The Common Myth About Stainless Steel Appliances Everyone Believes

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Buying appliances isn't so simple anymore. Not only do you have to factor in your budget, but you'll also need to determine what features you want as well as the best colors and materials for your home. While some people may wonder if stainless steel appliances are going out of style, the finish option continues to meet the needs of homeowners looking for versatility and modernity in their kitchens. But some people hesitate to buy these sleek-looking models because they're concerned about the upkeep. The reason? Notorious fingerprint issues. It turns out that the idea of fingerprints forever staying on your stainless steel appliances is a myth, though, as this can easily be prevented or removed with cleaning and polishing.

Stainless steel is known for its shiny metallic surface. It's that same property that can seemingly make stainless steel appliances show every little smudge. There's a scientific explanation for this common problem. When human hands touch the metallic surface of stainless steel, oil transfers onto the metal and leaves smudges in its wake. The more this happens throughout the day, the more the fingerprint smudges will accumulate and leave large, noticeable spots on the appliance, especially if it's not polished. You can try your best to touch the affected appliance by its handle only, but it's still inevitable that people in your household will touch other parts and leave fingerprints from time to time. Despite stainless steel's vulnerability to fingerprints, this does not mean your appliances are doomed to have these smudges at all times.

If stainless steel appliances are appealing to you, the prospect of fingerprints should absolutely not hold you back from buying them. The key is knowing how to prevent excess smudges from developing in the first place. Weekly cleanings and polishing your appliances on a monthly basis are the best ways to decrease the incidence of fingerprints. Using a commercial product like Weimann Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish can help address smudges while adding a barrier that reduces the transfer of oil from human skin to metal. Plus, regular use helps to keep your appliances looking shiny, too! Alternatively, you can apply olive oil as a natural barrier against fingerprints. For DIY cleaning solutions, check out the best cleaners to use on stainless steel appliances.

You don't have to spend several hours a week cleaning and polishing stainless steel appliances, either. Simply take a soft microfiber cloth and wipe any fingerprints away on a daily basis. Be sure you rub with the grain for best results — this will also help prevent scratches. Also, resist the urge to use certain household cleaners that might actually damage stainless steel.

Another option is to buy stainless steel appliances with finishes that are known to be less prone to fingerprints. These include brands made with topcoats that can hide the appearance of smudges. Just keep in mind that anything advertised as "fingerprint resistant" still won't entirely prevent these smudges 100% without the right care. Instead, you can expect a little less work in between polishing sessions.