How to Clean a Stainless Steel Fridge: A Comprehensive Guide

Stainless steel refrigerators have become a popular choice for homeowners due to their durability and sleek, modern appearance.

However, it is essential to know how to clean a stainless steel fridge properly to maintain its pristine look and prevent the buildup of grime, dust, and fingerprints.

This comprehensive guide will provide you with various methods and tips for effectively cleaning your stainless steel refrigerator, ensuring it stays in top condition.

1. Essential Supplies for Cleaning a Stainless Steel Fridge

Before diving into the different cleaning methods, it’s crucial to gather the necessary supplies.

Here is a list of items that you may need depending on the cleaning method you choose:

• White vinegar
• Olive oil
• Spray bottle
• Microfiber or cotton cloth
• Soap or dish detergent
• Baby oil
• Baking soda
• Warm water
• Glass cleaner
• Soft flour sack
• Club soda
• Commercial stainless steel cleaner

2. Cleaning with White Vinegar and Olive Oil

One proven method for cleaning a stainless steel fridge involves using white vinegar and olive oil.

The vinegar acts as a natural cleaning agent, while the olive oil helps restore the fridge’s original shine.

Follow these steps to clean your fridge with this method:

1. Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle.
2. Spray a small amount of vinegar directly onto the fridge’s stainless steel surface or onto a clean microfiber or cotton cloth.
3. Wipe the surface, following the direction of the grain of the stainless steel. Avoid using abrasive materials that may scratch the surface.
4. Re-apply vinegar as needed to remove all dirt and grime.
5. Once the surface is clean, dry it with a non-abrasive cloth.
6. Apply a small amount of olive oil to another clean cloth.
7. Wipe the cloth along the clean surface, following the grain of the metal. The olive oil will leave a deep shine on the stainless steel surface.

3. Cleaning with Soap or Dish Detergent and Baby Oil

Another effective method for cleaning a stainless steel fridge involves using soap or dish detergent and baby oil.

Here’s how to clean your fridge using this method:

1. Apply some dish detergent or soap to a clean cloth or rag.
2. Wet the cloth with water and wipe the metal surface, following the grain of the stainless steel. You may need to wipe stubborn dirt and grime several times to remove them.
3. Dry any wet streaks using a clean cloth or towel.
4. Apply a few drops of baby oil or mineral oil to a clean cloth and wipe the metal surface, following the grain. You can wipe in either direction as long as it is along the grain of the metal.

4. Cleaning with Baking Soda and Warm Water

Baking soda combined with warm water is another efficient way to clean a stainless steel fridge.

You will also need cleaning rags or microfiber cloths for this method:

1. Create a paste by combining baking soda with warm water.
2. Place old rags or newspapers on the floor beneath the fridge to catch any accidental spills.
3. Gently rub the paste onto the fridge’s metal surface using a clean rag.
4. The baking soda paste may leave white residues behind. Remove them by wiping the surface with a clean cloth or rag dipped in warm water.
5. Once the residues are removed, towel-dry the entire metal surface.
6. Finish by polishing the surface with a microfiber cloth or polishing cloth.
7. This method can also effectively remove traces of rust from the fridge’s metal surface.

5. Cleaning with Glass Cleaner

If you have a brushed stainless steel fridge, you can use a glass cleaner to make it look like new again.

You will need a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth for this method:

1. Apply a commercial glass cleaner to a microfiber cloth.
2. Gently rub the cloth in circular motions on the metal surface of your brushed stainless steel fridge, focusing on areas with dirt and grime.
3. Repeat the process to remove all accumulated dirt on the surface.
4. Dry the entire surface with a clean cloth or lint-free towel.
5. Polish the surface with a microfiber cloth.
6. Avoid spraying the glass cleaner directly onto the fridge, as it may leave drip marks on the metal surface.

6. Cleaning with a Soft Flour Sack

You can also use a section of an empty flour sack to clean a stainless steel fridge.

