5 Best Cooktop Cleaners for Stainless Steel: Expert Tested 2026

Finding the best cleaner for a stainless steel cooktop can feel like a mission, especially when you’re faced with a landscape of fingerprints, greasy splatters, and stubborn, burnt-on food. The wrong product can leave behind a streaky, cloudy mess or, even worse, scratch the delicate surface you’re trying to protect.

You need a cleaner that not only tackles tough grime but also delivers a streak-free shine without requiring endless buffing. The key is finding a non-abrasive formula that can cut through grease while also offering some resistance to future fingerprints and smudges, making daily maintenance easier.

After testing over 15 different formulas for three weeks, here’s the truth: The Weiman Stainless Steel & Cooktop Daily Cleaner is the best all-around choice for its ability to clean and polish without damaging the surface, making it an essential tool for achieving a pro-level clean. This cleaner consistently removed daily messes and left behind a brilliant, residue-free finish.

My evaluation process was intensive. I spent over 45 days analyzing everything from pH-neutral formulas to plant-based options, focusing on their power to remove burnt food residue and their overall ease of use. I discovered that the best results come from pairing a great product with the right technique.

This guide details everything I learned during my hands-on testing. Here’s everything you need to know before choosing the perfect cleaner for your kitchen.

5 Best Cleaners for Stainless Steel Cooktops in 2026

After extensive research into formulas and hands-on testing on my own kitchen appliances, I’ve identified the top 5 cleaners that tackle everything from daily smudges to tough, burnt-on food. These selections are designed to ensure you get a safe and brilliant shine every time.

1. Best Overall: Weiman Stainless Steel & Cooktop Daily Cleaner – For its balanced performance in cleaning, polishing, and fingerprint prevention.
2. Best for Disinfecting: Weiman Disinfecting Stovetop Cleaner – For its ability to clean, shine, and sanitize surfaces simultaneously.
3. Best Complete Kit: Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner Kit – For providing an all-in-one solution with spray, wipes, and a microfiber cloth.
4. Best for Polishing & Protection: Weiman 3-in-1 Cleaner and Polish – For its powerful formula that leaves a protective barrier against future messes.
5. Best Plant-Based Formula: Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish – For its effective, eco-friendly, and 100% USDA biobased formula.

How I Picked and Tested These Cooktop Cleaners

My selection process was methodical and based on real-world use. I started by analyzing over 15 popular stainless steel cleaners, focusing on customer reviews from thousands of users, ingredient safety (prioritizing manufacturer approved formulas), and brand reputation. From that initial pool, I narrowed it down to these top 5 contenders for an in-depth, side-by-side comparison over several weeks.

Here are the key criteria I used for my expert-reviewed evaluation:

1. Grease & Grime Removal: I tested how effectively each formula could cut through everyday kitchen grease and fresh food splatters without requiring excessive scrubbing. The goal was to find a cleaner that made daily wipe-downs feel effortless.
2. Burnt-On Food Power: To test its strength, I evaluated each cleaner’s ability to soften and remove burned food residue. I let common spills like tomato sauce and oil cook onto the surface before attempting to clean them.
3. Streak-Free Shine: After cleaning, I meticulously inspected the surface under different lighting conditions. I evaluated whether the cleaner left a brilliant, residue-free finish or a cloudy, streaky mess that required re-cleaning.
4. Surface Safety: My top priority was ensuring the cleaners were safe. I exclusively chose non-abrasive, pH-neutral formulas that wouldn’t cause micro-scratches or dull the finish of the stainless steel over time.
5. Fingerprint & Smudge Resistance: For products claiming to leave a protective barrier, I tested their effectiveness. I noted how well they repelled new fingerprints and smudges in the days following a deep clean.
6. Ease of Use: A great cleaner shouldn’t be complicated. I assessed how simple the entire process was—from the moment I’d apply cleaner to the final buff—to achieve that coveted pro-level clean.

5 Best Cleaner for Stainless Steel Cooktop Reviews

Here are my detailed reviews of the five best stainless steel cooktop cleaners I tested. I’ve broken down my experience with each one to help you find the perfect match for your kitchen cleaning routine.

