Many people love the look of stainless steel in their homes. Having stainless steel appliances in your home can even positively impact your property’s sellability! One of the significant drawbacks of stainless steel appliances is fingerprints sticking to them like oversized magnets!
I went on a mission to figure out how to solve this unsightly issue once in for all! I found a few low-cost solutions that will help you remove and protect your stainless appliances for years to come.
Best Preventative Tips for Fingerprints on Stainless Steel
One of the most effective ways of preventing fingerprints from adhering to the surface of stainless steel appliances is by applying a protective coat. You can use Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish to protect the surface of stainless steel appliances.
Stainless steel protective coats leave a barrier that resists fingerprints, dust, dirt, and smudges.
Make sure your appliances are cleaned with a water-vinegar mix or other cleaning solution before you apply a protective solution to them.
Some appliances can have built-up grease or dirt that needs to be removed before applying your protective coat.
I’ve even used unconventional household items and cleaners to protect my appliances. Using products like Pledge to create a smudge-free barrier and help guard against fingerprints on my appliances has worked wonders.
How to Clean Fingerprints Off Stainless Steel
Use 2 cups of water and a teaspoon of white vinegar in a bowl. Dip microfiber cloth in the solution and wipe in the direction of the grain. This will remove most cases of fingerprints on standard stainless steel appliances. Then wipe the surface with a dry microfiber cloth and rub on a stainless steel cleaner & polish Spray like Weiman.
This will dramatically reduce fingerprints from coming back frequently. Repeat this process every 2 to 3 weeks.
Four simple cleaning steps
- Start your cleaning process by using warm water and a soft cloth.
- Use a bit of dishwashing soap, vinegar, or another good cleaning solution to remove grease or dirt build-up.
- Wipe in the direction of the stainless steel texture/grain. Just in case you leave any fine scratches, they will be less visible when they run in the same direction as the grain.
- Wipe completely dry with a dry cloth to prevent water spots from forming.
How Often Should You Clean Your Stainless Steel?
Depending on how often you use your appliances will ultimately determine how often you will need to apply a protective coat.
On average, once every 2 to 3 weeks should be more than enough for the average home for a family of four.
The Cause of Fingerprints on Stainless Steel and Ways to Combat Them
One of the main causes of fingerprints on stainless steel is the natural perspiration and oils your body produces.
Another major cause of fingerprints is the general dirt, water, and food-related items. You can inadvertently pick these items up on your hands when you’re cooking or doing other general things in the kitchen.
When your hands come into contact with the flat shiny surfaces of the appliances, it will leave prints, smears, and stains due to oils, dirt, and other food items that might be on your hands.
Simply by taking the time to wash and dry your hands properly, it will dramatically reduce the fingerprints that will appear on your stainless appliances.
Young children can also be the culprit of many fingerprints left on your home appliances. This can be really hard to avoid due to children taking less care to ensure their hands are clean. Taking preventative measures is the next best thing! Refer back to
Best preventative tips for fingerprints on stainless steel
Leave Less Finger Prints When Using Appliances
When we’re in the kitchen cooking, cleaning, snacking, or just looking in the fridge due to boredom, we tend to touch appliances carelessly.
We might use the handle to open the fridge, stove, or dishwasher at first but might end up closing the door by placing our hands on the surface.
We unconsciously give our appliances a little push with our hands to close it! Not thinking about the many fingerprints we leave on the surface each time we interact with it.
Another way to reduce fingerprints is by making a conscious effort to open and close the door by using the handle of your appliance only.
Items to AVOID when cleaning stainless steel appliances
Never use wire brushes, steel wool, or scrapers to clean your stainless steel appliances! This will leave permanent unsightly scratches on your home appliances and can even cause rust to form.
Avoid using abrasive or granular-based cleaning products. They can potentially leave scratches and dull the stainless steel finish of your appliances.
Stay away from bleach and bleach-based products. Using bleach can potentially cause a lasting haze on your stainless steel appliances.
Don’t use old dirty cleaning cloth. Dirty rags can be contaminated with various cleaning products. The mixture of cleaning can react in an unexpected way that can potentially ruin the finish of your stainless steel appliances.
Apply light to medium pressure when wiping. Avoid pushing hard, especially in the central area of your appliance door. Pushing too hard when wiping could potentially cause dents and your appliance door.
Using Vinyl Wrap to Protect Against Fingerprints
Using decorative vinyl wrapping on your appliance is another way to reduce fingerprints. Not only do you get a unique look, but fingerprints are also less visible on decorative vinyl.
Vinyl wraps come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. The great thing about using vinyl is that you can personalize your appliances. Or apply faux steel adhesive that looks just like a regular stainless steel appliance.
Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel
Some appliance manufacturers have a special kind of
protective coating they apply to their appliances.
This coating makes it more difficult for fingerprints to adhere to stainless steel.
You can completely wipe smudges off the surfaces of your appliances without the assistance of a cleaner.
Many familiar brands in North America, like Frigidaire, Whirlpool, GE, and Samsung, offer a protective coating.
On sites like Best Buy, Some people have reported the coating on the stainless looks a little shinier and lighter than typical stainless steel.
If you’re in the market for a new appliance with a protective coating, make sure to take a close look at it in the store first. You want to make sure the shade of stainless steel is not too far off from what you have at home.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you found some value from this article, and I didn’t just take your OCD to the next level! The kitchen has evolved into a place where people not just congregate to eat.
It’s the centerpiece of the home that draws families together, invoking nostalgic moments.
The trick to keep any kitchen looking amazing is in the fine details. Your eyes might not be drawn to specific inconsistencies right away, but you will sense an area is not in order.
Keeping the surfaces of your stainless steel appliances clean will bring harmony to your kitchen. It will impact your kitchen’s overall look and will be that ultimate finishing touch!
