Stainless steel refrigerators are definitely going nowhere soon. Nearly every homeowner like us loved the way these refrigerators look because they instantly revamp any kitchen layout, and their glossy surfaces make simple kitchens look elegant. Yet, one disadvantage is how easily stainless steel-finished appliances become tainted with fingerprint smudges.
Luckily for us, after applying a few stainless steel cleaning solutions, those refrigerators might seem like they were just purchased again, no matter how quickly the surface of your equipment becomes dirty. Keep your refrigerator looking fresh and shining with these tried-and-tested methods to eliminate fingerprint stains from stainless steel finishings. We here at DaDongNY will assist you in cleaning each and every inch of your stainless steel-finished appliance, including all those pesky water spots.
First Things First
You should know a few things before understanding how to effectively clean your stainless-steel refrigerator, including the equipment and products to use. Using a simple microfiber cloth soaked with water will be more than enough to clean stainless steel as a component of the kitchen cleaning routine. Furthermore, Invest in some rubbing alcohol, vinegar, baking soda, and even rubbing oil for when you need to do a more thorough cleaning.
It is also essential to understand what not to use when cleaning your stainless steel refrigerator. Abrasive cleaning products and sponges shouldn’t be employed on stainless steel as they may cause irreversible damage to the refrigerator’s surface. Avoid using steel wool and chlorine-based products as well. Some cleaning methods include the use of rubbing alcohol and essential oils. These products are such amazing cleansers. However, they’re also flammable. They shouldn’t be applied to your oven or other heat-conducting appliances. Nevertheless, they can be used on your refrigerator.
Why Stainless Steel Refrigerators Are Prone To Fingerprints And Scuff Marks
Let’s begin discussing what causes stainless steel refrigerators to be vulnerable to damage. First, you should understand that stainless steel material is sturdy but not invincible. As you may expect from its name, it is incredibly durable. But, even regular usage can leave fingerprints and scratches on your stainless appliances.
Our fingertips are usually covered with natural oils. That’s a positive thing when it comes to solving crimes because it helps law enforcement to track down perpetrators. It is, however, only good in some kitchens. The oil from your fingertips sticks to stainless steel and dampens its gloss. Find a means to safeguard our appliances; that is our responsibility.
Six Alternative Ways to Remove Fingerprint Smudges from Stainless Steel Refrigerators
Here are the best techniques for cleaning fingerprints and smudges from your stainless steel-finished refrigerator to keep it looking slick:
- Dish Soap And Water
One of the simplest methods to remove fingerprints off stainless steel refrigerators is to utilize items you most likely already have around your household. You only require soft towels, water, and dish soap for this simple cleaning procedure. Many individuals already have dish soap in their homes, and microfiber cloths are the ideal towel to buy and use since they avoid scratches. In a mixing bowl, combine the water and dish soap solution, and once the soap has been dissolved, soak one of the towels in the water and gently ring out any excess water.
Wipe over the surfaces of your stainless steel refrigerator with a microfiber towel. Use another towel to wipe away the cleaning solution before water leaves any water spot stains. After that, your stainless steel is ready for polishing.
- Vinegar
White vinegar is used as a cleaning solution in almost every DIY project, including for wiping fingerprints off stainless steel refrigerators, because it eliminates bacteria and can cut through grease. There are two ways to apply vinegar to stainless steel surfaces. The first is by pouring white vinegar onto a microfiber cloth and wiping off the stainless steel surface. Once the surfaces of your refrigerator are all dried out, all that remains is to polish them.
The second way calls for you to fill a spray bottle with white vinegar, which you must then use to coat the stainless steel surface of your refrigerator. You could also dissolve the vinegar or add essential oils using this procedure. With this, you can easily clean and polish your stainless steel refrigerator in an instant.
How To Use Vinegar And Baking Soda To Clean The Stainless Steel Surface Of Your Refrigerator
The microfibre approach may need assistance from time to time. A reliable stainless-steel cleaning solution may be found in your kitchen pantry.
How to Prepare: Tools
Step #1: Boil The Vinegar And Soak The Towel
Soak a thick and clean washcloth in boiling distilled white vinegar to remove stubborn fingerprint stains from your stainless steel refrigerator. While working with boiling vinegar, use caution to avoid scalding yourself.
Step #2: Wipe Dry After Soaking
Let the wet washcloth rest on the area for 30 minutes. After that, scrub carefully with sprinkled baking soda until all the spots are gone, then wipe the area thoroughly with a dry cloth after wiping it clean with water.
- Cleaning Products
If you want to avoid preparing your cleaner, you can buy a variety of cleaning products on the marketplace to eliminate fingerprint stains from your stainless steel refrigerators. Several cleaning brands will offer products designed particularly for surfaces made of stainless steel, which are available in either sprays or wipes. Nonetheless, as compared to alternative procedures, these cleansers and polishes might be expensive.
