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The Focus Way · Cleaning guide

How to clean stainless steel appliances without streaks

By the Focus Cleaning team · Published

The short answer

Wipe stainless steel with a soft cloth dampened in warm water and a little mild detergent, moving in the direction of the grain. Wipe again with a cloth dampened in clean water, then buff dry with a clean microfibre cloth. Avoid abrasives, scourers and bleach. Vinegar or a light oil are optional extras only if your appliance manual allows them.

Streak-free built-in stainless steel fridge between white shaker cabinets in a large family kitchen

Before you start

What you'll need

  • Three clean microfibre or soft cloths
  • Warm water and a mild detergent
  • Your appliance manual

Safety first

  • Switch off or unplug appliances before cleaning around controls, vents or a cooktop.
  • Apply cleaner to the cloth, not the appliance, so liquid doesn't run into seals and controls.
  • Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or other cleaning products. Some combinations release toxic gas.
  • Keep the room ventilated: open a window and run the exhaust fan while you work.
  • Wear gloves, read the label on any product, and follow its directions.
  • Store products in their original labelled containers, out of reach of children and pets.

Check the surface

  • Check the manual: some appliances have a fingerprint-resistant or coated finish that should only be cleaned with water and a mild detergent.
  • Find the grain: brushed stainless has fine lines running in one direction (horizontal, vertical or diagonal).
  • Avoid abrasives, steel wool and bleach, which can scratch or mark stainless steel.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Find the grain

    Look closely for the fine lines in the finish. You'll wipe along them, not across or in circles.

  2. 2

    Wash

    Wipe the surface from top to bottom along the grain with a cloth dampened in warm water and a little mild detergent.

  3. 3

    Rinse

    Wipe again with a second cloth dampened in clean water to remove the detergent, a common cause of streaks.

  4. 4

    Buff dry

    Buff the surface dry along the grain with a clean, dry microfibre cloth. Air-drying can leave marks.

  5. 5

    Extras only if the manual allows

    For stubborn fingerprints, some manufacturers allow a little diluted vinegar on a cloth, or a stainless steel cleaner. A light oil can add shine on uncoated steel but may leave a residue that attracts dust, so use very little, or skip it.

What the Focus team recommends

Most streaks come from leftover cleaner, not dirt. A rinse and a proper dry buff with the grain usually makes the biggest difference. Rinsing outdoor stainless with fresh water and drying it also helps in coastal areas, where salt can leave brown marks.

Questions

Why does my stainless steel fridge always streak?

Usually detergent left behind, or wiping in circles. Rinse with a clean damp cloth, then buff dry along the grain.

Can I use vinegar or oil on stainless steel?

Only if your appliance manual allows it. Some coated finishes shouldn't have vinegar, polish or oil, and oil can leave a residue.

What should I never use?

Abrasive cleaners, scourers, steel wool and bleach. ASSDA's advice is never to use abrasives or bleach on stainless steel.

Sources and further reading

Appliance and product manuals always take priority over general advice.

Last reviewed:

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