Stainless steel appliances are a hot trend that seems to have staying power. Many of us get a rude awakening once we get these appliances into our homes: finger prints, smudges, and even scratches can turn our shiny new toys into eyesores in no time. But with the right cleaning methods and products, you can keep your stainless steel looking perfect.

Daily Upkeep

One of the keys to keeping stainless steel looking great is to not let grime build up on the surface in the first place. Surprisingly, stainless steel is rather porous, and greasy, oily substances can quickly stain it (so, it's not really "stainless" after all!) To prevent this, just give your appliances a daily wipe-down with a clean, soft cloth (an old t-shirt works perfectly, as does a lint-free microfiber cloth) and warm water. Dampen the cloth in the warm water, wipe the entire appliance down, and then follow up by drying it off with a clean towel.

Finger Prints

Stainless steel seems to attract finger prints the way ice cream trucks seem to attract every kid in a ten block radius. Luckily, they're easy to remove. Simply use your favorite window cleaner (such as Windex) and a clean, soft cloth. Spray the cleaner on the fingerprints, let it sit a few seconds, and wipe with the cloth. Goodbye, fingerprints!

Minor Grime

Most of the grime your stainless appliances will acquire will be food and grease. The perfect cleaner? Liquid dish soap. Simply mix a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent into some warm water, and use a clean soft cloth to wash the appliance down. The dish detergent is gentle enough not to harm the stainless, but it's grease-cutting properties are perfect for removing grime. Follow up by rinsing the entire appliance with clean water to avoid soap residue, and then dry with a clean towel.

Additional Tips

Never, ever use abrasive cleansers, scrubbing brushes, steel wool, or scrubber pads on stainless steel appliances. These materials will scratch the appliance fairly easily.

No matter which cleansing method you're using, be sure to follow the "grain" of the stainless steel, which is the directions the lines run in.

Keep your stainless steel shining by regularly applying one of the many stainless steel polishes available on the market.

If you should happen to scratch your stainless steel appliance, there are products on the market you can use to fill the scratches. Most home centers and hardware stores should carry these products, and if you're unsure, be sure to call the manufacturer of your particular appliance for their recommendations.

With these tips, your stainless steel will shine for years.