Stainless steel can show fingerprints, water marks, and grease soon after you clean it. The right cleaner can make routine care easier, but formulas differ: some focus on polishing, while others aim to resist new smudges or cling to vertical surfaces. Based on the listed features, Zep Plus is the strongest all-around choice for everyday appliance care, while HOPE’S stands out for touch-ups and Sprayway for a foaming application.
| Product | Best for | Standout feature |
|---|---|---|
| Zep Plus Stainless Steel Cleaner | Everyday cleaning | Water-based formula designed to help prevent future fingerprints |
| Zep Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish | Cleaning metal surfaces | Targets fingerprints, water marks, dirt, and smudges |
| HOPE’S Perfect Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish | Touch-ups and vertical surfaces | Clinging cream formula with a self-polishing finish |
| Howard Stainless Steel Cleaner | Appliances, sinks, and grills | Designed to remove fingerprints, grime, and grease |
| Sprayway Pro Line Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish | Foaming application | Foam is designed not to drip and helps resist smudges |
Our Picks: Best Product For Cleaning Stainless Steel reviews
1. Zep Plus Stainless Steel Cleaner: Best for Everyday Care
Zep Plus combines cleaning and fingerprint resistance in one product. Its listed 32-fluid-ounce size makes it a practical option if you regularly care for several stainless steel surfaces or want a larger bottle for routine kitchen cleaning.
The water-based formula is described as leaving no oily residue. That can be a useful distinction if you dislike the slick feel that some polish-style products may leave behind. Zep also says regular use helps extend the time between cleanings, though how often you need to clean will depend on how much your appliances are handled.
This is the most balanced pick here for someone who wants more than a quick shine. Its focus on reducing future fingerprints gives it an edge over products described mainly as cleaners and polishes. Follow the product directions and use a soft cloth to avoid adding scratches while wiping.
Pros:
- Cleans while helping prevent future fingerprints and smudges
- Water-based formula is described as non-oily
- Designed to leave stainless steel clean and polished
- Larger listed bottle size suits regular upkeep
Cons:
- Fingerprint resistance may not eliminate the need for regular cleaning
- The product description does not list specific instructions for every surface type
Verdict: Choose Zep Plus if you want a general-purpose stainless steel cleaner that also aims to slow the return of fingerprints.
2. Zep Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish: A Metal-Surface Option
This Zep cleaner and polish is made for stainless steel, chrome, aluminum, and other metal surfaces. Its listed uses include appliances and grill exteriors, making it a broader metal-care option than products focused only on kitchen appliances.
The formula is described as dissolving fingerprints, water marks, dirt, smudges, and soil while polishing the surface. Zep says it leaves no residue. The smaller 14-ounce size may suit occasional cleaning or a more limited set of surfaces, while Zep Plus is the better fit if you want a larger bottle with a stated focus on preventing new fingerprints.
There are important limits to keep in mind: the product is not intended for natural stone or food-contact surfaces. The supplied listing information also marks it as unavailable, so it may not be an option when you shop. Check the label and listing before choosing it for a particular job.
Pros:
- Designed for stainless steel, chrome, aluminum, and other metal surfaces
- Targets fingerprints, water marks, dirt, and smudges
- Combines cleaning and polishing
Cons:
- Not for natural stone or food-contact surfaces
- The supplied product data marks the listing as unavailable
Verdict: Consider this Zep formula if you need a cleaner for several types of metal, but verify that it is available and keep it away from the surfaces excluded on its label.
3. HOPE’S Perfect Stainless: Best for Touch-Ups
HOPE’S Perfect Stainless is a cleaner and polish in a rich cream formula. The product description says it clings to vertical surfaces, which can help limit drips as you work on a refrigerator door or another upright appliance.
Its self-polishing formula is intended to buff to an even shine after you wipe it on. The brand also highlights touch-ups: you can apply a small amount to an affected area rather than cleaning the entire appliance. That makes it a useful choice for households where fingerprints tend to show up in a few spots at a time.
Compared with the Zep Plus water-based formula, HOPE’S puts more emphasis on its cream texture, self-polishing action, and targeted touch-ups. The trade-off is that the listed 22-ounce size is smaller than Zep Plus’s 32-fluid-ounce bottle. Follow the label directions, especially if you prefer to wipe cleaner completely away rather than leave it to polish.
Pros:
- Rich cream formula is designed to cling to vertical surfaces
- Self-polishing action aims for an even shine
- Allows small-area touch-ups without cleaning an entire appliance
- Formula is described as leaving no oily residue or drips
Cons:
- Smaller listed size than the Zep Plus option
- The self-polishing approach may not suit people who prefer to wipe every trace of cleaner away
Verdict: Pick HOPE’S if easy spot cleaning and a clinging formula matter more to you than having a larger bottle.
4. Howard Stainless Steel Cleaner: A Versatile Appliance Spray
Howard’s stainless steel cleaner is positioned as an appliance spray for removing fingerprints, grime, and grease while restoring shine. Its listed applications include refrigerators, stoves, grills, and sinks, so it may fit a cleaning routine that covers more than one kind of appliance.
The product is described as a cleaner and polisher intended to leave a streak-free finish. It is also presented for both home and commercial kitchen settings. Those broad use claims make it a straightforward option if you want one product for several stainless steel surfaces, rather than a formula centered on one special feature.
Unlike HOPE’S, Howard’s description does not emphasize a cream texture or a self-polishing process. It also does not call out fingerprint prevention as a key benefit, as Zep Plus and Sprayway do. If your main goal is to reduce how quickly smudges return, compare those options before deciding.
