Can I Use Baking Soda to Clean Stainless Steel?

Introduction

If you’ve ever looked at your stainless steel sink, pot, or fridge and thought, “Why does it look so dull or stained?”—you’re not alone. Stainless steel is tough, shiny, and modern-looking, but it can still get dirty, scratched, or stained over time.

Good news? You don’t need fancy products or expensive cleaners. You probably already have something in your kitchen that works like magic: baking soda.

So, can you really use baking soda to clean stainless steel?

Yes, absolutely! In fact, it’s one of the safest, cheapest, and most effective ways to clean stainless steel without damaging it. And today, I’ll walk you through exactly how to use it, why it works, what to avoid, and how to keep your stainless steel looking amazing.

Why Stainless Steel Needs Cleaning

First things first, let’s talk about why stainless steel—even though it’s called “stainless”—can still look bad sometimes.

Stainless steel doesn’t rust like regular steel, but it can get discolored, scratched, stained, or just plain dirty. You might see:

• Fingerprints and smudges (especially on fridges and dishwashers)
  
  
• Water spots from hard water
  
  
• Grease and oil buildup near the stove
  
  
• Discoloration of stainless steel from heat or chemical exposure
  
  

Even high-quality options like 18/8 304 stainless steel—which is often used in kitchen sinks and cookware—can start to look dull if not cleaned regularly.

Why Baking Soda Works So Well

Baking soda is basically a gentle cleaner that scrubs without scratching. That’s key when you’re working with stainless steel, which can be sensitive to rough cleaning.

Here’s why it’s so useful:

• It’s non-abrasive, so it won’t leave scratches.
  
  
• It removes grease, grime, and odors easily.
  
  
• It can tackle stains and discoloration without harsh chemicals.
  
  
• It’s cheap, safe, and already in your kitchen.
  
  

So if you're asking yourself whether you can use baking soda on your stainless steel appliances, cookware, or tools—the answer is a big YES.

How to Use Baking Soda on Stainless Steel

Here’s the basic process. You don’t need much—just a few minutes, a soft cloth or sponge, some water, and of course, baking soda.

Simple Cleaning Method:

1. Make a paste
   Mix baking soda with just enough water to create a thick paste. A tablespoon or two of baking soda should be enough for most jobs.
   
   
   
2. Apply the paste
   Use a soft cloth or sponge (no steel wool or scrubbing pads!) and gently rub the paste onto the stainless steel surface. Always follow the grain—that’s the direction of those faint lines you can see on the metal.
   
   
   
3. Let it sit (optional)
   If the surface is extra dirty or greasy, let the paste sit for 5–10 minutes.
   
   
   
4. Rinse it off
   Wipe it clean with a damp cloth or rinse with water.
   
   
   
5. Dry and shine
   Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to buff the surface dry. This step helps remove water spots and brings back that shiny look.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

What About Deep Stains or Burnt Spots?

Sometimes, especially with cookware, you’ll run into tougher spots—like burnt food, discoloration, or heat stains. Here’s how baking soda can help.

For Discoloration:

If you’re seeing rainbow colors, yellowing, or blotchy marks on your stainless steel pot or pan, that’s just heat discoloration of stainless steel. It’s common, and baking soda can usually fix it.

1. Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the discolored area.
   
   
2. Add a few drops of water to make a paste right on the surface.
   
   
3. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
   
   
4. Gently scrub and rinse.
   
   

If the stain is still there, try again. It might take two or three rounds, but it usually works.

Can You Use Baking Soda on All Stainless Steel Items?

Almost all! Here’s a breakdown of where it works best:

✅ Great for:

• Kitchen sinks
  
  
• Pots and pans (like those made from 18/8 304 stainless steel)
  
  
• Fridges, ovens, dishwashers
  
  
• Countertops and backsplashes
  
  
• Utensils and tools
  
  
  
  
  
  

⚠️ Use caution on:

• Polished or mirror-finish stainless steel: Always test a small area first.
  
  
• Brushed finishes: Stick to soft cloths and light pressure.
  
  
• Outdoor grills or tools that might already have deep scratches
  
  

If you’ve got stainless steel parts that were cut recently, you might also want to clean the edges. But remember—the best way to cut stainless steel is to make sure it doesn’t leave sharp or rough edges that are hard to clean in the first place.

Other Tips to Keep Stainless Steel Looking Great

Baking soda is awesome, but here are a few more pro tips to help your stainless steel look shiny and new all the time.

1. Wipe With the Grain

Just like wood, stainless steel has a grain. Always clean along the grain to avoid streaks and scratches.

2. Use Microfiber Cloths

These are soft, don’t leave lint, and won’t scratch.

3. Dry After Cleaning

Water spots happen when you air-dry. A quick wipe with a dry cloth keeps things spotless.

4. Use Vinegar for Shine

After cleaning with baking soda, spray white vinegar and wipe down to add extra shine.

What Not to Do

There are a few things you should never use on stainless steel:

• Steel wool: It scratches the surface and makes it look dull.
  
  
• Bleach or chlorine cleaners: These can cause discoloration of stainless steel and even pitting.
  
  
• Rough scrubbers: Anything too hard can leave permanent marks.
  
  

If you’re cleaning a custom-made stainless surface or a freshly cut item (maybe after doing your own project using the best way to cut stainless steel), be even more careful—those surfaces may be more delicate right after being worked on.

A Real-Life Example: Restoring a Burnt Pan

Let’s say you burned something in your stainless steel pan. It’s black, crusty, and looks like a total disaster. Here’s how baking soda can save the day.

1. Fill the pan with warm water and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
   
   
2. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes.
   
   
3. Dump the water and sprinkle more baking soda on the burnt spots.
   
   
4. Scrub gently with a soft sponge.
   
   
5. Rinse, dry, and admire the shine.
   
   

I’ve tried this myself, and it works surprisingly well—even on pans made from 18/8 304 stainless steel.

Why Baking Soda is Better Than Many Store-Bought Cleaners

• Non-toxic: Safe around kids and pets.
  
  
• Eco-friendly: No harsh chemicals going down the drain.
  
  
• Cheap: A small box costs less than a dollar.
  
  
• Multipurpose: Clean your sink, your fridge, your oven—all with one product.
  
  

If you’ve ever used a store-bought cleaner that left streaks, sticky residue, or strong smells, you’ll appreciate how simple and clean baking soda is.

Bonus Tip: Add a Drop of Dish Soap

If you're dealing with oily fingerprints or sticky messes, just add a drop or two of dish soap to the baking soda paste. It gives extra grease-cutting power without harming your stainless steel.

This works well on appliances that get touched all the time, like oven handles, fridge doors, and microwaves.

Final Thoughts

So, can you use baking soda to clean stainless steel?

Absolutely.

It’s one of the safest and most effective ways to clean everything from 18/8 304 stainless steel cookware to large appliances, and even freshly-cut parts made using the best way to cut stainless steel. Plus, it can fix the discoloration of stainless steel caused by heat or chemicals.

It’s simple, it’s cheap, and it really works.

So next time you notice your stainless steel looking a little dull, don’t stress. Just grab the baking soda, mix up a paste, and wipe it down. You’ll be surprised how much of a difference it makes.