methods to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances

I must admit, in my own kitchen, I would love for every single one of my stainless steel appliances to look polished and sparkling at all times. Does this happen? Never! I try to give my appliances a thorough cleaning once a week, but even this is sometimes a stretch. The truth is, my stainless steel fridge and dishwasher — where I conducted my cleaning tests — were plenty dirty. With fingerprints, drips, and dirty smudges, all of the usual messes were right there. To test the different methods, I divided the freezer portion of my fridge/freezer unit into five sections. I used a different cleaning method in each section, comparing how well each one worked.

The ratings: I rated my results on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the worst method overall and 5 being the best. Along with my ratings, I included notes on how the techniques worked and what I liked and disliked about each process and the results.

Note: Be sure to always check your manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning any stainless steel appliance. Clean with the grain of the metal. And to avoid a fire hazard, when cleaning with oil, make sure your rags are completely clean before putting them in the dryer.

Stainless Steel Cleaning Method: Dish Soap + Water

Total time: 10 minutes
Rating: 2/5

The method: To test this method, I grabbed a mixing bowl and filled it about a third of the way with water. I added a few drops of dish soap and grabbed two rags — one cleaning rag and one microfiber cloth. I dipped the cleaning rag into the water and mixed it around, then lifted and squeezed the rag out so it wasn’t dripping. I wiped the stainless steel surface and then dried with the microfiber rag.

How it went: The process was straightforward and easy, although not as easy as using a product that you can spray directly onto a surface. The solution cleaned the surface of the stainless steel really well, but as soon as it dried, streaks were visible. The stainless steel was clean, but it didn’t “look” clean. If you followed the method with olive oil polish, it could be redeemed, but I’m not sure it’s worth the effort because spraying with a vinegar solution is much easier (more on that later).

Stainless Steel Cleaning Method: WD-40

Total time: 6 minutes
Rating: 3/5

The method: To use WD-40 on my stainless steel fridge, I grabbed a microfiber cloth, sprayed the WD-40 on the cloth, and buffed it into the surface of the fridge. I didn’t have the usual red straw nozzle on the bottle, so the product came out as a fine mist.

How it went: Named for its “water displacement” properties, WD-40 is often used to drive out moisture, lubricate surfaces, and prevent rust, so I had high hopes this method would do well. While I liked that it was a one-step solution and it worked pretty well, I was turned off by how much the WD-40 spread in the air. I felt like I had to hold my breath to avoid breathing it all in. I also didn’t enjoy the fairly strong smell! It made my stainless steel clean and shiny, but I did notice that the WD-40 also left a film.

Stainless Steel Cleaning Method: Vinegar + Olive Oil

Total time: 10 minutes
Rating: 4/5

The method: First off, I love that this method uses two very convenient pantry items that I usually always have on hand. White vinegar contains 5% acetic acid, which has antimicrobial properties and is also great at cutting through grease and grime, so it’s perfect for cleaning kitchen surfaces like stovetops, tables, and counters. I’ve heard it also works wonders on stainless steel. I spritzed vinegar onto the surface of the fridge to clean it. Then, I followed it with a paper towel dabbed with a bit of olive oil. Right away, I polished the fridge in the direction of the grain, and I was sure to use only a small amount of oil so I didn’t end up with an oily film.

How it went: This method works really well, and it’s pretty inexpensive since you probably have everything you need on hand. It’s a two-step method, but both steps are super fast and effective. In the end, you easily get a clean and polished fridge surface — in minutes!

Stainless Steel Cleaning Method: Bon Ami

Total time: 12 minutes
Rating: 4. 5/5

The method: Bon Ami, which means “good friend” in French, is a great powdered cleanser. It’s been around since 1886! To use it on my stainless steel appliances, I sprinkled a little into a small glass bowl and added water to make a paste. I used a cleaning sponge to apply it to the stainless steel surface and gently scrubbed it in. Then, I rinsed out the sponge and wiped the surface off before buffing dry.

How it went: Bon Ami worked great! It’s not as convenient to use as a spray cleaner or polish because you have the added steps of making a paste, rinsing, and drying, but it is super effective. Even after rinsing and drying, there were no streaks, and Bon Ami works like an absolute charm on rust spots.

Stainless Steel Cleaning Method: Bar Keepers Friend

Total time: 12 minutes
Rating: 5/5

The method: This method of cleaning is one of my favorites because it’s so straightforward and effective. I simply poured Bar Keepers Friend soft cleanser onto a cleaning sponge and used the rougher side of the sponge to scrub the stainless steel with the cleanser, going in the same direction as the grain. Next, I rinsed out the sponge and wiped down the surface to avoid residue from the dried Bar Keepers Friend. Finally, I buffed the area with a clean microfiber rag to polish it all up.

How it went: Although there are effectively three steps to this method, it works so well that I really don’t mind. Bar Keepers Friend makes stainless steel gleam! The thing I like best is that Bar Keepers Friend removes rust marks that might be on your appliances. (This happens when the chromium oxide layer is compromised.) For all of those reasons, I declared Bar Keepers Friend the winner!

Do you have a favorite method for cleaning stainless steel appliances? Share your tips below.

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