A stainless steel refrigerator can add a modern feel to your kitchen, but cleaning it can be tricky at times. Follow the suggestions below to clean up scratches, spots, handprints and the like on a stainless steel refrigerator in no time.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using the Right Scrubbing Material and Technique
Step 1. Choose a non-abrasive cleaning cloth
Stainless steel can scratch easily, and even a gentle rubbing can damage the surface of the refrigerator.
- Use a microfiber cloth. This fabric performs better than lint-free cotton, as it leaves less fibrous material on the stainless steel surface.
- Clean the refrigerator with a paper towel. To get a shiny refrigerator without scratches, first clean the surface of the refrigerator with a microfiber cloth and cleaning liquid, then wipe it with a paper towel.
Step 2. Clean in the direction of the grain (aka grain)
You have to see the grain up close, but you can see the direction of the grain. Rubbing it against even a microfiber cloth will leave permanent scratches on the surface of the refrigerator.
Method 2 of 2: Choosing a Cleaner
Step 1. Use plain water
This is the cheapest way to clean the refrigerator, but stains and fingerprints require extra scrubbing or the addition of a few drops of liquid dish soap. If using soap, you should rinse the surface of the refrigerator with clean hot water before drying with a paper towel. (Dry quickly so it doesn't streak.).
Step 2. Clean with oil
Any vegetable oil including olive oil can clean stainless steel. You can also use baby oil. Cleaning with oil does not require extra drying to absorb the oil. This method produces a very glossy sheen but with a darker tint.
Step 3. Take white vinegar and water
Mix together in a spray bottle with 3 parts white vinegar and 1 part water. Spray on the refrigerator and wipe with a paper towel. Vinegar is excellent for removing oily fingerprints.
Step 4. Use a commercial cleaner
Some people prefer glass cleaning products and products sold specifically for cleaning stainless steel utensils.
Tips
- Carbonated water is good enough to clean stainless steel, but many people don't like to use it because it's messy.
- Vegetable oil, baby oil or other commercial cleaners that contain oils will give the best sheen, but refrigerator surfaces will attract dust and dirt more quickly than non-greasy cleaners.
- Pure vinegar can also be used; sprinkle a small amount on a microfiber cloth and rub it into the grain. The smell is much stronger for large doses, but the smell dissipates quickly.
- All of the cleaning products mentioned in this article can also be used to clean stainless steel pans, utensils and countertops.
Warning
- Some commercial cleaners can damage floors. As a precaution, cover the floor around the refrigerator with an old towel or rug before you spray clean the refrigerator.
- Use gloves to protect your hands from the chemicals found in commercial cleaners.
