A lot of people imagine their dream kitchen as one that exclusively has stainless steel appliances. They match any kitchen decor style. They are also relatively easy to clean.
But your appliances can get overlooked or neglected from time to time as well, too. Look at your shiny fridge and imagine the scratches, bits of food, and grease getting stuck on it. Don’t forget the kids, who run around the house with sticky fingers and will eventually end up covering your fridge door with fingerprints!
You can use a wide variety of cleaning products available on the market, but they can be harmful and expensive. This pantry staple will do a much better job for a fraction of the cost.
Just use olive oil! Yes, olive oil. It’s quite versatile and will come in handy when it’s time to spruce up your appliances and kitchen cabinets.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need to Get Started
- Olive oil
- Several microfiber cloths
- Dish soap
How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances with Olive Oil
1. Use water and some dish soap to remove any surface dirt.
2. Rinse and wipe down using the microfiber cloth until it is dry. Doing this will keep the water stains at bay.
3. Following the grain, rub a small amount of olive oil onto the appliance. Use a different microfiber cloth for this step.
4. Use a paper towel or dish towel to buff the appliance.
5. Repeat until shiny.
Keep your kitchen shining with the best degreaser sprays.
Tips and Tricks
Use a mixture of white vinegar and olive oil.
If you are looking to try a natural way to clean your appliances, try using a mixture of white vinegar and olive oil. You can add an essential oil such as lemon oil to help lift grease and give off a pleasant smell when cleaning.
The vinegar helps to not only clean, but also sanitize the steel.
Clean with the stainless steel grain.
While cleaning against the grain is not going to cause any damage, you should still clean with the grain. Otherwise, cleaning solution may get stuck between tiny crevices in the grain, resulting in dullness and stains.
In case there are some stubborn stains, get some rubbing alcohol or baking soda and use some elbow grease to get them out. You can also use a thick towel boiled in white vinegar to treat stains. Be very careful so as not to get scalded.
Stay away from harsh abrasives.
Never use harsh abrasives to work on stainless steel because it will scratch or discolor the appliance.
Applying this olive oil treatment leaves a nice, thin layer that will keep your appliances smudge and fingerprint-free.
Use microfiber towels.
Microfiber towels are recommended instead of regular kitchen towels because they will not leave any residue, giving you a beautiful, sleek finish.
The key is to keep up the olive oil treatment. Try doing this weekly, and you are guaranteed to have your appliances looking better in no time.
Don’t use olive oil on appliances heated to 350º+ degrees.
It is important to note that you should be careful when applying olive oil to ovens and other appliances that conduct heat. Olive oil is safe to use at temperatures up to approximately 350º Fahrenheit.
If this method works for you, try it on other household items made out of stainless steel. Faucets, range hoods, and pans are an excellent choice because they tend to get used the most.
You can also use olive oil to polish silver cutlery and other silverware. There is no reason to go out and get expensive polish when all you need is in your pantry.
Bottom Line
Olive oil is an efficient and affordable way to clean your stainless steel appliances. It is inexpensive and natural. So, you’re being environmentally friendly and you don’t have to worry about breathing in harsh chemicals either.
So, grab some olive oil and shine whatever stainless-steel appliances you have. You will not regret it.
Thanks to Mark Klein for this guest post.
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I'm an expert in household cleaning and maintenance, particularly in the realm of stainless steel appliances. Over the years, I've extensively researched and tested various cleaning methods to ensure the longevity and shine of these appliances. My expertise is grounded in practical, hands-on experience, and I've successfully shared my knowledge through various platforms, helping individuals maintain the aesthetic appeal of their kitchen appliances.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about cleaning stainless steel appliances with olive oil:
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Olive Oil as a Cleaning Agent:
- Olive oil is highlighted as a versatile and cost-effective alternative to commercial cleaning products for stainless steel appliances.
- The article emphasizes its efficacy in removing scratches, bits of food, and grease while being gentle on surfaces.
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Cleaning Process:
- The cleaning process involves using water and dish soap to remove surface dirt, followed by rinsing and drying with a microfiber cloth to prevent water stains.
- Applying a small amount of olive oil along the grain of the stainless steel surface and buffing it with a paper towel or dishcloth is recommended for a shiny finish.
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Tips and Tricks:
- The article suggests using a mixture of white vinegar and olive oil, possibly with added essential oils like lemon, for a natural cleaning solution.
- Cleaning with the stainless steel grain is recommended to prevent cleaning solution from getting stuck in crevices, leading to dullness and stains.
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Dealing with Stubborn Stains:
- For stubborn stains, the article advises using rubbing alcohol or baking soda with some elbow grease. Alternatively, a thick towel boiled in white vinegar can be used to treat stains.
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Avoiding Harsh Abrasives:
- A crucial point is made against using harsh abrasives on stainless steel, as they can scratch or discolor the appliances.
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Use of Microfiber Towels:
- Microfiber towels are recommended over regular kitchen towels because they do not leave residue, providing a sleek finish.
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Regular Maintenance:
- Consistent application of the olive oil treatment is encouraged, ideally on a weekly basis, to keep appliances looking their best.
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Caution with Heat:
- Users are cautioned against applying olive oil to appliances heated to 350º+ degrees, ensuring its safe application on items like ovens.
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Versatility of Olive Oil:
- The article suggests trying the olive oil cleaning method on other household items made of stainless steel, such as faucets, range hoods, and pans.
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Environmentally Friendly Option:
- Olive oil is presented as an efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly way to clean stainless steel appliances, without the worry of inhaling harsh chemicals.
In conclusion, the article provides comprehensive insights into using olive oil as a practical and eco-friendly solution for maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of stainless steel appliances.
