Make Your Stainless Steel Fridge Shine Like New With An Everyday Kitchen Essential

A refrigerator is arguably the most important appliance in the kitchen. If you get one that's stainless steel, it grabs your attention in a different way. This type of material adds a burst of elegance to the space, giving it a clean, contemporary appearance. Even more than just looks, stainless steel can affect your home's resale value, and it's known for its durability. Yet, there is a downside to having a stainless steel fridge — all of the smudges and fingerprints! The surface is practically a magnet for these types of unsightly marks, especially if you have kids in the house. But instead of getting frustrated, simply grab a kitchen essential sitting in your pantry: Olive oil. 

Olive oil isn't just for cooking up your favorite dishes. It's also adored for its wide range of health benefits, and the fact that it can be used for cleaning, too. Getting your stainless steel refrigerator nice and shiny isn't difficult as long as you have some on hand. Luckily, olive oil is an ingredient you commonly find in a kitchen cabinet — not to mention, it's a safe and natural alternative to using chemicals. Although it's not always cheap, stores like Dollar Tree can sometimes carry it. Plus, you really don't need much to get your stainless steel refrigerator looking like new. Use this easy method on cleaning day or just before company comes over.

Before reaching for the olive oil, you want to start by cleaning the surface of the refrigerator. Add water and a tiny bit of mild dish soap to a spray bottle, then dampen a microfiber cloth. Now, take a close look at your refrigerator to determine if the grain (which are the little lines) is horizontal or vertical . When you clean, it's important to do so in the same direction as the grain. Spray the fridge with the mixture and wipe away the dirt and grime. Finally, wipe it with a dry microfiber cloth. If you're a fan of vinegar cleaning hacks, you could also blend 2 cups of water and 1 cup of vinegar for the job instead.

Now, it's time to reach for the olive oil. Pour a small amount of the ingredient onto a cloth and buff the fridge's surface with it. Make sure you continue following the grain! Polish until you're content with the results. Your stainless steel fridge should be clean, shiny, and free of pesky streaks and smudges. If you're in need of a quick fix to get rid of fingerprints, you can skip the first step and jump to using a little bit of oil on a cloth. However, if you want the fridge to be fully clean, make sure you do both. For one that looks good both inside and out, you might also want to know how to organize your fridge like a professional chef.