Stainless steel appliances are a popular choice among homeowners because they help create a bright look in your kitchen, provided you keep them neat and clean. Regardless of the name, stainless steel, stainless steel is a stain magnet, and the most common problem is fingerprint marks on the surfaces. This is the most common issue reported by most homeowners possessing stainless steel appliances.
Keeping the real stainless steel appliances can be challenging and require regular cleaning because it easily catches smudges and fingerprints. Faux stainless steel resists fingerprints but it isn’t resistant to spills and smudges. Moreover, it is not as durable as real stainless steel.
But you don’t need to worry; some simple tips and common household appliances can help you keep your stainless steel appliances looking great.
Let’s cut to the chase and get down to real business!
How to Remove Stains from Stainless Steel Refrigerator?
Things Needed
Before you begin, you will need the following cleaning supplies.
- Non-abrasive cleaning cloths
- Mild dishwashing liquid or mild detergent without bleach; bleach can harm stainless steel surfaces.
- A bucket
- Stainless steel cleaner
Procedure
Step 1: Start by thoroughly washing your stainless steel refrigerator with a mild detergent and water. Add a few drops of dishwashing detergent to a gallon of warm water.
Step 2:
Wet a non-abrasive cloth in the liquid and wipe the stainless steel surfaces, starting at the top of the appliance and going towards the bottom. Make sure you wipe with the grain of the stainless steel surfaces so you don’t push residue and grime deeper into the surface. Most stainless steel surfaces have a horizontal grain in the metal.
It means wiping back and forth as you go from top to bottom.
Step 3: Rinse the soapy solution off the stainless steel surface. Wet a non-abrasive soft cloth in water and wipe along the grain of the surface, going from top to bottom as you remove the residual soap and water. Finally, dry the stainless steel refrigerator with a dry non-abrasive cloth.
Please note that cleaning stainless steel surfaces with soapy water will not remove all smudges and fingerprints. To restore the stainless steel to its original condition, clean and polish it with a stainless steel cleaner. Most stainless steel refrigerators come with a sample cleaning polish. If you have that one with you, great. If not, buy any high-quality stainless steel polish especially made for cleaning stainless kitchen appliances. Check the owner’s manual for cleaning instructions if your refrigerator has a faux stainless steel surface. Stainless steel cleaners can harm some faux stainless steel surfaces.
Step 4: Before you start cleaning your stainless steel refrigerator, apply and test the polish on an inconspicuous surface to see if it harms the finish before using it on the entire appliance. If it gives good results, apply a small amount of the cleaner to a non-abrasive cloth and wipe the cleaner across the surface, working in the direction of the grain. Polish with a dry, non-abrasive cloth. You will see the original shine and finish restored as you continue polishing.
Pro Tip: If you use the stainless steel cleaner every few days to wipe out smudges, spills, and fingerprints, you will likely need to clean the machine with soapy water about once a year.
Some Other Ways to Remove Stains from Stainless Steel Refrigerator
Vinegar and Olive Oil
A simple combination of vinegar and olive oil can do wonders on stainless steel appliances. Let’s check out how you can use the duo to get a super shiny stainless steel exterior.
- Add white vinegar to a clean spray bottle and spray the exterior of your stainless steel refrigerator.
- Wipe with a clean micro-fiber non-abrasive cleaning cloth.
- Now dip the cloth in a small amount of olive oil and wipe the refrigerator in the direction of the grain going from top to bottom. Olive oil will add some shine and remove deep fingerprint marks.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
These two household supplies can create magic for stubborn marks and stains on your refrigerator.
- Make a thick paste of vinegar and baking soda and apply to the stained area.
- Now wet a thick clean towel in boiling water. You will need baking gloves for this method as boiling water can scald you.
- Grab the hot towel very carefully and wipe the pasted area. Once the paste and stain are clear, wipe the area with a wet cloth followed by a dry cloth.
You can also clean dishwasher with these two ingredients.
How to Remove Rust Spots on Stainless Steel Refrigerator
Yes. You heard us right. Stainless steel appliances can catch some rust too. They are prone to corrosion as well. The best way to get rid of these stains is to use a paste of water and baking soda. Apply the paste on the surface with a clean cloth and rub gently in the direction of the grain.
It is best to follow the user manual to clean your refrigerator’s rust. Samsung recommends using 1 tablespoon baking soda with 2 cups of water, while Kenmore says to add equal parts of water and baking soda.
You can also use commercial rust cleaning products, but they aren’t as effective as baking soda and water. Moreover, it is best to adopt a preventive discourse to avoid rust on your stainless steel refrigerators.
Never use disinfectants, abrasives, or cleaners that contain bleach, alcohol, ammonia, and chlorides. Steel wool and scrub pads are detrimental to stainless steel surfaces. They scratch the surface and remove the upper layer, leaving the surfaces vulnerable to moisture in the air and on your hands when you touch the refrigerator. Dishrags are also bad for stainless steel refrigerators as they can contaminate the surface with oil.
Final Words
Stainless steel appliances, especially a refrigerator, look great in your kitchen, but the key to making them look good for a long time is to keep them clean. Many people are careful about keeping the inner side clean and germ-free but often ignore the exterior. It is imperative to mention here that cleaning the exterior of your refrigerator is equally important as cleaning the inner side. You must care for your machine, on the whole, to increase its life and make it work optimally.
