There’s something incredibly sleek about stainless steel appliances. Not only do they elevate the look of a kitchen, but they also have plenty of other benefits. Stainless steel is durable and nonporous, making it easy to clean. But in high-traffic areas like kitchens, they have a notable downside: The smooth and shiny surfaces we know…
Say Goodbye to Smudges
We’re sure you’re wondering how olive oil can possibly remove fingerprints and smudges from stainless steel. You might think its thick consistency would worsen smudging, but it turns out, olive oil acts as a protective layer that keeps moisture away. Not to mention, it leaves stainless steel looking spotless and shiny.
To remove streaks on stainless steel with olive oil, you first need to wipe down the surface with a cleaner. You can use a mixture of water and dish soap, a kitchen cleaner, an all-purpose cleaner, or something specifically made for stainless steel. After the surface is clean, apply a few drops of olive oil to a microfiber cloth. Spread a thin, even layer of oil on the appliance, buffing it out until fingerprints, smudges, and streaks are nowhere to be seen.
Laundry Tip: Wash microfiber cloths separately from other items, as they are lint magnets. Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent, avoiding fabric softener, which can damage the fibers. Wash in cool or warm water on a gentle cycle. While air-drying is recommended to preserve the cloths’ absorbency, you can dry them on a low-heat or no-heat setting. Olive oil-soiled microfiber cloths should be air-dried or tumble-dried with no heat to prevent potential fires.
What Not To Do
Good news for your bank account: Using a large amount of olive oil won’t improve the results. The key to this hack is applying only a light coat to the stainless steel.
You can use this hack on major stainless steel appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers, but don’t forget the little things. You can also use olive oil to remove smudges on small kitchen appliances and other stainless steel surfaces, including hardware, faucets, cookware, and more.
