How to Polish Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is prone to tarnishing and staining because of water stains, so you need to regularly polish steel items to get them shiny again. You can polish stainless steel surfaces with water, non-toxic cleaners such as vinegar or olive oil, or use specialized steel cleaning products. The right method will help you clean household items thoroughly without causing them further scratches. Choose the way that best suits your item and get to work.

Table of Contents

Polish with vinegar

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Choose vinegar. Some types of vinegar may be more effective than others. White vinegar and apple cider vinegar are both equally effective at cleaning stainless steel, but apple cider vinegar has a more pleasant smell. ^{[1] X Research Source} Use the type of vinegar you have available. Specialized cleaning vinegar will be most effective for stubborn stains due to its high acidity. If the item is heavily tarnished, you should buy a vinegar specifically designed for cleaning.

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Observe the direction of the ridges on the steel surface. Similar to wood, stainless steel also has vertical or horizontal veins on the surface. By wiping along the grain of the steel, you will be able to clean even the small grooves that dirt or grime can get in. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Spray plenty of vinegar on the steel surface. Pour vinegar into a spray bottle to coat the steel with a thin layer of vinegar. Spray until a thin layer of vinegar covers the surface of the item. If you don’t want to use a spray bottle, you can apply vinegar to a rag to moisten and wipe the surface of the item.

If you only need light polishing, you should dilute the vinegar with water (1/2 cup of vinegar per quart of warm water). ^{[3] X Source of Research} Use undiluted vinegar to polish heavily soiled items.

Wipe the steel surface with a soft rag. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe away the vinegar in the direction of the steel grain. This step will help remove dirt and restore the shine of the item. Remember to wipe in the direction of the steel grain. Don’t let vinegar stick to the grooves, making the steel surface dull over time.

Paper towels can leave behind microscopic paper scraps after wiping. Cleaning stainless steel with a cotton towel is best.

Polish with olive oil

Drizzle olive oil on a soft cloth. Pour 1-2 drops of olive oil smaller than a dime onto a soft microfiber towel. Open the bottle of olive oil and cover the mouth of the bottle with a cloth, then turn the bottle upside down for 1-2 seconds to allow the oil to soak into the cloth.

You can also replace olive oil with baby oil if you wish. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Apply olive oil to the steel surface. Apply olive oil to the entire surface of the item before polishing. Continue wiping until the steel surface begins to shine. If there is an area covered with thicker oil, wipe it over and over again.

Hit the ball with strong, even hand pressure in a circular motion. Still use the olive oil cloth to polish the surface of the item. Press a little hard to get the olive oil into the grooves. Continue polishing with olive oil for several minutes over the entire steel surface.

Again, you need to check the grain of the steel before wiping the olive oil off. Olive oil can stick to the grooves and dull the surface if you polish against the grain.

Wipe off excess oil with a clean rag or paper towel. If oil remains, the steel surface will become dull instead of shiny. Use a soft, clean cloth to wipe the item until it is dry. ^{[5] X Trusted Source American Lung Association Go to Source}

When you’re done cleaning, you can try lightly touching the steel surface. Continue wiping if still greasy. Wipe off all the fingerprints you just touched.

James Sears

Hygienist

James Sears is the cleaning expert: from how to clean to how to create a transformative experience by tidying and refreshing the home environment. James is a scholarship student at the University of Southern California.

James Sears
Hygienist

Try other natural cleaners like lemon or lime juice. Lemon juice is acidic with a cleaning effect on stainless steel surfaces. you can soak the item in water mixed with lemon juice or just wipe the item with a rag dipped in lemon juice.

Polish with specialized cleaning products

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Choose a wax-free steel polish. Wax-based polishes will leave a thin film and will gradually cause the stainless steel surface to fade. For best results, use a wax-free product with abrasive ingredients. ^{[6] X Research Source}

You can buy stainless steel polish at most supermarkets in your area that sell cleaning products. Ask the supermarket staff where this product is available.

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Choose an oil-based or water-based cleaner. Water-based products do not remove smudges or fingerprints from stainless steel surfaces. For a very shiny steel surface, you should use an oil-based cleaner. However, water-based products are more environmentally friendly, in addition to being less toxic and non-flammable. You can choose based on the advantages of each type that you find suitable. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

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Choose a ventilated place to polish the item. Some specialized cleaning products can release harmful fumes when you breathe them in in tight spaces. You need to choose a place near a window or outdoors when polishing the item to avoid affecting your health. Open all windows and doors before starting work, and never use specialized cleaners in a closed room.

If you feel dizzy, nauseous or other unusual symptoms, leave the room immediately and contact a poison control center. Keep the product’s label to inform the poison control professional. ^{[8] X Trusted Source US National Capital Poison Center Go to Source}

Spray cleaner to cover the entire surface of the item. Wear rubber gloves to prevent chemicals from getting on your hands. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Read specific instructions and warnings on product labels.

Things you need

Vinegar for cleaning, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
Water
Microfiber wipes
Paper towels (optional)
Aerosol
Olive oil
Wax-free polishing oil
Glove

Advice

Do not use hard water repeatedly on stainless steel surfaces, as hard water will leave stains. ^{[10] X Research Source}
Use microfiber cleaning cloth when polishing to avoid streaks left on steel surface.
Do not use steel rods when polishing stainless steel. Steel rods can be abrasive and cause scratches to the steel surface. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Warning

Not all specialized cleaners are safe for kitchen utensils. Look for the “non-toxic” label on the product packaging and read the warning on the back carefully.
Avoid using all-purpose metal cleaners that contain chlorine or bleach, as these can damage stainless steel. ^{[12] X Research Source}
Do not mix bleach with vinegar, as the mixture can produce harmful chlorine gas. ^{[13] X Research Source}

Steps