Some cleaning solutions, such as HOPE’S Perfect Glass Cleaner, are not labeled stainless steel cleaners, but they do a great job of removing fingerprints and imparting shine to stainless steel. Using a microfiber cloth sprayed with window cleaner, wipe the stainless steel surface of your refrigerator in circular motions. Next, with a damp towel, lift and wipe the surface dry. Several products work just as well without spending a fortune, and a bottle of window cleaner costs a few dollars.
On the other hand, Bar Keepers Friend is an excellent professional stainless steel cleanser. To use, dab a cloth with water and sprinkle a little amount of powder over it. After that, rinse and dry the stainless steel surfaces and finish by cleaning the surface with a dry towel to avoid water marks.
- Olive Oil
Simple household items like olive oil may be used to polish stainless steel and get rid of fingerprints. If you do not have any supply of olive oil, you can use baby oil instead. Keep in mind that this procedure does not remove dirt or oil from stainless steel surfaces, but it does its job of polishing them. Doing this soon after cleaning your appliances with a cleaning solution is recommended.
Apply a small amount of olive or baby oil with a microfiber cloth. After that, take attention to the stainless steel’s grain and polish in its direction. The grain on stainless steel refrigerators often goes up and down. Brush the olive oil into the surface, then remove any excess oil using a dry microfiber towel.
- Club Soda Or Soda Water
This popular beverage has a wide variety of household applications and could even make stainless steel surfaces shine by spraying the stainless steel with club soda or ordinary soda water from a clean and unused spray bottle. Then, wipe the soda throughout the surface of your refrigerator with a delicate cloth in the same direction as that of the grain of the stainless steel. After using club soda to clean your stainless steel refrigerator, rinse it with lukewarm water and wipe it with washcloths.
- Water And Microfiber Cloth
If your stainless steel appliances are black stainless steel or have a fingerprint-resistant coating, you may be able to wipe the surface with just water and a microfiber cloth. Just saturate the microfiber with hot water and use it to wipe off the doors and handles in the grain direction. After that, use a dry towel to eliminate the moisture to avoid water marks or rusting.
How To Use Washcloth And Dish Soap To Clean The Stainless Steel Surface Of Your Refrigerator
Properly maintaining your stainless steel appliances will lessen the frequency of significant cleaning. To maintain your refrigerator, follow these steps:
How to Prepare: Tools
- Washcloth
- Polishing rag
- Chlorine-free dish soap
Step #1: Clean The Refrigerator
A simple wipe with soft microfiber and water work for routing, cleaning and erasing water stains from your stainless steel refrigerator. Wipe down the equipment with a wet towel.
Step #2: Dry And Polish The Refrigerator
To dry, wipe the surface of your refrigerator with a microfiber cloth again. You can remove excess moisture from the appliance by wiping it down with a dry towel. Use a polishing cloth on the steel and rub it for more shine.
Step #3: If Necessary, Scrub With Soap
If the stainless-steel surfaces on your refrigerator are really dirty, you can use a little amount of dish soap. Use a chlorine-free dish soap and dab a drop on a cloth. Wring out extra water after dampening the cloth. Wipe off the surface, wipe it down again with a damp cloth, and then dry it off using a clean towel.
How To Keep Fingerprints Off A Stainless Steel Refrigerator
A special cleaning solution designed to clean and protect steel surfaces is the best way to avoid fingerprint marks and smudges on your stainless steel refrigerator. These cleansers may include waxes and other helpful compounds that help in stain removal and rusting.
Are Stainless Steel Refrigerator Finishes Resistant To Acetone?
Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel refrigerators and any coloured variations, like black stainless steel, can incur finish deterioration if exposed to acetone. Before using acetone on the surface, consult the care instruction manual provided for your appliance.
Although it’s vital to take precautions, acetone is capable of helping clean some stainless steel finishes. Keep doors and windows open to let in lots of fresh air, and avoid letting the acetone sit on the stainless steel surface of your refrigerator. Instead, rewash the surface with hot, soapy water and pat them dry with a soft cloth.
Bottomline
We hope you found this post useful and that we take your refrigerator cleanup to a higher level. A refrigerator has grown into an appliance wherein people store their foods to keep them fresh for an extended period of time, as well as your favorite cold brew, which is ideal for a hot summer day.
It is the focal point of the household, protecting the family from the dangers of spoilage and germs.
The details are the key to keeping any refrigerator looking excellent. You might not immediately notice certain anomalies, but you will notice a fingerprint smear in a corner.
Maintaining the cleanliness of the surfaces of your stainless steel refrigerator can have an influence on the overall appearance of your kitchen and will be the perfect final touch.
To learn more about refrigerators and how this valuable piece of equipment chills the food and beverages inside, check out the post here.
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