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. 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
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.
Why Trust The Spruce?
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.
