To help you find the best stainless steel cleaner for pots and pans, sinks and other steel appliances throughout the home, we have tried out a multitude of top cleaning products, ensuring they efficiently and safely removed dirt and grime from steel. We loved cleaners that were made from non-toxic ingredients and those that left behind a brilliant shine.
The best stainless steel cleaner that we tried was easily the Therapy Premium Stainless Steel Cleaner. This plant-based cleaning solution ships with a large microfiber cloth, for wiping down treated areas, and efficiently removes streaks, smudges, and fingerprints from all of your stainless steel surfaces. Keep reading to learn more about other high-quality stainless steel cleaners available for purchase. You may also check our guide on how to find the best prices on appliances.
Top 7 Best Stainless Steel Cleaner
#1 Therapy Premium Stainless Steel Cleaner
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Non-toxic and eco-friendly formula, made from plant-based ingredients, that ships in an ultra-large 16 oz container and comes with a 16” x 16” microfiber cloth, for wiping down treated appliances.
- Non-toxic plant-based ingredients
- Ships in 16 oz container with a large microfiber cloth
- Leaves behind protective shine, thanks to coconut-based formula
- Lavender scent may not be for every consumer
- Not for removal of rust from steel jewelry
This Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner is the best stainless steel cleaner for grills, among other appliances, thanks to being made from non-toxic and plant-based ingredients, such as coconut and lavender essential oils. This cleaner leaves behind a protective and brilliant shine that is perfect for refrigerators, sinks, and the like. We also loved that it ships in a large 16-ounce container and that it comes with a 16” x 16” microfiber cloth, for the purposes of wiping down appliances after being sprayed with the cleaning solution.
Related: To ensure your laundry is spotlessly clean, use the best stain remover.
Though the ingredients are free from harsh chemicals, this stainless steel cleaner does leave behind a lavender scent in its wake, which may not suit every consumer, though we enjoyed it. Additionally, though this cleaner does an excellent job of general cleaning of steel-based appliances and tools, it doesn’t do so well with the removal of rust from smaller steel items, such as jewelry. For that, we’d recommend Weiman stainless steel cleaning wipes. For your glass cleaning needs, you should read our guide to the best glass cleaner too.
#2 Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Non-toxic and dual-acting formula that excels with both cleaning and polishing, shipping in a large 22 oz container and with a highly useful microfiber cloth.
- Quick-acting pH neutral formula
- Creates protective coating that resists fingerprints
- Ships with a large microfiber cloth
- Not great at removing food residue from an oven
- Not for grill grates
This Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner is the best stainless steel cleaner for sinks, thanks to a dual-acting formula that both cleans and polishes steel appliances. The formula is non-toxic and pH neutral, so it works quickly on stainless steel sinks and other appliances, and we found that it did a great job with removing streaks from any stainless steel tool we tried it with. We also loved that the formula leaves behind a protective coating that resists fingerprints and that it ships with a high-quality microfiber cloth for buffing and shining.
Related: Check our guide on how to get the best sump pump.
Though this stainless steel cleaner is great for general cleaning purposes, it doesn’t do so well with removing large pieces of food residue on ovens, even if they are made from stainless steel. Also, though the formula is non-toxic, it is not plant-based, so we’d recommend against using it to clean outdoor grill grates. If you’re interested in cleaning your grille or stove, you should also take a look at our guide to the best cooktop cleaner.
#3 Magic Stainless Steel Cleaner
Award: MOST VERSATILE
WHY WE LIKE IT: Excels with chrome, aluminum and other metals, in addition to stainless steel, coming in an easy-to-apply aerosol container that creates a streak-free shine.
- Odor-free formula
- Easy-to-apply aerosol spray can
- Creates a transparent, protective coating
- Does not ship with a microfiber cloth, for buffing
- Non-abrasive so it will not remove rust
This Magic Stainless Steel Cleaner is great for the general maintenance of cleaning of steel-based tools and appliances, with a formula that does not create any odor whatsoever as you go about cleaning. We loved the easy-to-apply aerosol container this cleaner ships in and the fact that the formula easily removes streaks, increases shine and leaves behind a transparent protective coating that easily resists fingerprints, water and dirt.
This stainless steel cleaner does not ship with a microfiber cloth, however, so you’ll have to provide your own towel for buffing and shining. Additionally, this is a non-abrasive formula, which is great for reducing accidental scratches but not so great for the removal of rust. If you’re cleaning your whole house, you might want the best window cleaning kit on hand.
#4 Cameo Aluminum & Stainless Steel Cleaner
Award: BEST MULTIPACK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Ships with 2 large containers of formula that is designed to both clean and polish, with a design that excels with aluminum and chrome, in addition to stainless steel.
- Excels with chrome and other metals
- Combines with water to create plenty of solution
- Leaves treated appliances with a long-lasting sheen
- Not for use with mirror-finished metals
- Ingredients are an eye irritant, so be careful
This Cameo Aluminum & Stainless Steel Cleaner comes in a handy two pack, totaling 20 ounces of cleaning solution, with a formula that is designed to both clean and polish and excels on stainless steel, aluminum and chrome. Not only do you get 20 ounces of cleaning agent with this purchase, but it arrives in a powder that combines with water, significantly extending the lifespan of the stainless steel cleaner. We also loved that it leaves treated steel appliances, tools and other items with a long-lasting luster and sheen.
