How to Clean Brushed Stainless Steel

Co-authored by Susan Stocker

Last Updated: January 31, 2023 References

Cleaning brushed stainless steel isn't that different from cleaning regular stainless steel. You can use water for basic spills, and then try a few other household cleaners or homemade cleaners for tougher stains. Whatever you do, be sure to read the manual that came with the item if possible, as it may have specific instructions for cleaning that particular item.^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Cleaning Up Basic Spills

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Start with water. For basic spills, just plain water will do the trick. Use a soft rag, and apply warm water to the surface. You can use this method to wipe up spills, as well as small stains. Wipe with clear water once the stain is up.^{[2]
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- Deionized water is a great option as well.^{[3]
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  Expert Source
  
  Susan Stocker
  Cleaning Guru
  Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.}
2
Wipe in the direction of the grain. If you look closely at the surface of brushed stainless steel, you'll notice it has a grain. It's important to wipe with the grain, rather than against it. If you wipe against the grain, you can end up damaging the surface.^{[4]
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3
Avoid abrasiveness. Anything that's too abrasive can scratch the surface of brushed stainless steel. That includes abrasive sponges and steel wool, but it also includes very hard water or gritty (dirty) water.^{[5]
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4
Wait until the appliance is cool. If you're cleaning an appliance like an oven, a stove or a toaster, it's a good idea to wait until it's cool before cleaning. Lightly touch the appliance. If it feels cool, it's fine to clean it.^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using Professional Products

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Try stainless-steel specific products. Many products on the market are designed specifically for stainless steel. Because they are designed for stainless steel, they are more likely to keep your appliances looking sparkling.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Susan Stocker
Cleaning Guru
Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.}
- You could try CLR for stainless steel, for instance.
2
Use a glass cleaner. In some cases, a glass cleaner with ammonia may work on spills. Make sure to check for bleach before using them, as you don't want to apply bleach to stainless steel.^{[8]
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3
Skip products with chloride. Products with chloride in them can be harmful to the surface of stainless steel, particularly brushed stainless steel. Therefore, you should avoid cleaners with bleach when working on these surfaces.^{[9]
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4
Avoid oven cleaners. If the area is extra greasy or on the oven, you might be tempted to use an oven cleaner. However, oven cleaners are too abrasive for brushed stainless steel, so avoid applying them to this surface.^{[10]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Simple Solutions

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Use dish soap and water. One way to keep your brushed stainless steel sparkling is to wipe it down often with a little soap and water. In fact, if you wipe it down when you're cooking or doing dishes, it will help you maintain the surface. Wipe off any soap when you're done, though, as you should only leave water on the surface.^{[11]
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2
Try vinegar. Vinegar is a good natural solution for brushed stainless steel. Use a spray bottle to apply white vinegar to the surface. Follow up with a soft cloth, such as microfiber, always wiping in the direction of the grain.^{[12]
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3
Apply baking soda. Baking soda can remove tough stains, such as coffee. Use a soft wet rag to scrub with the baking soda, then wipe the baking soda away with a clean rag. Follow the grain.^{[13]
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- You can also mix baking soda with dishwashing soap to make a paste and use that to scrub the surface.^{[14]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Maintaining Brushed Stainless Steel

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Rinse the surface after using a cleaner. No matter what product you use, make sure you rinse it off when you're done. You don't want any product to sit on the surface of the stainless steel, as it could damage the surface over time.^{[15]
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2
Dry the surface thoroughly. When water is left on brushed stainless steel, it can leave water stains on the surface. Therefore, use a soft cloth to dry off the water when you're done rinsing.^{[16]
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3
Add an oil for polish. Mineral oil or olive oil are a good choice for this step. Oil helps polish the steel when you're done cleaning. It also protects the surface. Rub a little oil on with a soft cloth, making sure to wipe off any extra.^{[17]
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Expert Source

Susan Stocker
Cleaning Guru
Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.}
- You can use an oil any time you clean your stainless steel, particularly if you're deep cleaning.
4
Stick to one cleaner type. You may be tempted to switch cleaners based on what's cheapest or what you have on hand. However, when it comes to stainless steel, it's best to stick to just one cleaner over time, as you won't have cleaners working against each other.^{[18]
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Expert Q&A
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Question

What is the best cleaner for stainless steel?

Susan Stocker
House Cleaning Professional
Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.

Susan Stocker

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

In terms of specific products, Eco Stainless Steel Polish is a great choice. You can also use deionized water on its own to wipe away small blemishes. For a natural option, use a mixture of olive oil and lemon essential oil to clean your stainless steel.
Question

How do you polish brushed stainless steel?

Susan Stocker
House Cleaning Professional
Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.

Susan Stocker

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Use a soft cloth to rub a little oil over the brushed stainless steel to polish it. Then, wipe off any extra oil. Use mineral oil or olive oil.
Question

How can I determine whether my dining room chair frames are brushed steel, stainless steel, chrome, or something related?

Community Answer

A brushed surface is not likely to be chrome. It is most likely stainless steel, as ordinary steel would be expected to rust eventually.