A kitchen with a Whirlpool dishwasher. Next to it are counters and part of a Whirlpool Fridge is visible. Also in the kitchen are a cutting board, oil containers, a potted plant, plates and mugs.

Learn to Clean and Polish Stainless Steel Appliances

Stainless steel appliances have been a kitchen fixture for some time and for good reasons. They offer a sleek, modern appearance and look great in most kitchens.  The downside is that grease, fingerprints and water drops can do a real number on the surfaces of stainless steel dishwashers, refrigerators, stoves and microwaves.

Don’t worry, though, as the process to clean stainless steel is straightforward. You can even try a few different methods to see which works best on your appliance. 

Let’s explore how to clean and polish stainless steel so that your appliances shine.

What is the best way to clean stainless steel?

A kitchen with a Whirlpool Dishwasher and a Whirlpool Fridge. Several potted plants are on the counter and window sill A kitchen with a Whirlpool Dishwasher and a Whirlpool Fridge. Several potted plants are on the counter and window sill

The best method to clean stainless steel appliances ensures that the surface isn’t damaged and doesn’t leave any unsightly streaks. 

You will need:

  • A stainless steel cream or spray cleaner
  • Clean microfiber cloths (2)
  • Baking soda
  • Vinegar (optional)
  • Mineral oil (optional)
The grain on stainless steel
Step 1: Inspect to determine the direction of the grain

When cleaning a stainless steel surface, you must always wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks.

Confirm the direction of the grain by checking for little vertical or horizontal lines on the stainless steel surface. If the grain is horizontal, it’s recommended that you wipe from left to right. If the grain is vertical, you should only wipe downward.
Step 2: Get rid of all deposits

To help remove any food and water deposits from a stainless steel surface, you should use a clean microfiber cloth that’s damp with warm water. Don’t forget to wipe with the grain to help remove smudges or stuck-on grime.
Someone holding a bright green microfibre cloth
A hand holding a bright green microfibre cloth with some white cleaner on it
Step 3: Clean with a stainless steel cleaner

Your owner’s manual can direct you to which products are best for cleaning stainless steel. Remember, you only want to use a cleaner that’s specially designed for stainless steel.
Step 4: Spray and wipe clean the surface

Apply the right cleaner to the stainless steel surface using an ‘S’ motion. If you choose to use a cream cleaner, make sure to only apply a small amount. Then, clean with a microfiber cloth along the grain.
Someone wipes white cleaner off the front of a Whirlpool Stainless Steel Dishwasher
Someone wipes the door of a Whirlpool Fridge with a blue microfibre cloth
Step 5: Use a clean microfiber cloth to buff

To polish stainless steel, take a new clean cloth and wipe the appliance in the direction of the grain. This should help remove any streaks while giving it a noticeable shine.

Is there a way to try to remove discolouration and stains from stainless steel?

A mixture of water and baking soda can help remove discolouration or stains from a stainless steel surface.

For the more stubborn discolouration or stains, you can try to remove them with some vinegar diluted with water. Wipe this solution on a stainless steel surface and then clean it off right away with a dry paper towel or cloth.

What are the best home remedies to clean stainless steel appliances?

Knobs on a Whirlpool Stainless Steel Oven Knobs on a Whirlpool Stainless Steel Oven

One popular home remedy is baking soda, which can efficiently clean stainless steel. If you want to explore this home remedy, start by making a paste out of baking soda and water. Gently rub this paste on the stainless steel surface in the direction of the grain. If you notice that the baking soda left a white residue, you can wipe it away using a clean, dry cloth.

There’s also vinegar, which can clean stainless steel without the aid of harsh chemicals. A mixture of one part mineral oil to one part white vinegar is often effective. You can also add some essential oil drops to mask the scent of vinegar. 

Pour this mixture into a spray bottle and then spray it onto the stainless steel. Finish the job with a clean cloth using short strokes to wipe away any residue.

Avoid using these products to clean stainless steel

You should avoid cleaners that contain harsh chemicals or any multi-purpose cleaner if it contains bleach or ammonia. Also, you should only use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe a stainless steel surface. 

Never use a steel wool pad or steel brush since they can scratch the surface of an appliance.

Shop Whirlpool fingerprint-resistant stainless appliances

A kitchen with a Whirlpool Fridge, Whirlpool Dishwasher, a Whirlpool Over-the-Range Microwave and a Whirlpool Oven. In the kitchen are also a table and chair, shelves with bowls and a cutting board, a bowl of fruit and a potted plant A kitchen with a Whirlpool Fridge, Whirlpool Dishwasher, a Whirlpool Over-the-Range Microwave and a Whirlpool Oven. In the kitchen are also a table and chair, shelves with bowls and a cutting board, a bowl of fruit and a potted plant

If you truly can’t stand the sight of fingerprints on stainless steel, Whirlpool has a selection of fingerprint-resistant stainless appliances. 

These appliances come in either traditional stainless or black stainless. If you aren’t taken with traditional stainless, black is a bold alternative with a sleek matte finish that protects against fingerprints, smudges and wear. 

Whirlpool offers a variety of other appliance colours and finishes that are worth exploring.

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