How to Clean Stainless Steel Refrigerators

Co-authored by Melissa Maker

Last Updated: April 20, 2023 Approved

A stainless steel fridge can turn your kitchen into a modern heaven, but cleaning it can sometimes get tricky. Follow this advice as you attempt to get rid of streaks, spots, hand prints, and the like, and you’ll figure out how to clean a stainless steel fridge in no time.

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Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Use Proper Material and Rubbing Techniques

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Choose a nonabrasive cleaning cloth. Stainless steel scratches easily, and even a mild kitchen scrubbing pad will mar the surface.^{[1]
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- Use a microfiber cloth. They work better than lint-free cotton because they leave less fibrous material on the surface of the stainless steel
- Clean and shine your refrigerator with paper towels. If you want a super, non- streak shine, first clean the surface with the microfiber cloth and your favorite cleaning agent, and then wipe down the refrigerator with paper towels.
You may have to look closely to see the grain, but you will be able to detect which way the grain is going. Rubbing against the grain, even with a microfiber cloth, will leave permanent scratches on the surface of your appliance.^{[2]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Choose a Cleaner

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This is the cheapest method for cleaning your refrigerator, but stubborn stains and fingerprints will require extra rubbing or the addition of a few drops of dishwashing liquid soap. If you use soap, you will have to rinse off the surface with clear, hot water before you dry it with a paper towel. (Dry it quickly so that it doesn’t streak.)^{[3]
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Any vegetable oil, including olive oil, will clean stainless steel. You can also use baby oil; cleaning with oil does require extra drying to soak up the oil, this cleaning method leaves a very glossy shine but a darker shade.^{[4]
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Mix the two together in a spray bottle, using 3 parts white vinegar and 1 part water. Spray on your refrigerator and wipe it down with paper towels. Vinegar is excellent at cutting through greasy fingerprints.^{[5]
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Some people prefer the convenience of glass cleaning products and products that are sold specifically for cleaning stainless steel appliances.

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Question

I cleaned my stainless steel refrigerator with Cerma Bryte Brightener, thinking it was the polish, and it is streaky now. What can I do?

Community Answer

Use Weiman stainless steel wipes or spray. Follow up with a dry, microfiber cloth.

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What's the best cloth to use when cleaning stainless steel appliances?

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Use a microfiber cloth, something very soft. In a pinch, use an old t-shirt or underwear.

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I cleaned my stainless steel refrigerator with stainless steel cleaner. How do I get rid of the smears?

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I use apple cider vinegar and my fridge is totally spotless. Spray a clean cloth with the vinegar, wipe the fridge, then use another clean cloth to wipe it again. The results are amazing.

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Tips

Club soda works quite well on stainless steel, but many people don’t like to use it because it is messy.

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Vinegar can also be used undiluted; splash some on your microfiber cloth and rub with the grain. The smell is much stronger when used full strength, but the odor dissipates quickly.

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Vegetable oil, baby oil or any commercial cleaner containing oil will give the best shine, but the surface of the refrigerator will attract dust and dirt faster than if you use a non-oily product.

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Warnings

Some commercial cleaners can harm your floors. As a precaution, cover the floor surrounding the refrigerator with towels or an old rug before you spray a cleaner on the refrigerator.

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Use gloves to protect your hands from chemicals in commercial cleaners.

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