Stainless steel appliances look beautiful in a kitchen, but they have one disadvantage: all those dirty fingerprints. Every touch seems to leave behind an oily smudge on stainless steel. If you don’t keep up with wiping and cleaning stainless steel surfaces, they start to look very unattractive. Cleaning can also result in streaks if you don’t thoroughly buff and dry the surface. Below, find out how to clean fingerprints off stainless steel without leaving streaks behind.
How Often To Clean Stainless Steel
For appliances you use regularly, clean stainless steel every week to prevent fingerprints from building up. Give handles a quick wipe every couple of days, and wipe up drips and spills as soon as you notice them.
Considerations Before Getting Started
No matter how much the fingerprints frustrate you, never use harsh cleaners or scrubbers on stainless steel. Bleach, ammonia, steel wool, and abrasive pads can ruin the factory finish.
What You Need
- At least three microfiber cloths
- Gentle dish soap
- White distilled vinegar
- Optional: Mineral oil or olive oil
How To Clean Fingerprints From Stainless Steel
Step 1: Clean With Soap And Water
Begin by dampening a microfiber cloth with soapy water. Wipe the entire surface in the direction of the grain, lightly rubbing stuck-on food and fingerprints. Once you’re done, use a cloth dampened with water only to remove the soapy residue.
Step 2: Remove Stubborn Fingerprints
Inspect the surface for any fingerprints you couldn’t remove. Simply buffing these spots with a dry cloth may take care of it. If this doesn’t work, you can use diluted white vinegar to cut through the oil. Wet a cloth with water and then pour on a few drops of vinegar (you can also fill a small bowl with half vinegar and half water). Rub fingerprints and other stains until they’re gone. Then wipe the steel again with a cloth dampened in water. Vinegar can be corrosive, so you don’t want to leave it on the surface.
Step 3: Buff And Shine Your Steel
Use a dry cloth to buff out any streaks. If you want to restore the shine on your appliances, you can buff with mineral oil or olive oil. You want to use the tiniest amount possible to prevent stainless steel from developing a sticky surface, which can attract dirt. Start with just one dab of oil on a clean cloth. Use this to wipe the entire surface, buffing in the direction of the grain.
