How to Clean a Stainless Steel Refrigerator

Of all the appliances in your kitchen, your refrigerator is likely the one that takes the brunt of fingertips and smudges. After all, it is touched more than any other — and by every member of the family!

Making the decision to purchase a stainless-steel refrigerator was a smart choice. Not only do they look incredibly nice and sleek in your kitchen, but they are also a breeze to clean.

How to Clean a Stainless Steel Refrigerator

If your new stainless-steel refrigerator has lost some of its pizzazz, let’s help you get it back. We’ve got some great ideas to help you clean just about anything from the surface of your stainless-steel refrigerator without even breaking a sweat.

From homemade to store-bought solutions, you will find the one that is just right for your kitchen.

Mild dish soap and water

Perhaps one of the simplest methods you can use to clean your stainless-steel refrigerator is a combination of mild dish soap and water. And, it is highly likely you already have both of these in your kitchen.

Add a drop or two of mild dish soap to warm water. Using a soft cloth, dip it in the water and wring out so that it is damp. Begin to gently wipe down your refrigerator. Don’t forget to overlook your door handles.

Club soda

Club soda is an odd choice for cleaning your refrigerator, but it works beautifully. You can either pour some in a bowl, dip a soft rag into it, and wring it out. Or, add club soda to a spray bottle and do a spray-and-wipe method straight on the surface. Both methods will help you remove fingerprints and smudges, leaving you with a nice shine.

The key with club soda is to make sure you are rubbing your soft cloth in the same direction.

Flour

Yes, you read that right – flour is another option for cleaning your stainless-steel refrigerator. It may get a bit messy and leave you with additional kitchen cleanup, but you will be surprised at how well it works.

All you need to do is simply pat the flour onto the surface of your refrigerator. Then, buff it out with a soft cloth.

Dish soap and baby oil

Looking for a shiny, sparkling refrigerator? If so, then you need dish soap and baby oil. This combination works very well. Just as we’ve mentioned before, using a couple of drops of dish soap in warm water with a soft cloth can help you remove unwanted fingerprints and smudges from your refrigerator. And, it works very well. But this option comes with a second step: baby oil.

Once you wash down your refrigerator, let the surface dry. Then, using a fresh, dry soft cloth, begin buffing the surface with the baby oil. Try your best to buff with the grain of the refrigerator.

Keep in mind that a little baby oil goes a long way, so don’t overdo it or you may end up with a bit of a greasy mess.

Lemon oil furniture polish

As you probably know, lemon oil furniture polish is designed for wood finishes. However, it has been shown to work well with stainless steel appliances, too. If you are looking for something to give your refrigerator its shine back while giving your home a fresh scent, this may be a great option for you.

White vinegar and olive oil

Two things most families have on hand in their kitchen are olive oil and white vinegar. If you are interested in using these to clean your stainless-steel refrigerator, you won’t be disappointed in the outcome.

To initially remove the fingerprints and smudges, use a soft cloth and the vinegar – without water. Once you have successfully completed that step, you will then use the olive oil. Just as you could do with baby oil, place a little olive oil on a clean, dry soft cloth and begin buffing the refrigerator. Again, try your best to go with the grain.

Store bought cleaners

For those individuals who are not into homemade remedies and are just looking for a quick solution that will do the trick, leaving your refrigerator looking brand new again, then there are a few store-bought cleaners to choose from.

Here is a couple of the most popular:

• Affresh Stainless Steel Cleaning Mousse. This product claims to clean off all the fingerprints and smudges. The thickness of the mousse keeps it from dripping – and making it easier to work with.
• Weiman Stainless Steel Wipes. These are handy wipes that can be used regularly – or in between cleanings for a quick shine.
• Magic Stainless Steel Aerosol. Magic claims that this magic potion removes fingerprints, smudges, and other messes while also leaving behind a protective coating.

Stainless-steel refrigerators, as well as stainless-steel appliances in general, are incredibly popular. So, there are tons of options for cleaning the stainless-steel in your home. Just be sure to do your research and confirm that they are highly effective and worth the cost.

What you should avoid

Well, now that you know all of the things you should be placed on your stainless-steel refrigerator. But, what about the things you should never touch your refrigerator? Believe it or not, there are a few of those. The surface of your refrigerator is sensitive and can be damaged by using the wrong equipment.

When it comes to cleaning your stainless-steel refrigerator, avoid:

• Harsh abrasives
• Scouring powders
• Ammonia
• Steel wool
• Bleach

All of these items can cause damage to the finish and destroy the natural beauty of the metal.

Conclusion

Your stainless-steel refrigerator adds elegance and shine to your kitchen – despite the easy collection of fingerprints and smudges. After all, it’s a busy appliance! Choose the method that works best for you – whether homemade or store bought – and add its upkeep to your regular cleaning schedule. You will be surprised at how a little care can have your refrigerator remaining shiny and bright for years to come.