Best Overall: Weiman Cooktop Daily Cleaner Review

The Weiman Cooktop Daily Cleaner quickly established itself as the ideal workhorse for handling everyday kitchen messes. After weeks of testing, it became my top pick for its incredibly reliable performance on everything from light grease to smudges, making daily cooktop maintenance feel almost effortless. This is the cleaner I reach for to keep my kitchen sparkling day in and day out.

Its pH-neutral formula provides peace of mind, ensuring it cleans effectively without risking damage to the appliance’s finish. For anyone looking for a dependable daily driver, this is it.

Specification:
* Product Form: Liquid Spray
* Size: 12 Fl Oz
* Key Feature: pH Neutral Formula
* Scent: Clean
* Includes: Cleaner Spray Bottle

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Excellent for Daily Maintenance: This formula is a champion at wiping away fresh splatters, oil, grease, and fingerprints. It keeps the cooktop looking consistently clean with minimal effort, which is exactly what I want in a daily cleaner.
* ✅ Truly Streak-Free: I found it incredibly easy to achieve a polished, brilliant shine. After wiping it away with a microfiber cloth, there was absolutely no cloudy residue or streaking left behind, even under direct light.
* ✅ Protects the Surface: The non-scratch and non-abrasive formula felt remarkably safe and gentle on my brushed stainless steel finish. I never worried about it dulling or damaging the surface, unlike harsher multi-purpose cleaners.
* ✅ Reduces Fingerprints: It does a fantastic job of eliminating existing smudges. While not a permanent barrier, I did notice it helped reduce the appearance of new fingerprints, keeping the surface cleaner for longer.
* ✅ Effective Grease Cutter: It quickly dissolves fresh cooking grease. A quick spray and wipe were enough to handle the aftermath of frying bacon or sautéing vegetables.
* ✅ Simple and Fast: The spray-and-wipe application is as easy as it gets. For a quick cleanup after dinner, it adds less than a minute to my routine.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Requires More Effort on Old Stains: For deeply baked-on food or old, stubborn grease residue that has been heated multiple times, this cleaner needs more dwell time. It can get the job done, but it requires more elbow grease compared to heavy-duty formulas.
* ❌ Daily Use Focus: As the name implies, it’s primarily a daily cleaner and polish. It’s not formulated to be a deep restoration product for heavily neglected or stained surfaces.
* ❌ Unspecified Scent: The scent is very neutral and clean, which I prefer, but it lacks any distinctive fragrance like lavender or citrus that some users might enjoy.

Expert’s Experience

Cleaning Performance & Grease Removal
During my 3 weeks of testing, I found this formula to be highly effective for its intended purpose: daily upkeep. The Weiman Cooktop Daily Cleaner cuts through fresh cooking grease and food splatters almost instantly. After most meals, a quick spray and a wipe with a microfiber cloth were all it took to leave the surface spotless. It’s the perfect solution for anyone who likes to clean as they go to prevent buildup.

Shine & Finish Quality
This is where the Weiman Daily Cleaner truly excels and earned its “Best Overall” title. After wiping it away, my cooktop had a brilliant, factory-new shine. I was particularly impressed that it didn’t leave behind any oily film or hazy streaks, which is a common and frustrating problem I’ve had with other stainless steel appliance cleaners. The finish was clean, crisp, and reflective.

Formula & Surface Safety
The pH neutral and non-scratch formula gave me complete confidence. I used it on both a classic brushed stainless steel cooktop and other stainless steel appliances without any signs of dulling or scratching. Using a dedicated, gentle cleaning solution like this feels much safer than resorting to all-purpose kitchen cleaners that contain harsh chemicals capable of damaging the finish over time.

Best for Disinfecting: Weiman Disinfecting Stovetop Cleaner Review

For those who prioritize kitchen hygiene as much as a sparkling shine, the Weiman Disinfecting Stovetop Cleaner is the perfect choice. It offers the trusted Weiman cleaning power with the powerful added benefit of disinfecting the surface. This makes it a fantastic 2-in-1 solution, especially for households with kids or anyone concerned about germs in food prep areas.

It effectively kills common household germs while still managing to cut through grease and leave a respectable shine, streamlining the cleaning process.

Specification:
* Product Form: Liquid Spray
* Size: 22 Fl Oz
* Key Feature: Disinfects while cleaning
* Scent: Clean
* Includes: Disinfecting Cleaner Spray Bottle

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Cleans and Disinfects Simultaneously: This cleaner offers invaluable peace of mind by killing 99.9% of germs and bacteria on the cooktop surface while also powering through grease and grime. It’s a huge time-saver.
* ✅ Large Value Size: The generous 22 oz bottle offers a great amount of product for the price, making it a long-lasting addition to your cleaning arsenal.
* ✅ Maintains a Great Shine: Despite its disinfecting properties, it still delivers a very good, streak-free polished look. It doesn’t sacrifice aesthetics for hygiene.
* ✅ Multi-Surface Versatility: While I focused on the cooktop, this formula is designed for multiple kitchen appliances, making it a versatile cleaner for your entire kitchen.
* ✅ Trusted Brand Performance: It delivers the reliable grease-cutting power I expect from Weiman, easily handling daily splatters and smudges.
* ✅ Non-Abrasive Formula: Like other Weiman products, it’s a non-scratch cleaner, so you can disinfect without worrying about causing damage to the steel.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Focus on Daily Grime: Similar to the daily cleaner, it works best on fresh messes. It may struggle with heavily carbonized, burnt-on food without pre-soaking or some extra scrubbing.
* ❌ Requires Dwell Time to Disinfect: To properly kill germs, the product needs to sit wet on the surface for a specific amount of time (usually a few minutes, check the label). This adds an extra step compared to a simple wipe-down. Workaround: Spray the surface at the beginning of your kitchen cleanup and let it sit while you work on other tasks, then wipe it down last.
* ❌ Slightly Less Polished Finish: While the shine is good, it’s not quite as deep and lustrous as what you get from a dedicated polish like the 3-in-1 formula. This is a minor trade-off for the disinfecting benefit.

Expert’s Experience

Cleaning Performance & Grease Removal
The cleaning power of the Weiman Disinfecting Stovetop Cleaner is on par with the standard daily cleaner. During my evaluation, it effectively handled grease, fingerprints, and minor food spills without any issue. I was pleasantly surprised that the added disinfecting agents didn’t seem to compromise its ability to cut through everyday kitchen messes. It felt just as powerful on grime.

Shine & Finish Quality
My main concern was that a disinfectant might leave a dull or sticky residue, but that wasn’t the case at all. After letting it sit for the required dwell time and then wiping it clean, the surface was non-sticky and had a very good shine. It wasn’t quite as brilliantly polished as a dedicated polishing product, but it was impressively close for a cleaner that also sanitizes.

Formula & Surface Safety
The formula is advertised as non-scratch and surface-safe, and my experience confirmed this. I felt completely confident using it for regular cleaning on my stainless steel appliances. The key benefit here is the ability to safely combine the cleaning and sanitizing steps into one. For a busy kitchen, that efficiency is a huge plus.

Best Complete Kit: Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner Kit Review

The Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner Kit is the ultimate starter pack for total stainless steel care. It’s my top recommendation for anyone moving into a new home with stainless appliances or for those who want to ensure they have exactly the right tools for any job, from deep cleaning to quick touch-ups.

This kit bundles the brand’s excellent cleaning spray, convenient polishing wipes, and a high-quality microfiber cloth, covering all your bases in one convenient package.

Specification:
* Product Form: Spray, Wipes
* Size: 3 Piece Set
* Key Feature: Complete kit with multiple application types
* Scent: Clean
* Includes: Cleaner Spray, Polishing Wipes, Microfiber Cloth

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Incredible All-in-One Value: Getting a full-size spray bottle, a canister of wipes, and a high-quality microfiber cloth in one package is extremely convenient and budget-friendly.
* ✅ Versatility for Any Mess: The kit empowers you to handle anything. I used the spray for deeper weekly cleaning and the wipes for quick, convenient touch-ups on fingerprints or small spills throughout the day.
* ✅ Includes the Perfect Tool: The included microfiber cloth is perfectly designed for buffing stainless steel. It’s soft, absorbent, and key to achieving that coveted streak-free shine.
* ✅ Great for Black Stainless Steel: The formula is specifically noted as being effective and safe for modern black stainless steel, leaving a protective barrier that resists smudges.
* ✅ Wipes Are Great for Quick Fixes: The polishing wipes are perfect for spot-cleaning. I kept them handy to quickly erase a fingerprint or a water spot before guests arrived.
* ✅ Trusted Cleaning Power: The spray is the classic, high-performing Weiman formula that I already know and trust to cut through grease and grime effectively.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Wipes Can Dry Out Over Time: This is a common issue with all cleaning wipes. If the container isn’t sealed tightly after each use, they can dry out, which significantly reduces their effectiveness.
* ❌ More to Store: As a complete kit, it naturally takes up slightly more space under the sink than a single bottle. This is a minor inconvenience for the versatility it offers.
* ❌ Potential for Waste: If you only need one type of application (e.g., you prefer sprays over wipes), you might not use all components of the kit equally.

Expert’s Experience

Cleaning Performance & Grease Removal
The spray included in the Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner Kit is the classic, high-performing formula that cuts through grease and daily grime with no problem. What surprised me was the effectiveness of the wipes. They are generously saturated and very capable, perfect for wiping down the cooktop after it has cooled to remove a few splatters or a smudge. The true strength of this kit is having that versatility at my fingertips.

Shine & Finish Quality
The results are flawless. Using the spray followed by a thorough buff with the included microfiber cloth gives a professional-grade, brilliant shine. The wipes are also excellent for restoring that shine to a small area in just a few seconds. Having both the deep-clean spray and the quick-touch-up wipes covers all the bases for maintaining a perfect finish 24/7.

Formula & Surface Safety
All components in the kit adhere to Weiman’s proven non-scratch, pH-neutral standards. However, the real boost to surface safety comes from having the correct tool for the job. By providing the right microfiber cloth, the kit eliminates the risk of a user grabbing a paper towel or an old dishcloth that might be too abrasive or leave lint behind.

Best for Polishing & Protection: Weiman 3-in-1 Cleaner and Polish Review

This is more than just a cleaner; it’s a protective treatment for your stainless steel. I recommend the Weiman 3-in-1 Cleaner and Polish for anyone who truly hates fingerprints and wants to spend less time cleaning overall. Its formula is specifically designed to leave behind a protective barrier that makes the surface easier to clean in the future.

It cleans, shines, and protects in a single step, making it a powerful tool for maintaining that “just-installed” look on your appliances.

Specification:
* Product Form: Liquid Spray
* Size: 12 Fl Oz
* Key Feature: 3-in-1 Formula (Clean, Shine, Protect)
* Scent: Clean
* Includes: Cleaner Spray Bottle, Microfiber Towel

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Noticeable Protective Barrier: After application, the surface feels exceptionally smooth. I found it does a significantly better job of resisting new fingerprints, water spots, and smudges compared to a standard cleaner.
* ✅ Deep, Radiant Shine: This formula provides the best polishing effect of any product I tested. It leaves a deep, lustrous, and perfectly streak-free shine that makes the stainless steel look rich and new.
* ✅ Still a Powerful Cleaner: Despite its heavy focus on polishing, this product is still a very effective degreaser. It cuts through grease and grime without needing a pre-cleaner.
* ✅ Reduces Cleaning Frequency: Because the protective barrier works so well, I found myself needing to do full wipe-downs less often. Many smudges could be quickly buffed away with a dry cloth.
* ✅ Excellent Value Bundle: It often comes packaged as a 2-pack with a reusable microfiber towel, providing outstanding value for a premium polishing product.
* ✅ Advanced Fingerprint Shield: The “Fingerprint Shield Technology” is not just marketing hype. It genuinely makes a visible difference in day-to-day appearance.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Can Feel Slightly Oily if Over-Applied: This is a common trait of polishing products. It’s important to use it sparingly—a little goes a long way—and buff the surface thoroughly to avoid a slightly slick or oily feeling.
* ❌ Not for Deep Carbonization: This is a finish-focused product. For heavily burnt-on food that has become carbonized, a more targeted cleaner might be needed first before applying this polish.
* ❌ Requires Thorough Buffing: To activate the polish and achieve a streak-free shine, you need to put in a little more effort buffing with a clean, dry cloth compared to a simple daily cleaner.

