8 Cleaners for Stainless Steel Cookware

Ever stare at your favorite pot, now covered in cloudy water spots and stubborn grease? That gleaming stainless steel can lose its sparkle fast, but finding the right cleaner for stainless steel cookware is tougher than it looks. You don’t want anything too harsh that might scratch, but it’s gotta cut through the grime.

I’ve tested a bunch of options to save you the hassle. Let’s see which products actually restore that like-new shine without all the elbow grease, so you can get back to cooking instead of scrubbing.

Product Comparison Table: 8 Best Cleaner For Stainless Steel Cookware

Image Why We Like This Product Editor’s Rating
Bar Bar Keepers Friend Cookware Cleanser & Polish (2 x…

  • Removes burnt-on food without scratching surfaces
  • Trusted gentle cleaner for over 140 years

9.8

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All-Clad All-Clad Specialty Powder Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish 12…

  • Natural mineral formula cleans stainless steel safely
  • Works on both brushed and polished exteriors perfectly

9.5

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King King Kleen Stainless Steel Cookware Cleaner and Copper Cleaner…

  • Erases tough stains and burns from cookware instantly
  • Multi-purpose cleaner for kitchen, sinks, and car wheels

9.2

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Brillo Brillo Cameo Cleaner, Perfect on Aluminum, Stainless Steel, No…

  • Restores shine without scratching delicate surfaces
  • Residue-free finish fights fingerprints longer

8.9

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Bar Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser Liquid (2 x 13…

  • Multi-surface cleaner that clings and polishes
  • Safe on all surfaces, no harsh corrosives

8.7

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STAINLESS STAINLESS STEEL CLEANER & POLISH – Heavy Duty Cleaning…

  • Erases tough stains and grease without scratching
  • Complete kit with paste and dual-purpose sponges

8.4

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Astonish Astonish Oven & Cookware Cleaning Paste For Glass, Appliances,…

  • Cuts tough baked-on grease fast, no harsh chemicals
  • Multi-surface paste for ovens, cookware, glass, and more

8.1

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King King Kleen Stainless Steel Cookware Cleaner and Copper Cleaner…

  • Effortlessly removes burnt-on stains and tarnish
  • Restores shine to old pots and pans

7.8

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Quick Review For Top 8 Cleaner For Stainless Steel Cookware

Bar Keepers Friend Cookware Cleanser & Polish (2 x 12 oz) Stainless Steel Cleaner & Degreaser for Pots, Pans, Bakeware & Grills – Removes Sticky Residue, Rust Stains & Lime Deposits


Bar Keepers Friend Cookware Cleanser & Polish (2 x 12 oz) Stainless Steel Cleaner & Degreaser for Pots, Pans, Bakeware & Grills - Removes Sticky Residue, Rust Stains & Lime Deposits

Bar Keepers Friend Cookware Cleanser & Polish is a trusted two-pack for tackling tough kitchen messes. It effectively removes stuck-on food, oily residue, rust, and lime deposits from pots, pans, and grills. The formula is gentle and won’t scratch your stainless steel or aluminum surfaces, actually restoring their shine. Its safe for use on various surfaces without harsh chemicals. People have relied on this cleaner for generations because it simply works.

Once you try it for your bakeware and utensils, you’ll likely make it a staple in your cleaning routine.

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All-Clad Specialty Powder Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish 12 Ounce Pots and Pans, Cookware White


All-Clad Specialty Powder Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish 12 Ounce Pots and Pans, Cookware White

The All-Clad Specialty Powder Cleaner is for your stainless steel and aluminum pots. It’s a powder made from natural minerals thats environmentally safe. You can use it on brushed or polished exteriors to remove stains and restore

shine.

It comes in a handy waterproof container with a sealing cap to keep the powder dry. Just remember, its not for use on hard anodized, copper, or nonstick surfaces. A simple way to keep your quality cookware looking it’s best for years.

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King Kleen Stainless Steel Cookware Cleaner and Copper Cleaner (14 oz, 1 Pack) Helps Remove Stains and Tarnish from Pots and Pans, Multi-Purpose Metal Cleaner, Powder Form


King Kleen Stainless Steel Cookware Cleaner and Copper Cleaner (14 oz, 1 Pack) Helps Remove Stains and Tarnish from Pots and Pans, Multi-Purpose Metal Cleaner, Powder Form

King Kleen Stainless Steel & Copper Cleaner is a versatile powder for reviving your metal items. It effectively removes tough stains, tarnish, and burnt-on food from your pots and pans, helping to restore there shine. You can also use it on stainless steel sinks or even car wheels. Its easy to use: just sprinkle, dampen to form a paste, and rub with a cloth before rinsing. The formula is nontoxic and environmentally friendly, developed with natural resources.

It’s a straightforward solution for keeping your kitchenware looking clean and presentable without harsh chemicals.

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Brillo Cameo Cleaner, Perfect on Aluminum, Stainless Steel, No Scratch Formula 10 Ounce (Pack of 3)


Brillo Cameo Cleaner, Perfect on Aluminum, Stainless Steel, No Scratch Formula 10 Ounce (Pack of 3)

The Brillo Cameo Cleaner is a non-abrasive powder thats perfect for restoring shine without scratches. Its anti-tarnish formula works great on aluminum and stainless steel, leaving a residue-free finish that helps resist fingerprints so you clean less often. In the kitchen, use it on sinks, fridges, and oven doors. For the bathroom, it cleans shower doors and porcelain surfaces easily. You can even tackle outdoor items like patio furniture and storm windows.

Each pack contains three 10-ounce cans, giving you plenty for all those tough cleaning jobs around your home.