Prepare the following items for this cleaning method: a soft flour sack, wax paper, and white powder cleaner (such as Bar Keeper’s Friend or Bon Ami):

1. Cut a few small sections of cloth from the soft flour sack.
2. Dampen a piece of the flour sack cloth in water.
3. Sprinkle a small amount of white powder cleaner onto the damp cloth.
4. Rub the cloth onto the fridge’s metal surface using circular motions.
5. Use another piece of dampened flour sack cloth to remove the cleaner residues from the surface until it is clean.
6. Dry the metal surface with another piece of flour sack cloth.
7. Once the surface is dry, gently rub the waxy side of a piece of wax paper onto the metal surface to protect it from smudges and fingerprints.

7. Cleaning with Plain Water

Cleaning your stainless steel fridge with plain water is the most cost-effective method, but it may require additional effort if the surface has stubborn fingerprints and caked-on dirt:

1. Warm a sufficient amount of water.
2. Dampen a lint-free cloth with the warm water and wipe the metal surface, following the grain of the stainless steel.
3. As you clean the surface, use another dry lint-free cloth to prevent water drips and spots from forming on the metal surface.
4. Once the entire surface is clean, dry it with another clean lint-free cloth.
5. Finish by using a microfiber cloth to remove any remaining smudges, polishing the surface until it shines.

8. Cleaning with Club Soda

Club soda is another natural way to clean your stainless steel fridge, as it is effective in removing dirt and leaves a beautiful shine on the surface.

You will need a spray bottle and a few clean cloths for this method:

1. Fill the spray bottle with club soda.
2. Spray the club soda directly onto the stainless steel surface of the fridge.
3. Use a dry cloth to wipe down the fridge, following the grain of the metal.
4. Dry the metal surface with another clean cloth or microfiber cloth.

9. Cleaning with Commercial Cleaners

If you prefer to use commercial cleaners, there are several stainless steel cleaning products available on the market.

However, be cautious of the ingredients in these products, as some may contain abrasive particles that can damage stainless steel surfaces.

Consumer Reports advises against using scouring powders, bleach, steel wool, and glass cleaners containing ammonia.

Avoid chlorine-based cleaners and abrasive scrubber pads, sponges, and oven cleaners. Always read the label before purchasing a fridge cleaner.

It’s also a good idea to consult your fridge’s user manual for specific cleaning instructions. If you have misplaced the manual, visit the manufacturer’s website for information on safely cleaning your stainless steel fridge.

10. Cleaning Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel Fridges

Fingerprints can be the most stubborn dirt on stainless steel fridges, which is why many homeowners opt for fingerprint-resistant models.

However, these fridges still need occasional cleaning. To clean a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel fridge, you will need a mild detergent, soft clean cloth, and warm water.

Avoid using the following cleaners on fingerprint-resistant stainless steel fridges:

• Harsh cleaners containing abrasive particles
• Scouring pads
• Steel wool pads
• Paper towels
• Chlorine-based cleaners
• Gritty washcloths
• Window cleaners
• Flammable fluids
• Oven cleaners
• Acidic cleaners

These cleaners may cause scratches or damage the clear coat of the fingerprint-resistant surface, making it appear dull.

The manufacturer’s warranty may not cover damage caused by using these cleaners.

To clean a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel fridge door, follow these steps:

1. Wash the stainless steel surfaces with warm water and mild detergent or soap.
2. Wipe the entire metal surface with a clean cloth to remove excess moisture.
3. Dry the cleaned surface with a microfiber cloth.
4. Polish the entire metal surface with the cloth, ensuring it is dry and shiny before leaving it.

Conclusion

Knowing how to clean a stainless steel fridge is essential for maintaining its appearance and ensuring it stays in top condition.

With various cleaning methods available, you can choose the one that best suits your preferences and available supplies.

By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can keep your stainless steel fridge looking as good as new for years to come.

Also read: How to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink