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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?!
Brenda
I use e-cloths (found online) microfiber cloths to clean and polish my stainless steel appliances. Just get a regular e-cloth damp to clean off the grime and use the polishing (glass cleaning cloth) to dry and shine. No cleaners and it works great! The cloths are fairly inexpensive.
keri
I have used baby oil for years on my stainless steel. It is cheaper than olive oil and has no smell. It only takes a tiny bit on a cloth. Just another thought. 🙂
Sara
Yes, I love that idea!!
Maria stipeck
I use it also, works great.
Linda
We haven't tried the olive oil, but we tried regular Pledge furniture polish. Makes the appliances look brand new. Spray it on and after a few minutes, just wipe it off. Works way better than the 3-4 different stainless steel cleaners we have under the sink!
ReneeG
I've actually used Olive Oil and don't like it. It will eventually leave a sticky residue that is difficult to get off. The first time you use it, it's great once buffed off, but it builds up. I prefer to use a special stainless steel cleaner purchased from the grocery store.
Sara
I never have experienced the build-up, but again, I just use a very little bit each time. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Julie
Love this idea...and it looked great...until my Golden Retriever came into the kitchen and licked off all the EVOO. It now looks worst than before. Oy! Great idea for non-dog owners though! <3
Sara
Julie, we have a golden, too, however she seems to leave it alone. Baby oil will have the same effect. I wonder if your golden would leave the baby oil alone?
Michelle
Going to try this! We just bought a stainless steel refrigerator and it already is icky with finger prints.
jane
Using baby oil from a dollar store is a much affordable version ... try it - ideal results!
lacey
hi, I was wondering if using oil on your stainless will produce even more fingerprints when applied? It would seem like it would?
Sara
Lacey, remember you're just using a very small amount. You shouldn't be coating your appliances with the oil. When using just a little bit, it shouldn't be greasy or show fingerprints more so than before.
Chaden
Any ideas of how I could make dispensable stainless steel wipes with this oil method?
Sara
No, I've never tried that. However, you'll find it's super quick to grab a soft paper towel or rag, dab a little of the oil on and get to cleaning. If you choose the rag method, you'll be able to use it over and over.
Sandy Jones
I tried this and it looked fantastic at first but then all these brown spots formed on my appliances after a few days. It was the worst on my dishwasher. I think the heat from the dishwasher cooked the olive oil on the surface. I even used Bertoli olive oil. I had to scrub the surface with a Magic Eraser and a special stainless steel cleaner to get the brown spots off.
Sara
Wow, Sandy. That's never happened to me. I really only use a VERY small amount of olive oil - a dab covers both of my stainless appliances. Do you think you maybe just used a bit too much?
june
will this work on a black stove & fridge :o)
Sara
June, I'm not sure. Probably. Are you able to see a lot of fingerprints on your black appliances?
Jennifer
i have a black granite sink and I use the olive oil on it also. Looks brand new after rubbing in some oil.
Lori
I use it on my kitchen sink too at least once a week.
Sara
GREAT idea, Lori!
lily
hi Sara, i know how hard chemicals are on hands, nose and lungs. thanks from me hugs
Sara
Lily, you are welcome! The best part is it REALLY works! 🙂
Moira
hi Sara. found your blog and ideas. will def use this one. I have a ss sink that is hard to clean even with ss cleaner. must be the type of sink, dunno as I never had this orob before. so will try the oil and see if it works. ta for the tips.
Sara
I have my fingers crossed for you, Moira! Sure hope it works!
Rita
Mr. Clean Eraser makes your SS sink look like NEW!!!! Cross my heart.
Sara
Thanks for the tip, Rita! I love using them on my tub and shower. Will definitely try them in the kitchen too!