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This post includes affiliate links. Please see my disclosure.Today we're getting the house ready for winter. That means lots of organization and packing up outside and lots of deep cleaning inside. I wanted to share a cleaning tip today many people don't know about.
If you have stainless steel appliances, you've undoubtedly struggled with keeping them fingerprint and streak-free. You may have also forked out tons of money on products that claim to clean stainless only to be left with more streaks than you started with. This happens to me with windows and mirrors too. Sometimes I go through about a stack of newspapers or paper toweling and a ton of cleaner before I'm really happy with the end product. Talk about frustrating.
I know you didn't necessarily click through to this post to listen to me rant so I'll quickly get to the point. The secret to spotless stainless steel appliances is right in your kitchen. May I introduce you to my bottle of olive oil. This, my friends, is the answer to your stainless steel cleaning prayers.
Take a look at the BEFORE photo of my oven below. If you look closely, you can see all the fingerprints and streaks. Ick. And if you have children with sticky hands or pets with wet noses, you know what I'm talking about.
Here is a closer shot. See what I'm talking about?
Put a little olive oil on a piece of soft paper toweling and start rubbing it into the stainless. In no time at all you'll begin to see the difference. Don't take my word for it. TRY IT! These pictures are definitely not doctored. If you do anything today, do this. You will be amazed. This is what the end product looked like.
I even did my dishwasher. So, congratulations and you're welcome. You will never have to invest in another commercial stainless steel cleaning product again. Do you have other cleaning secrets many people may not know about? Share them here so we can all make our lives a little easier. Who doesn't need that these days?!
Tricia
We just upgraded to stainless steel appliances and already there are tons of smudges and prints on them. I'm looking forward to trying the oil on them! Thanks!
Sara
Tricia, let me know what you think! I know I was amazed the first time I tried this!
Jan Hoyt
Any natural product that makes towels smell fresh again? I love ours, but they're beginning to retain a definite odor, even after washing. THANKS SO MUCH!
Sara
Jan, wash the towels on a hot cycle with no detergent - just 1 cup vinegar. If they're still a bit smelly, follow this step up with one more hot cycle mixing in a 1/2 cup baking soda this time with nothing else. Remember to wash like colored towels together so there is no color transfer. Good luck!
Rita
This smell is from using too much soap. Sara's solution is correct. In the future, use less soap. For a full load of towels I use a fourth of what is recommended on soap instructions.
Lynn
Thanks for sharing this. I have washed my towels over and over with the hottest setting on my washer, we even have the steam and sanitizing settings. I couldn't get this smell put which to me kind of smells like old oil like a cooking oil that's old. Never had I even thought it was from using too much soap ! I had even tried an extra rinse cycle on them. Next washing I am doing this !! Also some one was asking about whitening laundry. We have the worst ever hard water that has iron and calcium. Even my hair turns red after time and I have to use a product I get from the beauty store to strip the iron out of my hair. I found a product on amazon.Com that I absolutely love. The very first time I used it I washed an old quilt that I love and use it daily. I had forgotten how white it actually was at one time lol. This stuff does work ! If your clothes are really dingy looking use a full scoop as directed and then every few washes just use a half scoop (scoop is included) if using on color clothing I recommend mixing it in a small cup of water before adding to the wash just so it doesn't set on the clothes and mixes quicker. It's called Charlies Soap "booster & hard water treatment" it's made of natural minerals this stuff really does work. There are other laundry detergent made by the same brand that's great also and it's all natural no smell to it. Thanks for sharing about the stainless cleaner I will be trying this. I have both little sticky hands and a lot of wet noses lol.
Kristy
I've noticed that if I wash my towels in hot water in the washer and not use any fabric softener, I no longer get smelly towels. It took me a long time to figure it out. Also, if you have a quick dry cycle on your dryer, use that when drying your towels.
Leigh Anna
What about cleaning the cabinets closest to the stove which for me get very oily/greasy? Commercial products do not work!!
Sara
Leigh Anna, have you ever tried a little Soft Scrub on a warm, wet rag? Just try some on a little corner of one of your cabinets to see if it helps any. Have you tried a magic eraser? My mother-in-law actually hangs flour cloth dish towels from her cabinets to protect them when she uses her frying pan!
Kristrn3
Dawn dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda mixed will clean anything and make it sparkle. Works for me anyway.?
Cindy
It comes off easily with a little vegetable oil on a paper towel. Cleans up that sticky gunk really fast!
