How to Clean Stainless Steel Without Streaks: The Pro’s Guide

April 24, 2025

People love stainless steel because it’s durable, resistant to rust and corrosion, and has a sleek, modern appearance that fits in both professional and residential settings.

From elevators and kitchen appliances to restroom fixtures and handrails, stainless steel is everywhere. But let’s face it: when not cleaned properly, it shows every smudge, fingerprint, and water mark.

If you’re struggling to maintain that streak-free shine, this article is for you. With the right tools, techniques, and products, achieving a streak-free shine isn’t just possible—it’s repeatable.

Below, we’ll teach you the tips and tricks you need to know to clean stainless steel, and do so without leaving any streaks behind.

Why Does Stainless Steel Show Streaks?

Stainless steel surfaces are sleek but not always forgiving. Oils, fingerprints, cleaning residue, and hard water can leave behind visible marks. Even well-meaning cleaning efforts can create streaks if the wrong product or method is used.

Common Stainless Steel Surfaces That Need Cleaning

Stainless steel is a staple in commercial environments, particularly in industries like food service, healthcare, and manufacturing. Its sleek appearance, durability, and resistance to corrosion makes it a top choice for various applications.

However, in order to maintain its pristine condition and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, regular and proper cleaning is essential.

Some of the most common stainless-steel surfaces that need to be cleaned include:

INDUSTRY	EXAMPLES
Kitchen Equipment	Ovens, grills, refrigerators, prep tables, sinks, dishwashers
Medical Equipment	Surgical tables, trays, instrument cabinets, autoclaves
Industrial Machinery	Conveyor belts, manufacturing equipment, workbenches
Elevators and Escalators	Doors, handrails, panels in commercial buildings
Hospitality Fixtures	Bar countertops, beverage dispensers, buffet stations
Restroom Fixtures	Stainless steel urinals, sink basins, and toilets
Handrails and Door Handles	Frequently touched surfaces that require frequent cleaning to prevent germ transmission
Kickplates	Often overlooked and consistently affected by floor stripper/finish splashes.

How to Clean Stainless Steel

Before you start cleaning, gather the appropriate supplies:

Materials Needed

Microfiber cloths
Non-abrasive sponges
Gloves
Protective eyewear

Supplies Needed

pH-neutral cleaner
Window cleaner
Cream cleanser
Warm water

Tools Needed

Soft-bristle brush
Spray bottle

Always Wear PPE

Always begin any cleaning or maintenance procedure by putting on the necessary personal protective equipment. When cleaning stainless steel, safety goggles, gloves, and closed-toe shoes should be worn to protect yourself.

6 Steps to Clean Stainless Steel

Now let’s dive into the steps you need to follow for cleaning stainless steel:

Prepare the Surface
Choose the Right Cleaning Solution
Apply the Cleaner
Wipe in the Direction of the Grain
Tackle Tough Stains and Grease
Rinse and Dry Thoroughly

Step 1: Prepare the Surface

Before starting the cleaning process, remove any loose debris, food particles, or dust from the surface.

Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any visible dirt.

Pro Tip: We suggest cleaning stainless steel with a microfiber cloth because its fine fibers effectively lift and trap dirt and grime without scratching the surface, leaving behind a streak-free, shiny finish.

Step 2: Choose the Right Cleaning Solution

Selecting the appropriate cleaner is crucial. When cleaning stainless steel, look for a product that’s effective, non-abrasive, easy to use, leaves a streak-free finish, and provides protection against future marks and fingerprints. We recommend a cream cleanser with little to no grit for weekly deep cleaning.

Opt for a glass cleaner or a pH-neutral cleaner for general, daily cleaning.

Pro Tip: Avoid chloride-based cleaners, as they can cause staining and pitting.

Step 3: Apply the Cleaner

While you can spray cleaner directly onto the stainless steel surface, you need to be mindful of the type of cleaner you’re using and how it might dry if you do so. Refer to the product label or SDS for your selected cleaning product.

Our recommendation is to spray the cleaner onto a microfiber cloth or a soft, lint-free towel. This is a safer and often more effective method, especially for oil-based cleaners that can leave streaks if applied directly.

Pro Tip: Use your stainless steel cleaner sparingly. Overuse can lead to buildup and streaking.

Step 4: Wipe in the Direction of the Grain

Stainless steel, like wood, has a grain pattern, which are faint lines or striations on the surface. Always wipe in the direction of the grain to prevent streaking or scratches and to maintain the surface’s natural shine.

