Tired of fingerprints all over your stainless steel appliances? Check out these easy cleaning tips on how to clean stainless steel appliances and make them shine like new!
A few years ago we go rid of our black kitchen appliances for stainless steel. I was so excited about lighter, brighter appliances!
Unfortunately, I quickly noticed that they get fingerprint smudges very easily (especially the stainless steel refrigerator).
I was beginning to regret my decision unto I found this cleaning method!
Not only is it easy to clean your stainless steel appliances, but you also can keep them smudge and fingerprint-free.
I typically try to wipe down and clean my stainless steel appliances once a week when I do my major kitchen cleaning. But it's a good idea to do it at least once a month. It's the best way that I have found to keep it looking neat, and not have really scrub so much.
What You'll Need
- Lemon Vinegar Cleaner or Dawn Powerwash
- Olive Oil (just the regular stuff you use for cooking)
- Microfiber Cloths (these cloths from Amazon are my favorites!)
How Do You Clean Stainless Steel Appliances
STEP 1: Start by adding a little lemon vinegar cleaner (made with white vinegar, lemon juice, and water mixed in a spray bottle) to a clean cloth.
STEP 2: Rub in the direction of the grain to remove food particles, grease, and smudges. Use a dry microfiber cloth if there's residue left, or let it air dry.
STEP 3: Once the stainless steel surface is clean, pour a small amount of oil on a dry cloth and wipe it down, going with the grain.
STEP 4: Use a clean, soft cloth to polish and remove excess oil.
Why I Don't Use Commercial Stainless Steel Cleaners
I am not a fan of the store-bought stainless steel cleaning products because of the harsh chemicals. Also, I think a few of them are way too abrasive and can lead to scratches.
Can You Use Other Oils?
Baby oil or mineral oil could also be used in place of olive oil if that's what you have.
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Helpful Tips
- We recommend using a clean microfiber cloth versus paper towels so it doesn't leave fuzzies behind.
- Do not rub in a circular motion, instead always go in the direction of the grain.
- Applying a little olive oil gives it an extra shine and is the easiest way to keep fingerprints from showing up.
- If you have more stubborn stains, you may want to start with DIY Dawn Powerwash instead of the vinegar cleaning solution, with a little elbow grease.
- Learn how to remove water spots using a few of the same tricks.
- You can use a mild dish soap, but if there are tough stains you'll want one with a grease fighter in it.
- There are different types of stainless steel, so you may want to test an area on the surface of your appliance before doing the whole thing.
How Often Should I Clean Stainless-Steel Appliances?
For best results, I recommend adding this process to your regular cleaning schedule. However, if you do you deep cleaning every 3-4 weeks that's a good time frame that works for us.
More Cleaning Tips and Hacks
- How to Clean a Kitchen Sink Properly
- 10 Clever Tips to Clean with Baking Soda
- How to Clean with Essential Oils
- 7 Homemade Cleaners That Really Work
Abrasive sponges like steel wool, scratchy powders (like bar keepers friend), and abrasive cleaners like glass cleaner (Windex) that contain ammonia.
Following these easy steps above with olive oil will help get rid of fingerprints and bring back the original shine of your stainless steel appliances.
Janeen says
I rue the day that we decided purchasing all stainless steel appliances was a good idea. Of course, that was BEFORE having any kids 🙂 Great tip. I like to use Old English on my fridge, but olive oil is more frugal and works just as well, no doubt.
Heather says
That is a great idea! I had essentially given up the thought of having a fingerprint-less crockpot 🙂
Briana says
Will have to try this. Cleaning and reorganizing some in the kitchen today. Thanks!