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Cleaning|DIY Homemade Cleaners
Quick Tip : How to Remove Water Spots from Stainless Steel Appliances
May 12, 2021
If you have stainless steel appliances, especially a refrigerator with an ice and water dispenser, you’ve most likely experienced those water spots and drips that seem impossible to wipe away with normal methods. This ‘issue’ has come to light recently in our house with the endless water bottle filling and lots of water drinking (not complaining) but it seems like there are water drips down the front of the refrigerator all the time.
I use this method for cleaning my stainless steel appliances and I am still using that method but for removing those stubborn hard water spots, this trick is my favorite method – it works every time! I simply wipe the appliances clean with white vinegar and then I polish the water spots as needed as a second step.
Here’s what you need:
- olive oil
- paper towel for application (you can use a microfiber cloth, but the oil will stain it)
- soft microfiber cloth to buff and polish
Follow these simple steps:
Fold a paper towel into fourths. Apply about a quarter-sized amount to your paper towel – squish it into the paper towel so it isn’t just on top.
- Start at the top of the appliance and apply WITH the grain of the stainless steel and from left to right.
- Wipe away any excess with your paper towel
- Buff with a microfiber cloth
- Admire your no-spots or streaks appliance
Kristy Says...
Will this cause buildup over time or dull it over time?
Becky Says...
Post authorNope – just make sure that you are buffing it after the application.
Allee Says...
For the mineral crusties that are often in the (no longer removable >:-[ ) drip tray, I place a paper towel drenched in white vinegar in the tray. Leave it sit for a half hour or so while I do something else, and all the crusties wipe away. 😀
Lil Says...
This worked wonders on my dishwasher! Thank you!
Stephanie Says...
Do u clean w vinegar first and then the olive Oil?
b r Says...
Post authorYes, if cleaning is necessary 🙂
jim Says...
i used barkeepers friend with the grain no catches…tyhe water marks came out immediately
Toni Says...
Wow that worked great. Stainless steel cleaner didn’t work. Will never by stainless steel cleaner again. Thank you for this tip.
Gail Says...
Bar keeper friend didn’t work for me either
JH Says...
I tried this application and found that for the most part it worked very well. However, I’m wondering if anyone has any ideas of how to penetrate stubborn streaks — they just don’t want to buff out like the rest.
b r Says...
Post authorTry vinegar first and then do the olive oil.
Carla Petrocelli Says...
I just used baking soda on a warm microfiber cloth. Worked great!!
Lisa Blackmore Says...
Does it have to be olive oil, can I use canola instead?
b r Says...
Post authorI haven’t tried that but it should be okay!
Karen Herman Says...
Pretty appropriate picture – I have the same fridge. Now if you had a tip or trick to make it actually dispense crushed ice, then I’d be happy.
FYI, I’ve found so many cleaning uses for white vinegar that I keep a spray bottle filled with the stuff.
b r Says...
Post authorHmm…I’d contact Samsung – my crushed ice works beautifully, no tip required 🙂
Melanie McCloud Says...
After I clean my fridge I use Liquid Gold on it. You also need to make sure you buff it well. I love it and it smells sooooo good
Cheryl Says...
AHHHH! I will never buy another stainless steel cleaner. Worked, worked and worked! Thank You!
b r Says...
Post authorYay!!
Lynne Pirro Says...
Nothing I tried worked – but the Olive Oil is genius! Thanks!!
Karen Says...
Will the same technique work on chrome bath fixtures?
Cheryl Hennessey Says...
get chrome plumbing fixtures clean with just vinegar. they sparkle!
Debbie Says...
My dishwasher had water streaks on it forever. I first cleaned it with vinegar and then made a light paste with Bon Ami and scrubbed with the grain. It looks brand new again!!!
Kathryn Moore Says...
We just bought the same fridge!
Barb Says...
Thos worked perfect for my stainless steel dishwasher!
Susan Walters Says...
I have tried everything on my fridge including those expensive Norwex rags and nothing has worked. Using this is the best my fridge has looked in 3 years! Thank you so much!!
Susan Walters
b r Says...
Post authorYou’re welcome!
Paulette Casale Says...
Thank you. I will try this on the front of the dishwasher.
Paulette
Danielle Says...
This works really well. Hubby wanted to know what my “secret” was.
b r Says...
Post authorGlad to hear it!
Kimberly McCune Says...
It worked! Thanks so much
Kim Says...
Actually I have a question. Can I use the vinegar method on a black refrigerator? I need it on stainless steel too but just thought I would ask. Thank You!
Clean Mama Says...
Post authorYes!
Judy Says...
I am amazed at the bar Keepers friend. My drips on the refrigerator are gone. Yea