Use a microfiber cloth for the best results.

Step 5: Tackle Tough Stains and Grease Buildup

For stubborn stains or grease, use a commercial-grade stainless steel cleaner.

Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft-bristle brush or non-abrasive sponge.

Pro Tip: Soft bristle brushes are typically made from materials like nylon, horsehair, or other fine synthetic fibers, and are designed for cleaning delicate surfaces like stainless steel. Do not use them with harsh or abrasive chemicals like chloride-based cleaners as they can damage both the brush and the surface.

Rinse with warm water and wipe dry.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry Thoroughly

After cleaning, wipe down the surface with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any cleaner residue.

While stainless steel is generally resistant to rust, air-drying it can lead to water spots and potentially even discoloration, so it’s best to dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth immediately after washing.

Quick Tips for a Streak-Free Finish:

Avoid Abrasive Cleaners – Steel wool, scouring pads, and harsh chemicals can scratch and damage the surface.
Use a Separate Cloth for Drying – Always have a dedicated cloth for drying to prevent streaks and water spots.
Use Stainless Steel Cleaners Sparingly – overuse can lead to buildup and streaks.
Regularly Clean High-Touch Areas – Door handles, railings, and kitchen surfaces should be cleaned multiple times a day to maintain hygiene.
Test Cleaners on a Small Area First – If using a new cleaning solution, test it on an inconspicuous spot to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.
Don’t Leave Water or Cleaner Residue – Lingering moisture can lead to streaks, stains, and even rust spots over time.

Benefits of Spotless Stainless Steel

You need to clean stainless steel to maintain its aesthetic appeal, prevent corrosion, and remove fingerprints. Water spots and other surface stains can also accumulate with use and need to be dealt with appropriately.

Prevents Contamination

In food service and healthcare settings, stainless steel surfaces that are sanitized or disinfected regularly, according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), will prevent bacteria buildup and ensure safety.

Maintains Aesthetic Appeal

Fingerprints, smudges, and watermarks can dull the appearance of stainless steel, making it look unkempt and unprofessional.

Enhances Durability

Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of grime, grease, and corrosive substances that can weaken stainless steel over time.

Ensures Compliance with Regulations

Many industries have strict cleanliness requirements for stainless steel surfaces. Keeping them clean helps businesses meet health codes and avoid penalties.

Reduces Maintenance Costs

Preventative cleaning minimizes the risk of damage, rust, and permanent stains, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements.

Preventative Maintenance for Stainless Steel Surfaces

Preventative maintenance is key to keeping your stainless steel surfaces in top condition. Implement these best practices for streak-free stainless steel:

Establish a Regular Cleaning Schedule
- Daily Cleaning
- Weekly Deep Cleaning
Use Protective Coatings
Control Moisture and Humidity
Train Staff on Proper Cleaning Techniques
Inspect for Damage and Repair Promptly

Establish a Regular Cleaning Schedule

Follow this schedule to maintain your surfaces:

Daily Cleaning

Clean high-use stainless steel surfaces like kitchens and restrooms with a window cleaner or pH-neutral cleaning chemical and a microfiber cloth daily.

Weekly Deep Cleaning

Deep clean stainless steel surfaces with a cream cleaner and microfiber cloth weekly.

Control Moisture and Humidity

In high-humidity environments, stainless steel is more prone to water spots and corrosion. Keep areas well-ventilated and wipe down surfaces regularly.

Train Staff on Proper Cleaning Techniques

Ensure all employees understand the correct cleaning methods and the importance of using appropriate products to avoid surface damage.

Inspect for Damage and Repair Promptly

Regularly check for scratches, dents, or signs of rust. Addressing minor issues early prevents further deterioration and extends the life of the stainless steel.

Final Thoughts

Commercial stainless steel surfaces require consistent and proper cleaning to maintain hygiene, appearance, and durability.

Whether in food service, healthcare, or industrial settings, following a structured cleaning routine ensures compliance with health and safety standards while preserving the integrity of the material.

A clean stainless steel surface not only enhances professionalism but also contributes to a safer and more efficient work environment.

If you are located in the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico, there is an Imperial Dade facility near you with experts that can help you select the right product and enforce the right processes. Make sure your facility has streak-free stainless steel by reaching out to an Imperial Dade expert today.