Stainless steel that's stained!

Question

I HATE stainless steel. My husband grabs the sides of the refrigerator when he opens the door. I think he had some tomato based sauce on his hands, and it seems like the sides and the handles are either stained or RUSTING?!! I've tried all the stainless steel cleaners and NOTHING gets rid of it.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

Try making a paste with baking soda and a dab of dawn dish soap. Rub into the soiled area and leave on until the paste is basically dry. Wipe off with a micro fiber towel and then wash again with white vinegar and water.

Rhon · Answer

Mr Clean Magic eraser or a very fine steel wool should take it off, ensure area is slightly damp when you do it .  try a small spot first to make  it doesnt dull finish

Edie · Answer

There are also stainless steel cleaners to be had at places like Home Depot or Lowe's.  The companies ALWAYS say it's 'stainless' steel, but I have found it shows EVERY fingerprint and smudge to be laid on it.  I usually think 'NOT stainless!'

Lianda Ludwig · Answer

I'm wondering if this looks like rust? I have tried 4 different commercial stainless steel cleaners. They have done nothing.

William · Answer

My suggestion is to check he owners manual if you have it.  You can go online and find a manual, or call the manufacturer with he model number. Not all stainless steel is pure stainless steel. There are different grades and specific ways to clean it. It's possible that the acidity in the tomato sauce actually etched the stainless steel.

Bil730202 · Answer

I just dab a few drops of baby oil in a soft cloth and wipe away leave cloth in plastic bag handy and bingo no more marks

Barbara C · Answer

The picture does not look like fingerprints.Why would he grab the whole side? It appears to be rust.Can you post a better close-up of the spots?

Catherine · Answer

As a last resort, Barkeepers Friend.

Johnchip · Answer

Easy fix: get rid of that rusty old husband!  ;)

Riabailey · Answer

just try a damp cloth with cornflour, wipe on and wipe off, great for stainless steel sinks as well

Patricia Ann · Answer

Recommend removal of rust as above.  THEN for protection, use 3M stainless steel cleaner and polish (approved USDAsafe to use around meat, poultry) Sadly most  'stainless' steel of today is not the 18/8 it was in the 1960's and we need to be ever so wary of imported steel.  Compare the stainless steel of the 1960's which has no rust even though it's in my pool building with the 'stainless' steel of today.  Yes, contact the manufacturer for what it may do.  HOWEVER, from my friends I have seen increasingly this 'rust' on appliances and sincerely wonder if it'd be better for owners to purchase plastic 'look alike' stainless≥

Elaine · Answer

I agree with  Patricia re the quality of stainless steel these days!  This looks like what is sometimes called 'pitting' and (sadly) no cleaner will help this situation because it looks like a breakdown of the steel..  How long have you had the fridge?  If under warranty, call the manufacturer.    If the warranty has expired, I did see info on (don't faint!!) painting stainless.  Now before you delete me (lol) go on Google and see what you can find because if this gets worse, perhaps you can paint  just the handle then that will offer some protection.   (I'm definitely not suggesting you paint the entire fridge!). I wish I could remember where I saw that post because the end result (of the paint job) was amazing!  I hope the manufacturer can help you and good luck training your hubby.

Deb · Answer

WD40.  Sounds weird but give it a try.

Connie · Answer

I  use WD-40 to clean my stainless appliances.  Spray it on & wipe off with paper towels. Then polish w/a soft cloth.  The WD-40 cleans the surface & it keeps the fingerprints from adhering for quite a while.

Terri Armstrong · Answer

Baby oil works great and smells better than wd 40

Patricia Flynn · Answer

Try  using signature polish, the company is located in Dayton, Ohio, I have a sub-zero and they recommended using it to clean stainless steel, it cleans many other things, but does the best job of any cleaner I have tried for the stainless steel

Arlis · Answer

did you try vinegar and baking soda?

Audrey · Answer

My husband does a similar thing - he opens the door then puts his had on the fridge under the handle. Usually a goopy, just- sliced -a- banana hand!  Where did they learn this technique?  If I didn't have to clean the residue, I would put a few pieces of double-sided tape on the fridge - just as a friendly reminder.  😆

Rita.gindi · Answer

I have a similar problem with my ss fridge. Looks just like rust, have tried everything  including every DIY cleaning mix and no results...ready to cover it with cabinet panels...so upset

Chas' Crazy Creations · Answer

Here's a post that might help https://chascrazycreations.com/homemade-cleaner-for-stainless-steel/

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