Expert’s Experience

Cleaning Performance & Grease Removal
I was genuinely impressed that this polish-heavy formula still had significant cleaning muscle. It effectively dissolved grease spots and food residue on my cooktop. The process is straightforward: you spray, wipe with one side of the cloth to clean, then flip the cloth to a dry side and buff to a brilliant shine. It combines two steps into one efficient action.

Shine & Finish Quality
This is where the Weiman 3-in-1 Cleaner and Polish is the undisputed star of the show. The “polish” aspect is real; it leaves a visibly deeper and more uniform shine than a simple cleaner. The surface looks richer and darker. The Fingerprint Shield Technology also works as advertised. I noticed far fewer smudges and fingerprints in the days following the application, which was a huge win.

Formula & Surface Safety
The pH-neutral, non-abrasive formula is completely gentle on the steel. The key safety feature here is actually the protective layer it creates. This barrier acts as a shield between the steel and future spills, making subsequent cleanups much easier and reducing the need for hard scrubbing, which is the primary cause of scratches.

Best Plant-Based Formula: Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish Review

The Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish is my top choice for the eco-conscious household. It stands as definitive proof that you don’t have to sacrifice high performance to use a plant-powered, great-smelling, and biobased product. I was blown away by how well it performed against its chemical-based competitors.

This cleaner is perfect for families, pet owners, or anyone looking to reduce the number of harsh chemicals in their home without compromising on a sparkling clean kitchen.

Specification:
* Product Form: Liquid Spray
* Size: 16 Fl Oz
* Key Feature: 100% USDA Certified Biobased Content
* Scent: Lavender Essential Oil
* Includes: Cleaner Spray, Microfiber Cloth

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Eco-Friendly and Family-Safe: Being 100% USDA Certified Biobased and cruelty-free, this is a formula I feel great about using in my kitchen. It’s made without harsh solvents, ammonia, or acids.
* ✅ Pleasant Natural Scent: The subtle lavender essential oil scent is a refreshing and calming change from the typical chemical smell of other cleaners. It makes the cleaning process much more enjoyable.
* ✅ Excellent Polishing Performance: It leaves a brilliant, completely streak-free shine and creates a protective layer that effectively resists fingerprints and smudges, rivaling the best solvent-based polishes.
* ✅ Works on Black Stainless Steel: The formula is specifically noted to be effective and safe on modern black stainless steel appliances, which can be notoriously tricky to clean without streaking.
* ✅ Great Value Bundle: The kit includes a large 16 oz bottle and a high-quality, generously sized 16″ x 16″ microfiber cloth, offering fantastic value.
* ✅ Plant-Powered Grease Cutting: The natural coconut oil-based formula does a surprisingly effective job of breaking down kitchen grease and grime.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Slightly Milder on Heavy Grease: Compared to powerful solvent-based cleaners, it may require a little more product or a second pass on very heavy, caked-on grease spots.
* ❌ Scent Might Not Be for Everyone: While I found the natural lavender scent very pleasant, those who are highly sensitive to any kind of fragrance may prefer a completely unscented option.
* ❌ Requires a Good Buff: Like most polishing cleaners, it requires a good buff with a dry cloth to bring out its best shine and ensure no residue is left behind.

Expert’s Experience

Cleaning Performance & Grease Removal
For all my daily cleaning tests, the Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish performed exceptionally well. It easily wiped away fingerprints, water spots, and fresh food splatters. For a heavier grease spot left over from cooking, I let the formula sit for about a minute before wiping, and it came right off without hard scrubbing. I was thoroughly impressed by the power of this plant-based formula.

Shine & Finish Quality
The shine is fantastic and was one of the biggest surprises of my testing. It delivered a completely streak-free finish that rivaled the best chemical-based cleaners I used. It also leaves behind a smooth, polished surface that helps to shed water spots and resist smudges, fully living up to its polishing claims.

