Cleaning stainless steel fridge

[Pilsy]

Does anyone here have a good way of cleaning a stainless steel fridge?  Other than a plain old stainless cleaner?  

We just bought a new Sub-Zero (and I'm still choking on the price - we didn't want it and only got it because it was the only one that would fit in our kitchen, replacing the one the previous homeowners installed), and it looked good for all of a week.  Now, it's covered in streaks.  I have no idea what the cleaning people used on it the first time they visited after we got it, and then I tried some Method Stainless Steel cleaner on it, and it got worse.  Today, the cleaners came and I actually left a note for them to please not clean the fridge, because I don't want it getting any worse. Ugh. 

I've read that Bar Keeper's Friend works well.  Which kind if you're a fan?  Isn't there more than one (e.g., cream, powder, etc.)?  

And how about WD-40?  I read somewhere that people love it but I'm skeptical.  

Thanks for any advice! 

[devonpow]

Method is awful for stainless! Always leaves streaks. The key is to get a water based stainless cleaner - we get ours from the appliance showroom - Champion Sprayon it's called.

We have a subzero as well - they are worth the price!!

[Pilsy]

Mar 17, 2016 20:03:09 GMT -5 devonpow said:

Method is awful for stainless! Always leaves streaks. The key is to get a water based stainless cleaner - we get ours from the appliance showroom - Champion Sprayon it's called.

We have a subzero as well - they are worth the price!!

Thank you so, so much!  I really appreciate this.  

[Pibs]

Method totally sucked. So on a whim prior to everyone arriving before Christmas and being annoyed that Method didn't work the third time I tried it, I used Bar Keeper's Friend. I only had the powder on hand, so I haven't tried the other versions. I used 4 microfiber cloths -- one wet with the powder sprinkled on it, two wet ones to wipe the BKF paste stuff off, and one to dry it. I did it in sections because it's not supposed to dry. Easy peasy, and my fridge looks like new again whenever I do it.

I hate the smell of WD-40, so I would rule that out. I've heard olive oil is another good option, but a friend did that and her pets wouldn't stop licking the fridge. Seeing as how we have to hide our olive oil in the pantry because the cat will lick the bottle, I also ruled that out.

[steph96]

I tried the olive oil. It did make my appliances look great, but my dogs wouldn't stop licking them. I've heard great things about using bar keepers friend on stainless steel, but I'm afraid that it will scratch it or something.

[madisen]

Whatever you use, make sure you're going with the lines you see on the stainless steel. If they're up and down, clean up and down. If across, clean with sideways strokes.

[mrsd2006]

I use htese wipes, works great

www.amazon.com/Weiman-Stainless-Steel-Cleaner-Polish/dp/B007BOEI88

[dizzydee]

I've tried a lot of stuff, and Pledge has been the best so far. I just use the regular lemon scented kind.

[Pilsy]

Mar 18, 2016 4:15:02 GMT -5 RockNVoll said:

This thread is unexpectedly funny with all the pet-licking stories

Agreed!

And I have no pets, so I was thinking I could go for it, but then I pictured my 2-yr-old licking the fridge and googled the other options.

Thanks for all the suggestions! My H will be grateful. I've been driving him nuts, complaining about this.

[MNH2013]

Mar 18, 2016 0:52:11 GMT -5 mrsd2006 said:

I use htese wipes, works great

www.amazon.com/Weiman-Stainless-Steel-Cleaner-Polish/dp/B007BOEI88

We use these wipes too.

[HitchedIn2006]

I use old English lemon oil.

[laurensmomma]

Mar 17, 2016 21:06:45 GMT -5 Pibs said:

  I've heard olive oil is another good option, but a friend did that and her pets wouldn't stop licking the fridge. Seeing as how we have to hide our olive oil in the pantry because the cat will lick the bottle, I also ruled that out.

OMG, LOL. For some reason I can't stop laughing about this image.

We have a stainless fridge and dishwasher, and have terrible streaks as well. Thanks for asking the question, OP. I'm going to try some of the suggestions here.

