Homes & Gardens recommends checking stainless-steel appliance instructions before cleaning, since grades and surface treatments vary. For ordinary marks, use a compatible mild cleaner and microfiber cloth, working with the visible grain. Cooking utensils need a food-surface-appropriate wash rather than an appliance-polishing product.

Follow the Grain When Cleaning Stainless-Steel Surfaces

Remove cleaning residue with clean water as directed and dry with a lint-free towel. The guide distinguishes routine fingerprint removal from more difficult staining, so avoid beginning with harsh abrasives. A finish that looks like bare stainless steel may still have a coating, making the manufacturer's permitted method more useful than a general recommendation for the metal alone.

Soft tools and complete drying help reduce the streaks left on a visibly brushed finish.