May 12, 2021
Quick Tip : How to Remove Water Spots from Stainless Steel Appliances
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
Looking for more DIY Inspiration?
Get Access to Clean Mama's Free DIY Recipes Printable
You'll also get access to the entire free printable library!
Looking for more Cleaning Inspiration?
Get Access to Clean Mama's Free Quick Clean Printable
You'll also get access to the entire free printable library!
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