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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?!
Carol
What a miracle. I tried this right away. Just a dab on my paper towel and my dishwasher was sparkling. Thanks so much.
Sara
I'm so glad it worked for you, Carol!
John Stokes
There are many stainless steel appliance cleaners available in the market. There are many ideas to clean stainless steel products. I would like to suggest, Clean your stainless steel appliance with enough warm water mixed with lemon. Thanks for sharing..!!
Monique
Someone told me to use Bar Keepers Friend on my stainless steel appliances, but that ruined the appearance to the point where I've tried every tip I've seen on Pinterest including this one, to get rid of the smears/streaks that was left after I used the Bar Keepers Friend, and nothing can return my appliances back to their shiny, streak free
look. HELP SOMEONE!!!
EVELYN D
I was cleaning SS appliances in a home I had not yet moved into. All I had was Murphy's Oil Soap. I followed container directions and made sure I rinsed and dried all the surfaces. The results were amazing. I have always used Baking Soda in my SS sink making sure to rinse cold and wipe dry.
Sara
Thanks for sharing, Evelyn!
Sean
Baby oil works just as well!
Cherrill Moshier
Commercial Cleaners are toxic and can cause Cancer, etc. My daughter got Cancer after super cleaning my son's house when he got Ill. Her sister helped her and also got Cancer. My son and his sister died a year apart, but the clean freak caught hers in time and is now a Happy Grand Mother. It's what we EAT, DRINK and Breathe that makes us sick!!!!! Just use Natural Cleaners... They WORK!!!!!
Julie
I've not tried the olive oil trick, but I think I would use mineral oil if I did. I have had good luck with baking soda on my stainless appliances. It cleans without scratching and takes off tape residue after I had grandkids' art work taped to the refrigerator☺️
Sara
Great tip, Julie! Thank you!
shan
I use baby oil myself, just the teeniest amount rubbed on...I do notice that over time pet hair from my five cats will start to stick to it a little, then it's time to redo it. Always trying to keep on top of those "kitty tumbleweeds" that like to gather in corners. LOL.
Neha
But will it not make the surface oily ? more prone to sticking dirt and also , a bit slippery to handle when opening and closing ? and if you leaned on them ( tired cooking meals) you may get stains on your clothes ( esp. from tall objects like refrigerator )
Sara
You only need a tiny bit on your toweling or rag. A little goes a long way. I've never had any problems with dust or oil stains on clothing.
Michael
I use Orange Glow Wood Cleaner available at Home Depot this is the my miracle worker and it smells ah-mazing! Just be sure to place a bath towel or bathmat on the floor before spraying the appliance so your floors don't become a slip n slide surface! Good luck and happy cleaning!
Christine
You are absolutely right. My plumber gave me this tip a long time ago when installing the new stainless faucet. A tiny bit on a paper towel and it leaves a beautiful finish which does not get greasy or buildup at all. Thank you for sharing a great tip with others.
Sara
Yes! This tip can certainly extend to sinks and faucets as well! Thank you for mentioning!
Renee
How about Black Appliances ?
The stove top never gets completely streak free !
crafty.grandma
Hi, I was using olive oil on my stainless steel frig until one day it started to cry! Yep! it formed streaky tears right down the front. I used it maybe once a month to keep it shiny....To get rid of the tears I had to wash it down - water - a drop of dawn - and vinegar. However, I did not spray it on but rather dipped my cloth in my sink with this combo in it and washed all my appliances. It took a few washings but it finally stopped tearing yellow tears. My frig is near the patio door through which the sun also comes in .....I am pretty sure that the heat of the sun made it melt....I keep my curtains closed at all times but some days it is so hot during the sum that I can feel the heat on the fridge! Paper towels leave little fragments behind especially those that claim to be recycled. A woven cloth saved for washing/polishing the appliances does the trick. and if you must wash it - DO NOT USE softener -
Marlene
It is my understanding that olive oil can turn rancid after a while. I have used mineral oil with good results.
Maria stipeck
I use baby oil it works fantastic and love the smell when cleaning.
Maria stipeck
I use baby oil, it works like a charm and I love the smell when cleaning.
Nancy D
Yeyyy!!! I must have spent a fortune on stainless steel cleaning products, but NO MORE!!! Olive oil it is!! It can even handle my seven year old son's fingerprints when he is using the microwave or my ten month old baby daughter's little "paws", who really enjoys seeing her reflection on the double oven! And since I live in Greece, the olive oil comes from my own olive trees!! It's a win/win for me!! Thanx again!!!
Sara
A comment all the way from Greece! I'm so happy the olive oil is working for you - and the fact that you have your own olive trees is quite possibly the coolest thing ever!