Pros:
- Designed to remove fingerprints, grime, and grease
- Listed for refrigerators, stoves, grills, and sinks
- Combines cleaning and polishing
- Intended for residential and commercial settings
Cons:
- Does not highlight fingerprint prevention as a main feature
- The supplied description gives limited detail about its formula and application method
Verdict: Howard is a sensible choice if you want a general stainless steel spray for several appliances and surfaces.
5. Sprayway Pro Line: Best for a Foaming Cleaner
Sprayway Pro Line is a cleaner and polish with a foaming application. Its description says the foam will not drip, which may be useful when cleaning vertical appliance fronts. The product is intended for different types of stainless steel appliances and surfaces.
Sprayway says the formula cleans and coats the surface to protect and improve its appearance. It is also described as leaving no streaks and resisting fingerprint smudges. That gives it a useful mix of shine and ongoing surface care, though the product details do not specify how long the coating lasts or how often to reapply it.
Compared with Zep Plus, Sprayway emphasizes a no-drip foam and coating action rather than a water-based formula. Its listed 15-ounce size is smaller than Zep Plus’s, so consider how often you clean and how many surfaces you plan to cover.
Pros:
- Foaming action is designed not to drip
- Combines cleaning, polishing, and coating
- Described as leaving no streaks and resisting fingerprints
- Intended for different stainless steel appliances and surfaces
Cons:
- Smaller listed size than Zep Plus
- The supplied product details do not explain how long its coating effect lasts
Verdict: Choose Sprayway if you prefer foam that is designed to stay in place on vertical stainless steel surfaces.
How to Choose a Stainless Steel Cleaner
Match the formula to the mess
For routine fingerprints and smudges, look for a cleaner that specifically addresses those marks. If your surfaces also have grease or grime, choose a product whose description covers those soils. A cleaner that polishes as it works may help restore shine, while a formula with a stated fingerprint-resistant benefit may help with ongoing upkeep.
Choose a format that fits the surface
Sprays are a familiar choice for broad appliance surfaces, while a cream that clings may be useful on vertical doors. Foam is another option when you want a product designed not to drip. Think about where you will use the cleaner and how much control you want during application. Always follow the package directions for how to apply and wipe it.
Consider the finish you want
Some products focus on a polished shine, while others emphasize a non-oily finish, streak resistance, or protection against new fingerprints. If you do not want a residue, look for a formula that says it leaves none. If you would rather do small touch-ups than clean a full appliance, a product designed for spot application may be a better fit.
Check surface limits and label directions
Do not assume a stainless steel cleaner is safe for every nearby surface. Zep’s 14-ounce cleaner, for example, is specifically listed as unsuitable for natural stone and food-contact surfaces. Check the label for the product you choose, and avoid using it on surfaces not approved by its instructions.
Think about bottle size and cleaning frequency
A larger bottle may make sense if you have several appliances or clean often; a smaller package may be enough for occasional use or a limited number of surfaces. Compare the listed size with the job you expect it to handle, rather than choosing by bottle size alone. The formula and its intended use should fit your cleaning routine, too.
Use a gentle wiping method
Follow the product label and use a soft, clean cloth suitable for the surface. Wipe carefully and avoid abrasive pads or rough materials that could scratch the finish. If you are unsure how a cleaner will behave on a particular appliance, check its care instructions before using it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best product for cleaning stainless steel?
Zep Plus is the strongest all-around option in this selection because it is described as cleaning while helping prevent future fingerprints, and it uses a water-based formula designed to avoid oily residue. The best choice for you may differ if you prefer foam, cream, or spot cleaning.
How do I avoid streaks when cleaning stainless steel?
Choose a product described as streak-free, follow its label directions, and use a clean, soft cloth. Avoid using more cleaner than directed, since excess product can make it harder to get an even finish.
Can I use stainless steel cleaner on a grill?
Some of these products list grills or grill exteriors among their intended uses, including Zep’s metal cleaner and Howard’s appliance cleaner. Check the label before use, and do not apply a product to food-contact surfaces unless its instructions allow it.
Which option is best for cleaning a vertical refrigerator door?
HOPE’S says its cream formula clings to vertical surfaces, while Sprayway describes its foam as designed not to drip. Either may suit someone who wants more control on an upright surface; follow the package directions for application.
Can stainless steel cleaner remove fingerprints?
Yes. The products in this guide are described as targeting fingerprints or smudges. Zep Plus, HOPE’S, and Sprayway also state that their formulas help resist or prevent new fingerprints, though the surface may still need regular cleaning.
Is stainless steel cleaner safe for natural stone?
Do not assume so. Zep’s 14-ounce cleaner specifically says not to use it on natural stone. For any cleaner, check the package instructions before applying it to stone or another surface beside your appliance.
How often should I clean stainless steel appliances?
There is no single schedule that fits every home. Clean when fingerprints, grease, or water marks are visible, and follow the product label. How often you need to clean will depend on how much the surfaces are used and handled.
Final Recommendation
For most households, Zep Plus is the best product for cleaning stainless steel because it combines everyday cleaning with a stated benefit of helping prevent future fingerprints, without an oily formula. Choose HOPE’S for small touch-ups and a clinging cream, Howard for broad appliance use, or Sprayway if you prefer foam designed not to drip. If you need a cleaner for multiple kinds of metal, Zep’s 14-ounce formula may fit, but check its availability and its surface restrictions before buying.