[electricmayhem]

When we built our house (over 10 years ago), the people who came in to clear prior to walk-through left a small bottle of this behind:
www.ebay.com/itm/KITCHEN-AID-STAINLESS-STEEL-CLEANER-/201533005494?hash=item2eec4d9eb6:g:k7kAAOSwWTRW1dtB

It worked amazingly well (all of our appliances are stainless), but when it ran out, I wasn't able to find it in stores and ended up buying something else, which turned out to be horrible. I ponied up for the shipping and ordered three full-size bottles direct through Kitchenaid's website a few years ago. I still have one left, but it looks like they may have repackaged it, and it's also now available through Amazon?

www.kitchenaid.com/shop/-3/-[31462A]-403225/31462A/

[patbutcher]

I use either olive oil or windex.

[Deleted]

Mar 18, 2016 12:15:58 GMT -5 spearmintleaf said:

Hmm. I just use Windex. Am I adulting wrong?

Same!  Works like a charm, so perhaps we are adulting ok??   (hot) (Since no one is licking my fridge!)

[Ashley&Scott]

Don't use olive oil. After a while it leaves an awful build up.

[iheartbanjos]

I have tried a lot of cleaners, but like this the best.

Pledge Multi Surface Spray Lavender & Peach Blossom, 9.7 Oz, Pack of 6 www.amazon.com/dp/B00DSIO29G/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awd_w5g7wbC2G61KP

[dirtyred]

Mar 18, 2016 0:52:11 GMT -5 mrsd2006 said:

I use htese wipes, works great

www.amazon.com/Weiman-Stainless-Steel-Cleaner-Polish/dp/B007BOEI88

Wieman wipes are the way to go. Doesn't matter what direction you wipe; don't leave streaks. Target and my grocery store have them.

[melodramatic26]

Mar 18, 2016 0:52:11 GMT -5 mrsd2006 said:

I use htese wipes, works great

www.amazon.com/Weiman-Stainless-Steel-Cleaner-Polish/dp/B007BOEI88

Yes these wipes are the best I have found. LOVE THEM.

[Pom]

This thread is both hilarious and informative.

[JayhawkGirl]

I have this stainless cleaning mitt now. It uses a little water on one side, then flip it and wipe with the dry side. It's better than any cleaner and doesn't leave a slick overspray on the wood floors.

simplehuman Microfiber Cleaning Mitt for Stainless Steel
$5 add on item

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00029R8TK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1458339315&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=stainless+steel+mitt&dpPl=1&dpID=51WQ1528XNL&ref=plSrch

[rikki]

Mar 18, 2016 17:17:38 GMT -5 JayhawkGirl said:

I have this stainless cleaning mitt now. It uses a little water on one side, then flip it and wipe with the dry side. It's better than any cleaner and doesn't leave a slick overspray on the wood floors.

simplehuman Microfiber Cleaning Mitt for Stainless Steel
$5 add on item

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00029R8TK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1458339315&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=stainless+steel+mitt&dpPl=1&dpID=51WQ1528XNL&ref=plSrch

I use this but instead of water I use the Pledge Multi-surface spray.  The combo of the 2 is the best of many options that I have tried.

[face]

Another vote for Weiman wipes, or Weiman spray.

[Deleted]

The lady we just got to help us clean raves about Zep. We have only used it once but it looks fab.

[winnieandwine]

So after reading this thread I ordered the Weiman wipes for same-day delivery on prime.

They are magical and now I'm pissed at myself for not asking this question four years ago

[fireplace]

Mar 18, 2016 0:52:11 GMT -5 mrsd2006 said:

I use htese wipes, works great

www.amazon.com/Weiman-Stainless-Steel-Cleaner-Polish/dp/B007BOEI88

me too, i love the wipes

[Deleted]

I use rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and it works great

Especially for fingerprints and it dries without streaks

[agnes]

I use the wieman wipes and then wipe with a microfiber cloth.

[Pilsy]

I ordered the wipes but am glad to have backup options if those aren't the magic bullet for me. Thank you all so much.


My husband just asked why I care about the streaks and explained, "Streaks on stainless steel are like sand on a beach. Nobody wants to see it all perfect. This is how it's supposed to be."

SMH

[winnieandwine]

Pilsy feel free to tell your husband he is SO WRONG