05/28/2026
Not all stainless steel appliances are the same and that’s exactly why some appliances clean beautifully with just water while others look streaky unless you polish them.
There are different grades and finishes of stainless steel, and the newer high-end appliances are VERY different from the older or cheaper grades.
HIGH-END / MODERN STAINLESS STEEL
(Most newer “fingerprint resistant” appliances)
These appliances often have:
• Protective coatings
• Fingerprint-resistant finishes
• Higher-quality stainless blends
• Brushed matte finishes
How to identify them:
• Usually labeled “fingerprint resistant”
• Softer matte appearance instead of super shiny
• Water wipes off evenly
• Rarely shows heavy streaking
• Feels smoother to the touch
How to clean them:
• Damp microfiber cloth
• Water only sometimes works perfectly
• Mild dish soap like Dawn for grease
• Dry microfiber afterward
What NOT to do:
❌ Heavy stainless polish
❌ Oil-based polishes
❌ Abrasive scrubbing
❌ Vinegar
Why?
Because many newer appliances already have a protective coating built onto the surface. Heavy polishing can actually CAUSE haze, smearing, buildup, and dullness over time.
On these appliances, polishing is usually unnecessary. Cleaning is enough.
MID-RANGE STAINLESS STEEL
These are your standard modern appliances without heavy fingerprint-resistant coatings.
How to identify them:
• More reflective than matte
• Shows fingerprints moderately
• Can streak if over-wet
• Usually found in average builder-grade kitchens
How to clean them:
• Mild dish soap + warm water
• Follow the grain with microfiber
• Buff dry immediately
• VERY light polish
These appliances can sometimes benefit from a tiny amount of stainless polish.
LOWER-GRADE / OLDER STAINLESS STEEL
These are usually thinner stainless finishes or lower-quality blends often found on older appliances or budget appliance lines.
How to identify them:
• Shows every fingerprint
• Looks very shiny or mirror-like
• Streaks extremely easily
• Feels rougher or more porous
• Water spots cling badly
• Often needs buffing
How to clean them:
• Degrease first
• Dry thoroughly
• Finish with stainless polish or mineral oil
• Buff well with a clean microfiber
Why polishing helps:
Lower-grade stainless steel usually lacks the protective coatings newer appliances have. Polish helps fill imperfections temporarily and creates a smoother reflective finish.
