Streaks on stainless steel appliances usually come from grease, too much cleaner, or uneven drying. Using little moisture, wiping with the grain, and finishing with a dry cloth usually works better than adding more polish.
Find the direction of the grain
Brushed stainless steel has fine lines that show the direction of the finish. Wipe with that grain to lift residue from the micro-grooves without leaving visible swirl marks.
Start with water and mild detergent
For fingerprints and light grease, a barely damp microfiber cloth with a few drops of dish soap is often enough. Avoid soaking seams, dispensers, controls, or edges where liquid can enter.
Remove cleaner residue
A second microfiber cloth lightly dampened with clean water removes soap or cleaner that can dry into streaks. Avoid concentrated bleach and abrasives unless the manufacturer specifically approves them.
Dry immediately with a clean cloth
Make the final pass with a clean dry microfiber cloth, following the grain. If bands remain, there is often too much product on the surface; repeat with less cleaner instead of adding more oil or polish.
Sources
- American Cleaning Institute — Cleaning Tips — Household cleaning practices, product dosing, and compatibility with surfaces and materials.