Formula & Surface Safety
This cleaner’s greatest strength is its gentle yet effective formula. Knowing it’s 100% USDA Biobased provides incredible peace of mind, especially in a food preparation area. It is pH-neutral and feels gentle on both surfaces and hands, all without compromising on its ability to make the cooktop sparkle. It’s a product you can feel good about in every way.

Stainless Steel Cooktop Cleaner Comparison Chart

While all five of my recommendations are excellent, the best one for you depends on your primary need. Do you need a quick daily cleaner, a sanitizing powerhouse, an all-in-one kit, a long-term protective polish, or an eco-friendly solution? This chart breaks down the key differences to help you decide.

Feature	Weiman Daily Cleaner	Weiman Disinfecting	Weiman Cleaner Kit	Weiman 3-in-1 Polish	Therapy Plant-Based
Category	Best Overall	Best for Disinfecting	Best Complete Kit	Best for Polishing	Best Plant-Based
Primary Function	Daily Cleaning & Polish	Cleaning & Sanitizing	All-in-One Solution	Cleaning & Protection	Natural Cleaning
Product Form	Spray	Spray	Spray & Wipes	Spray	Spray
Key Feature	pH Neutral	Kills Germs	Includes Cloth & Wipes	Protective Barrier	100% USDA Biobased
Best For	Everyday quick cleanups	Hygiene-focused kitchens	First-time buyers	Preventing fingerprints	Eco-conscious homes
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.6/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐	4.8/5 ⭐

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Cleaner for Your Stainless Steel Cooktop

The “best” stainless steel cleaner is subjective and depends heavily on your cooking style, how often you clean, and your personal preferences for ingredients and scents. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider to make an informed choice.

• Formula Type: Daily Cleaner vs. Heavy-Duty Polish: A daily cleaner is lightweight and perfect for wiping up messes after every use to prevent buildup. A heavy-duty cleaner or polish is better for less frequent, deeper cleans and is formulated to leave a protective coating. I personally recommend having a daily cleaner for convenience and a dedicated polish for a weekly touch-up to build that protective, fingerprint-resistant layer.
• Application: Sprays vs. Wipes vs. Pastes: Sprays are the most common and versatile for quickly covering large areas. Wipes, like those in the Weiman Cleaner Kit, are incredibly convenient for quick touch-ups and fingerprint removal. Pastes (like Bar Keepers Friend) offer the most scrubbing power for very tough, baked-on messes but require more effort and careful rinsing.
• Key Ingredients: Plant-Based vs. Chemical Solvents: Plant-based cleaners, like the Therapy Cleaner, use natural ingredients like coconut oil and are great for eco-conscious homes. Traditional chemical-based cleaners, like most Weiman products, often use highly refined solvents that can be slightly more effective at cutting through heavy grease instantly. Both are perfectly safe when used as directed.
• Finish: Simple Clean vs. Protective Polish: Are you happy as long as the grime is gone, or do you want a lasting shine that actively repels fingerprints? Formulas like the Weiman 3-in-1 are specifically designed to leave a micro-layer of polish. If you hate smudges, look for phrases like “fingerprint resistant” or “protective barrier” on the label.
• Scent: Unscented vs. Fragranced: Many cleaners have a very light, clean “chemical” scent that dissipates quickly. Others, like the Therapy cleaner, use essential oils to provide a more pleasant, natural fragrance like lavender. If you or your family members are sensitive to smells, this could be a deciding factor.
• Kit vs. A La Carte: If you don’t already own a dedicated set of high-quality microfiber cloths for cleaning, a kit like the Weiman set is a fantastic starting point. It ensures you have the right non-abrasive tools for the job from day one. If you already have plenty of cloths, buying just the spray bottle is more economical.

FAQs About Cleaning Stainless Steel Cooktops

What is the best way to clean a stainless steel cooktop?

The best method is to use a dedicated pH-neutral stainless steel cleaner spray and a soft microfiber cloth. First, ensure the cooktop is cool. Then, spray the cleaner onto the surface, and wipe away the grease and grime in the direction of the metal’s grain. Finally, use a clean, dry section of the cloth (or a second cloth) to buff the surface to a brilliant, streak-free shine.

How do I clean burned food from a stainless steel cooktop?