Though this stainless steel cleaner is designed to service a variety of metals, it is not intended for mirror-finished metals, so take that into consideration before purchasing. Also, this is a heavy-duty cleaning agent, so be careful not to ingest it or let it come into contact with eyeballs. For the carpeted areas of your home, you’ll also need the best vacuum cleaner.
#5 Sheila Shine Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish
Award: BEST FOR WATER MARKS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Perfect for the elimination of water marks, thanks to the inclusion of acetone and petroleum distillates, with a formula that adequately cleans formica, porcelain and fiberglass, in addition to stainless steel.
- Works with formica, porcelain and more
- Resists fingerprints and streaking
- Formula does not require rubbing or buffing
- Small 10 oz container
- Intense odor during use
This Sheila Shine Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish excels with the elimination of water spots and water stains, thanks to an industrial-grade formula that includes acetone and petroleum distillates, among other effective cleaning agents. We loved that this stainless steel cleaner resists fingerprints and streaking and the easy application process, which does not require rubbing or buffing after spraying it on.
Though this cleaner is effective on a large variety of surface types, including porcelain, fiberglass, plastic and steel, it ships in a small 10-ounce container, which may not last too long. Additionally, this formula is incredibly strong and, as such, emits a fairly intense odor during use, so you may want to wear a mask of some kind. To finish cleaning your kitchen, you should also grab some of the best countertop cleaner.
#6 Sprayway SW841 Stainless Steel Cleaner
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: Budget-friendly cleaner with plenty of high end features, including a dual-acting formula that both cleans and polishes without the use of any potentially harmful acids or abrasives.
- Contains no acids or abrasives
- Formula resists streaks and fingerprints
- Dual-acting, both cleans and polishes
- 15 oz container on smaller side
- Creates a somewhat intense odor, though it fades
This Sprayway SW841 Stainless Steel Cleaner comes in at a budget-friendly price point while offering features in line with higher priced competitors, including a dual-acting formulation that both cleans and polishes. We loved that this cleaner resists both streaks and fingerprints and that the formulation is free from acids or abrasives, meaning that it will not cause any damage to your stainless steel appliances as you go about the cleaning process.
Though this is a highly effective cleaner, we did notice that the 15-ounce container is on the smaller side, compared to some other cleaners available for purchase. Also, this stainless steel cleaner does create something of an odor upon use, though it fades in several minutes.
#7 Zep Stainless Steel Cleaner
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: BEST FOR COMMERCIAL USE
WHY WE LIKE IT: Commercial stainless steel cleaner that ships in a multipack of 2, with a formula that helps to prevent rust, corrosion and discoloration.
- Prevents rust and corrosion
- Ships in multipack of 2 (28 oz total)
- Excels with stainless steel, chrome and aluminum
- Emits a powerful odor upon use
- Skin and eye irritant
This Zep Stainless Steel Cleaner features a formula strong enough to make it an excellent industrial stainless steel cleaner, as it helps to prevent rust, corrosion and discoloration as it cleans and shines steel, aluminum and chrome. We also loved that it ships with two containers of cleaning agent, totaling 28 ounces, and that the formula is versatile enough for use on lighting fixtures, stovetops, sinks, faucets, refrigerators and dishwashers, among other steel appliances.
This is a powerful industrial-grade cleaner, so it emits a fairly strong odor upon the use which doesn’t fade for several hours. Additionally, this stainless steel cleaner is a skin and eye irritant, so we’d advise caution and would recommend wearing protective eyewear and gloves.
How We Decided
To help narrow down to the above list, we took great care to ensure that each stainless steel cleaner we selected did its job effectively and efficiently, with formulas designed to remove streaks, fingerprints, and general debris from steel appliances and tools. To that end, we liked formulas that left behind a protective coating that kept steel appliances and tools looking new.
We also liked stainless steel cleaners that were equally effective with other metals, in addition to steel, including chrome and aluminum, among others. Some of the cleaners we chose could also be used on fiberglass, porcelain, plastic and other surface types. To that end, some of the cleaners we chose were easily applied via an aerosol container or by mixing with water to create a cleaning solution.
Stainless steel cleaners that came with high-grade microfiber cloths, for the purposes of polishing and buffing, were also admired, as were items that shipped in multipacks, with as many as two containers arriving in one package. Finally, we liked safe and non-toxic cleaners that were safe to use on ovens, microwaves, and outdoor grill grates.
Best Stainless Steel Cleaner Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Non-toxic and Food-grade Ingredients
You may want to choose a stainless steel cleaner that is made from non-toxic and food-grade ingredients, such as our top pick. This ensures that the cleaner will be safe to use around food, such as on outdoor grill grates, microwaves, stovetops, and other areas that food typically resides. Some industrial-grade cleaners, however, are not entirely food-safe and, as such, are better suited to be used on heartier appliances, such as car tire rims and the outside of steel refrigerators. - Application Process
You will want to choose a stainless steel cleaner that is easy to use, often residing in aerosol cans that can simply be sprayed on to steel tools and appliances. Many cleaners ship with microfiber cloths, for the purposes of buffing and polishing, while simply need to be applied, drying on its own and requiring no wiping down. Some cleaners also mix with water to create a paste-like solution, which must be applied via paper towel or sponge. - Surface Types
While any of the above cleaners excel with stainless steel, they also typically provide a number of other uses. Many stainless steel cleaners can also be used on aluminum and chrome, among other metals, while others can be used to clean plastic, porcelain, fiberglass, and formica. Just be sure to read the fine print to see what surface types your preferred cleaner can work with.
