Is Windex good for stainless steel?

Author: Ashleigh Bartell DVM  |  Last update: Friday, August 22, 2025

Yes, you can use Windex on your stainless steel appliances. However, it should be used sparingly and wiped off thoroughly to prevent streaking and potential damage to the protective surface.

Is it okay to clean stainless steel with Windex?

Windex and Stainless Steel

It is known to corrode stainless steel, and numerous experts advise against its use.

What is the best cleaner for stainless steel?

If you know, you definitely know: Bon Ami is the best stainless steel cleaner on the market -- and it has been since 1886.

What should you not clean stainless steel with?

Do not use stainless steel cleaners or polish and also avoid any harsh cleaners like window sprays or scouring cleansers, as it may damage the stainless steel coating. Additionally, do not clean your appliances with paper towels or newspaper, since it may dull or scratch the coating.

What ruins stainless steel finish?

DON'T use chlorine bleach, chloride, oven cleaner, or other abrasive cleaners. Many different cleaners contain chlorides or chlorine. These chemicals and other abrasive cleaners will cause surface pitting. They can also strip the protective chrome oxide barrier from stainless steel.

How to: Clean: Best Stainless Steel Appliances Cleaner

What chemical destroys stainless steel?

Hydrochloric and sulphuric acids at some concentrations are particularly aggressive towards stainless steel. General corrosion can be quite destructive and happen to the entire surface at once.

Is Dawn dish soap safe on stainless steel?

Use a microfiber or soft cloth when wiping down your appliances. Avoid cleaners that can damage steel and finishes. Instead, clean your stainless steel appliances with a dish soap like Dawn® Platinum. Its unique formula is tough enough to break up grease and grime while staying gentle on stainless steel surfaces.

Can I use Clorox wipes on stainless steel?

Using any cleaner containing bleach, such as Clorox wipes, should not be used on metal surfaces like stainless steel, as this could result in corrosion or rust.

How to make stainless steel look new again?

Combine one part vinegar with eight parts water. Spray the solution on the stainless surfaces and let it sit for five minutes. Afterwards, rinse with cool water or wipe with a damp cloth. After your stainless steel surfaces have dried, sprinkle them with olive oil and wipe them with a clean cloth.

What should you not put in stainless steel?

Do not put in any of the following things:
  • Dry ice, carbonated beverages, etc. (These may increase the pressure, causing the contents to blow out.)
  • Milk, dairy-based drinks, fruit juice, etc. ...
  • Sodium-rich liquids such as miso soup, soup, etc. ...
  • Fruit bits, tea leaves, etc.

Does vinegar clean stainless steel?

Vinegar and olive oil are two must-haves in any kitchen.

They're ideal for cleaning stainless steel surfaces too! Here's how to use them: Wipe down the surface to remove any dust and grime. Spray a small amount of vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar) onto the surface.

What is the best homemade glass cleaner?

Basic Homemade Window Cleaner Recipe
  • 2 cups distilled water.
  • 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar.
  • 10 drops essential oil (optional)

How to make stainless steel shine like chrome?

Using a bit of flour and elbow grease:
  1. Cover the entire stainless steel surface with a thin layer of flour (no clumps, just a fine coat).
  2. Once the flour is applied over the entire surface, repeat the buffing process with a dry cloth.
  3. Wipe away any excess flour after buffing.

What do professionals clean stainless steel with?

A cleaner: There are specialized cleaners for stainless steel that leave it with a bright shine. If you do not have any on hand or try not to use chemicals in cleaning, there are other common alternatives, including dish soap, white vinegar, and glass cleaner.

Is Windex pH neutral?

Thus windex is considered a base with a pH of around 9.

Can you clean stainless steel with just water?

In most cases, wiping down your stainless steel with a clean cloth or microfiber towel dipped in hot water does the trick. Just like wood, stainless steel has a grain. Determine the striations on the surface of your appliance and wipe in that direction, beginning at the top and working your way down.

Does rubbing alcohol clean stainless steel?

Rubbing alcohol is the key to shiny stainless steel because it evaporates quickly without leaving a residue. Making the solution is easy. Mix a 1:1 equal part solution of water and alcohol. Then spray it on the surface and wipe it off with a microfiber cloth in the same direction as the stainless grain.

What is a natural cleaner for stainless steel?

7 Best Stainless Steel Cleaning Methods
  • Olive Oil and Vinegar. Vinegar is all-natural, non-abrasive, and acts as an effective sanitizer. ...
  • Dish Soap and Baby Oil. You can combine dish soap and baby oil to restore your appliance's luster. ...
  • Club Soda. ...
  • Steam. ...
  • Baking Soda. ...
  • Powder Cleanser. ...
  • Stainless Steel Cleaner.

Can you use Windex to clean stainless steel appliances?

Windex is often recommended to clean stainless steel, notably by the company that makes it. It contains ammonia, which shouldn't leave streaks, but also detergents and various chemicals that evidently do, and which can build into a dull film. Paper towels may deposit lint, too.

What is not recommended to clean stainless steel?

Be careful not to use any of the following on your stainless steel appliances as they can scratch or damage the finish: products containing bleach, abrasive or grainy cleaners, glass cleaner, oven cleaner, ammonia or abrasive cloths or pads like steel wool.

What cleaning spray can you use on stainless steel?

So, for me, the Therapy Cleaner nudged into first place, simply because it was a little easier to apply. The Weiman is a close second, because it cleaned and polished well, but was a little bit harder to move around and buff.

Are Lysol wipes safe on stainless steel?

A: Yes, our Lysol Disinfecting Wipes can be used on hard, non-porous surfaces like stainless steel.

Can I use vinegar on stainless steel?

Vinegar is a quick fix for removing fingerprints and greasy smudges on your stainless steel appliances. These appliances need cleaning after every use. Frequent cleaning will sanitize a stainless steel sink or countertop surface and prevent the build-up of grease or grime that can be more difficult to remove later.

What detergent is good for cleaning stainless steel?

  • CIF Perfect Finish Stainless Steel Cleaner| Removes Tough Dirt 435ml (pack of 1) ...
  • JOFF Tap and Shower Cleaner, 250ml. ...
  • 3M Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish, Cleaning Spray Foam, Ready to Use Cleaner for Metal Surfaces, Remove Water Stain Mark & Fingerprints, Resists Streaking, Non Greasy & Pleasant Fragrance -283gm.

What are the best stainless steel wipes?

Best Overall: Weiman Stainless Steel Wipes

I've been using Weiman wipes for a year per my grandma's recommendation, and after trying all the other options, I understand precisely why they're her favorite. Of all the wipes I tested, Weiman was the easiest to use and the most effective.

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