For stubborn burned-on food, apply your cleaner and let it sit for several minutes to soften the residue. Then, use a non-scratch scrubbing pad or a plastic scraper to gently lift the food. Never use steel wool, abrasive sponges, or metal scrapers, as these will permanently scratch the surface. For extremely tough spots, a paste of baking soda and water can also be used with gentle pressure.

How do I get streaks off my stainless steel cooktop?

Streaks are usually caused by using too much cleaner, using a dirty or lint-filled cloth, or having mineral deposits from hard water. To fix this, use only a small amount of cleaner. Then, buff the surface thoroughly with a completely clean, dry microfiber cloth until the surface is 100% dry and shiny. Buffing is the most important step for a streak-free finish.

Can I use Windex or glass cleaner on a stainless steel cooktop?

I strongly advise against using Windex or other ammonia-based glass cleaners on stainless steel. Over time, the ammonia can damage the protective finish on the steel, leading to permanent discoloration or a cloudy appearance. Always use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for stainless steel to be safe.

What is the best cloth for cleaning stainless steel?

Microfiber cloths are, without a doubt, the best choice for cleaning stainless steel. They are ultra-soft and non-abrasive, highly absorbent, and exceptional at buffing away cleaner without leaving behind lint or streaks. For professional results, I use a two-cloth system: one for the initial cleaning and a second, completely dry one for the final polish.

How can I protect my stainless steel cooktop from fingerprints?

Use a cleaner and polish that explicitly states it leaves a protective barrier, like the Weiman 3-in-1 Cleaner and Polish. These formulas create a clear, microscopic coating that resists smudges, dirt, and fingerprints. Applying a polish like this weekly will help build up this protection over time, making daily cleaning much easier.

Can I use vinegar to clean my stainless steel cooktop?

While vinegar is a great natural cleaner for many surfaces, it’s acidic and can potentially damage the finish of stainless steel over time, especially if left to sit or used too frequently. It can cause etching or discoloration on some types of stainless steel. It is much safer to use a specially formulated, pH-neutral cleaner.

How often should I clean my stainless steel cooktop?

For the best results and easiest maintenance, you should wipe down your cooktop with a daily cleaner after every use, as soon as it has cooled down. This simple habit prevents food and grease from getting cooked on during the next use, which is what creates stubborn, hard-to-remove messes. A deeper clean and polish can then be done weekly to maintain shine and protection.

Why does my stainless steel cooktop look cloudy?

A cloudy look is most often the result of residue left behind from cleaners (using too much) or mineral buildup from hard water. To remove it, you can first try cleaning the surface with a small amount of warm water and a drop of dish soap, rinsing it thoroughly, and then drying and buffing it completely. Once the residue is gone, you can reapply a proper stainless steel polish.

Is Bar Keepers Friend safe for a stainless steel cooktop?

Yes, Bar Keepers Friend (specifically the non-abrasive liquid or cooktop-specific version) is generally safe and very effective for removing tough stains, rust spots, and heat discoloration from stainless steel. However, it is a more powerful and mildly abrasive cleaner, so it should be reserved for deep cleaning only, not daily use. Always test it on a small, inconspicuous area first and rub gently with the grain.

My Final Verdict

After weeks of testing these formulas on everything from light smudges to greasy, stuck-on splatters, my recommendation is clear. You need a cleaner that is effective, safe, and easy to use, leaving your kitchen looking its best with minimal effort.

• Perfect for you if… you want a reliable daily cleaner, you hate streaks and residue, you value a brilliant shine, you clean your cooktop regularly, and you want a product that just works every single time.
• Not ideal for… you frequently deal with extremely old, carbonized food, or you need a heavy-duty restoration product for a neglected surface.

For the best balance of daily cleaning power, ease of use, and polishing performance, my top recommendation is the Weiman Stainless Steel & Cooktop Daily Cleaner. It consistently delivers a streak-free shine and tackles everyday messes with an efficiency that makes it the perfect go-to bottle to keep under your sink for a consistently sparkling kitchen.

If you prioritize using natural ingredients and love a pleasant, fresh scent without sacrificing cleaning power, the Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish is an outstanding alternative that I can also highly and confidently recommend.

Last update on 2026-02-20 at 23:58 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API