Question:

What’s the trick to cleaning stainless-steel appliances without leaving streaks?

Answer:

Stainless-steel appliances made the crossover from commercial to home kitchens years ago, but the know-how required to clean and care for them seems to be lagging.

Here is the three-step regimen that Sue Bailey, a manager of product development of major appliances at Viking, performs every four months on her own stainless steel. (Her method works for stainless stove hoods, islands, and countertops, too.)

1. Wash surfaces with hot, soapy water (dishwashing liquid is fine) and a nonabrasive sponge, working both with and against the grain (yes, stainless steel has a grain) to lift buildup. Dry with a towel. Don’t be alarmed if appliances look duller than usual as you have just removed kitchen grease and residual cleaning products.

2. Apply a layer of stainless-steel polish according to the package directions, wiping off any excess immediately. Bailey recommends WOW Stainless Steel Cleaner, which works as well as a cream polish but requires much less elbow grease ($15 for a 16-ounce spray, $9 for a 30-towelette canister: www.wowezfinish.com or 866-969-3279 to order).

3. With a clean, dry towel, buff the polish into the surface, going with the grain, until it shines and the towel comes away dry.