Kendra
In the automotive section of Walmart there is a product called purple power. Spray it on and the grease just wipes or runs right off.
Sheila Pease
Any ideas on how to keep laundry whites white. Looking for a natural solution/home remedy. Would appreciate any helpfuls. Thanks.
Sara
Sheila, have you ever tried adding 1/2 cup baking soda to your washer with your clothes? It can serve as a natural whitener.
kate
The best cleaning method I have ever found for whites is Laundry detergent (I use cheer), 1/3 cup borax, and 1/3 cup of dawn dish soap (cuts body oils). My sheets never looked better!
Susan
We just bought a stainless steel frig and we were told not to use paper towels on it. They recommended using a micro fiber cloth. It works great!
Sara
I use the Viva towels, Susan. They're soft like cloth. I hope you're enjoying your new fridge!
Linda
Thank you!! I will be trying this in the morning. I love my stainless appliances but for the life of me cannot seem to find a cleaner that does a good job....I am anxious to give this a try.
Sara
Linda, it truly is amazing! I can't wait for you to try it!
Brenda
I've been using lemon oil on my stainless and it works the same way. Amazing. You could add some lemon essential oil to the olive oil to make your kitchen smell amazing while cutting through even more dirt and grime.
Sara
Oooh, Brenda, I love the idea of lemon oil and would love the fresh smell as well. Thanks for the tip!
Kelly
Just for reference, that so called lemon oil you run into around town is just mineral oil with a lemon scent. You could buy a bottle of mineral oil for around a buck fifty and add your preferred essential oil for the effect you're after.
jane
This post came just at the right time - HUGE thank you! jane
Sara
You will be amazed when you try it, Jane!
safa
what do you mean by paper toweling?
Sara
You can buy paper towels at any major retailer. I like the Viva brand for helping clean the stainless steel. It's softer and non-abrasive.
Chloe
Any oily material (or liquid car wax) will work. I personally like to clean with a stainless cleaner and then use an oily material (I have to old bottle of pledge revitalizing oil that smells orangy....love it !)
angsays
This is my favorite way to clean and shine stainless steel. I usually wipe it down with soap and water first to get the big chunks then the oil.
Angela @Angela Says
Sara
Angela, you made me laugh with your "big chunks" comment. Thanks for stopping by!
Sara
Hi Judi, you only use a small dab on a piece of paper toweling. I've never run into any problems. I did have a couple readers tell me that they use baby oil with similiar results. You could always try that too! Good luck and thanks for stopping by!
Judi Hurwitt
Doesn't the oil go rancid after a while? Olive oil is known for spoiling quickly even in a sealed bottle...
Dixie
You can also use WD40 - which is what it is made for. Don't know how the price may compare - if you are using old olive oil, that may be cheaper.
Linda
So happy I found ur site , I tried the oil on my appliances and it worked great, I had a few spots on them and couldn’t get them cleaned and this did the job great, 8 am so happy as those marks drove me nuts.
Thanks so much
Sara
So glad it worked for you, Linda!
KinaMonster
You can use any oil, but olive oil will only go "bad" after quite a while, and you are very likely to (hopefully) re-clean your appliances before then.
I use olive oil as a wipe on 'finisher' for any stainless I clean with my white vinager/water mix spray.
-Spray on your cleaner
-Wipe the area
-Dry the area (A cloth or paper towel both work)
-Then pour a teaspoon of oil either on the flat surface of the stainless steel appliance or right on the towel
-Rub in the oil around the entire surface of the stainless
I usually do all the stainless things at once to make it easier. If you do this once a week your kitchen (or whatever room) will sparkle and shine.
(try this same process w/ a stainless sink but use some baking soda first to scrub it, then start the rest of the steps...works like a charm.)
Sara
Thank you for such thoughtful and helpful advice!!
Bitz & Giggles
Ruby, it is incredible isn't it? Sounds like you have your hands full with your wonderful grandchildren. How wonderful. I'm sure they love to help you out around the house. It's great to get the little ones involved. Thanks so much for your comment. It's messages like yours that definitely inspire me to keep doing what I love to do! Have a wonderful day!
Ruby Stewart
I am amazed at how fast this works! I like to use natural cleaning products like vinegar, baking soda,etc. I have 4 grandchildren ages 6,4,2,and 13 months. It gets hectic when we are all together. I don't have to worry when my little ones help me tidy up! Keep on blogging!I