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Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser Liquid (2 x 13 Ounce) Multipurpose Cleaner & Rust Stain Remover for Stainless Steel, Porcelain, Ceramic Tile & More


Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser Liquid (2 x 13 Ounce) Multipurpose Cleaner & Rust Stain Remover for Stainless Steel, Porcelain, Ceramic Tile & More

Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser Liquid is a thick, pre-mixed formula that clings to surfaces. Its a versatile cleaner for kitchens and bathrooms, tackling rust, hard water stains, and soap scum on stainless steel, tile, and porcelain.

It polishes surfaces to restore there shine without streaking. The formula is safe for many materials like Corian, copper, and aluminum, containing no harsh corrosives.

Trusted for over a century, this multi-purpose liquid simplifies you’re cleaning routine, making it a reliable choice for tough jobs.

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STAINLESS STEEL CLEANER & POLISH – Heavy Duty Cleaning Paste for Stove, Oven, Pans, Cookware, Sink | All Purpose Multi-Purpose Household Cleaner | Removes Grease & Stains | with 2 Sponges (500g)


STAINLESS STEEL CLEANER & POLISH - Heavy Duty Cleaning Paste for Stove, Oven, Pans, Cookware, Sink | All Purpose Multi-Purpose Household Cleaner | Removes Grease & Stains | with 2 Sponges (500g)

The RAVPUIA Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish is a heavy-duty paste for your toughest kitchen messes. It cuts through grease, burnt-on food, and stains on stoves, pans, sinks, and even outdoor grills. The non-abrasive formula is tough on residue but safe for your surfaces, leaving a brilliant, streak-free shine without harsh scratching. Your kit includes a 500g jar and two dual-sided sponges for easy application. Just apply, scrub, and rinse for immediate results.

It’s a versatile, multi-purpose cleaner thats a safer choice with no strong fumes, making it a reliable solution for your whole household.

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Astonish Oven & Cookware Cleaning Paste For Glass, Appliances, Ceramics, Stovetop & Pyrex – All Purpose Kitchen Cleaner – Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Degreaser Removes Baked On Grease & Grime 150g Tub


Astonish Oven & Cookware Cleaning Paste For Glass, Appliances, Ceramics, Stovetop & Pyrex - All Purpose Kitchen Cleaner - Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Degreaser Removes Baked On Grease & Grime 150g Tub

The Astonish Oven & Cookware Cleaning Paste is a heavy-duty paste for tackling baked-on grease. Its a versatile cleaner for oven racks, stovetops, glass, and ceramics. Just apply with a damp sponge, scrub in circular motions, and rinse. It cuts through tough grime without harsh chemicals, so no gloves are needed. Be aware its abrasive, so avoid using it on non-stick surfaces, plastics, or polished metals. Astonish is a trusted, family-led brand that’s vegan and cruelty-free.

A little of this paste goes a long way to restore your kitchen surfaces, making them look like new again.

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King Kleen Stainless Steel Cookware Cleaner and Copper Cleaner (14 oz, 6 Pack) Helps Remove Stains and Tarnish from Pots and Pans, Multi-Purpose Metal Cleaner, Powder Form


King Kleen Stainless Steel Cookware Cleaner and Copper Cleaner (14 oz, 6 Pack) Helps Remove Stains and Tarnish from Pots and Pans, Multi-Purpose Metal Cleaner, Powder Form

King Kleen Stainless Steel and Copper Cleaner is a multi-purpose powder for your kitchen. It removes tough stains and tarnish from your pots and pans, even burnt-on food. It helps bring back the shine, making old cookware look new again. Its easy to use—just sprinkle, dampen to form a paste, and rub. The formula works on stainless steel sinks and other metal surfaces too. Plus, it’s made with a enviromentally friendly, nontoxic formula.

This 6-pack ensures you have plenty for tackling those tough cleaning jobs around your home. A simple solution for restoring your metal items.

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Cleaner For Stainless Steel Cookware Buying Guide

That shiny cookware can lose its luster fast with water spots and baked-on grease. A good cleaner for stainless steel cookware is specifically made to tackle those issues without causing damage.

Cleaning Power & Formula

Look for a product that cuts through grease but isn’t too abrasive. A gentle, non-scratch paste or cream often works wonders on tough stains without leaving micro-scratches behind.

Ease of Use

You want something simple. A spray that wipes clean or a cream that rinses easily saves you time and effort after you’ve already cooked a meal.

Finish & Protection

The best options don’t just clean; they leave a protective layer. This helps repel water and fingerprints, keeping your pans looking newer for longer between cleans.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaner For Stainless Steel Cookware

What’s the best way to clean stainless steel?

First, wash with warm soapy water. For tougher spots, a dedicated stainless steel cleaner works great. Always dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.

Can I use regular household cleaners?

It’s best to avoid harsh chemicals like bleach. They can damage the surface. A cleaner made for stainless steel is safer and more effective.

How do I remove burnt-on food?

Let the pan soak in warm water to loosen the food. Then, use a non-abrasive scrubber with your cleaner. Gentle circles usually does the trick.

Will it make my cookware look new?

Yes, a good cleaner removes fingerprints and light scratches. It helps restore that original shine, making your pots look much better.

Is it safe for all my cookware?

Check the label. Most are safe for stainless steel. But you should avoid using it on non-stick or aluminum surfaces unless stated.

What to Remember

Keeping your pots and pans clean is pretty simple. Just give them a good wash after each use. Dry them right away to avoid water spots.

For tougher messes, a dedicated cleaner for stainless steel cookware works great. It helps maintain that nice shine without scratching. Your cookware will look good for years with just a little regular care.