The Most Important Rule: Go With the Grain

Stainless steel has a grain — fine parallel lines running in one direction (usually horizontal or vertical). Always wipe in the direction of the grain, never across it or in circles. Wiping against the grain creates visible scratches and streaks.

Daily Cleaning — Fingerprints and Smudges

  1. 1

    Apply a few drops of baby oil to a microfibre cloth

    Put 3–5 drops of baby oil (or mineral oil) on a clean dry microfibre cloth. A little goes a long way.

  2. 2

    Wipe with the grain in long strokes

    Wipe along the grain in long, even strokes. The oil dissolves fingerprints and leaves a thin protective coating that repels future marks and gives a streak-free shine. Buff with a clean dry cloth to remove excess oil.

Cleaning Grease and Food Residue

  1. 3

    Clean with dish soap first

    Mix a few drops of dish soap in warm water. Apply with a damp microfibre cloth, wiping with the grain. Rinse with a clean damp cloth. Dry thoroughly with a dry cloth — water spots form if stainless steel air-dries.

  2. 4

    Polish with oil after cleaning

    Once clean and dry, apply the baby oil polish as above to restore shine and leave a protective film.

What to Avoid on Stainless Steel

  • Steel wool or abrasive scourers — scratch the surface permanently
  • Bleach or chlorine-based cleaners — can cause pitting and rust
  • Wiping against the grain — creates visible scratches
  • Leaving water to air-dry — leaves water spots and mineral deposits
Commercial stainless steel cleanersProducts like Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner and Pledge Stainless Steel Polish work well and are convenient. They do essentially the same thing as baby oil with mild cleaning agents added. Baby oil is a cost-effective substitute that works just as well for most households.

Frequently Asked Questions

Small rust spots on stainless steel are usually surface rust from external contamination (iron particles from steel wool, cookware or hard water). Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the rust spot, leave 15 minutes and scrub gently with the grain using a soft cloth. For stubborn rust: Bar Keepers Friend (oxalic acid cleaner) is very effective — apply with a damp cloth, scrub gently with the grain, rinse thoroughly and dry.
Look closely at the surface in good light — you will see very fine parallel lines. On most stainless steel fridges and dishwashers, the grain runs horizontally. On some ovens and range hoods it runs vertically. If you cannot see the grain clearly, run your fingernail lightly across the surface in different directions — you will feel slightly more resistance when going against the grain.