Is STAINLESS-STEEL Mis-Named?

Matthew Gingerella
by Matthew Gingerella
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I'm thinking about getting Stainless-Steel Appliances; however, I'm concerned because most friends that I visit with SS Appliances have some types of drip stains, or smudges, or splash marks.
For those of you with Stainless-Steel Appliances:
1. Do you have stains that won't come off?
2. How often do you need to clean them to keep them looking GOOD?
3. Are you sorry that you bought Stainless-Steel?
I look forward to your insights!
Matthew
is stainless steel mis named, appliances, cleaning tips, Not so Stainless Steel
Not so "Stainless" Steel
  184 answers
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Sep 19, 2013
    Stainless depends on the gauge and the manufactor and everything else. That is why everyone has so many different cleaning methods. The better gauge the easier it is to clean. The best method is using a drop or two of dish soap. And a microfiber cloth, wash, rinse, and dry with a lint free cloth. If it is brushed stainless dry with the grain. Use no petroleum products, or cleaners. It builds up and times bleaches it. Little white spots or stains that can't be removed. What your seeing at others is either someone who had sprayed it with a cleaner directly on it, or cleaned it wrong, or never cleaned it. Reading the manufactures directions goes along way to keeping your stainless steel nice.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 19, 2013
    @Sherrie to the Rescue! I know that I can always count on You, I'm sure everyone will benefit from your cleaning advice. So, how often do you clean your stainless steel Fridge to keep it looking beautiful?
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Sep 19, 2013
    I haven't bought a stainless steel refrigerator yet, I only replace appliances on a must have to basis. But I do have several things that are stainless, and half stainless and half black I didn't want all stainless for my appliances. But I feel confident in answering this because I clean stainless steel everyday at least twice a day. But I have a new nifty product I am going to try to see if it seals my stainless. : ). And I clean my stainless every time I do dishes. Which is everyday. I always seem to have dirty hands that always leave finger prints. Dang it.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 19, 2013
    For anybody that doesn't know - @Sherrie has a Professional Cleaning Company - so she KNOWS what she's talking about. When Sherrie Talks - I LISTEN! Thanks again
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 19, 2013
    So who else out there has some Stainless Steel Stories to tell?
  • Tegma Tegma on Sep 19, 2013
    They are a pain to keep clean and I find I'm trying to clean them daily! Unless you really want Stainless, and don't mind the work, don't do it. Wait for the new "stainless" coming out, which is a light bronzy shade in appliances, I believe. If you have children, you really don't want stainless. I am a Senior who lives alone, and I still find I'm constantly unhappy with the finger prints, especially on the fridge. The stove isn't too bad, but I hate the black top which shows every little speck, too. Since I'm a perfectionist, I wish I had stayed with my old appliances, which I only changed, in order to update my kitchen!
  • Shannon x Shannon x on Sep 19, 2013
    It is definately not advisable to have any in your home (in my opinion)..I find it impossible to keep clean!!
  • Tina Ogle Tina Ogle on Sep 19, 2013
    I wish I had known before I bought it in my frig. What do I clean it with. I can't keep it clean of prints!!
  • Marieanne Honsberger Marieanne Honsberger on Sep 19, 2013
    I wipe daily for finger prints :) love the look in my home. no stains or water marks appliances are just over 1 year old.
  • Carole Carole on Sep 19, 2013
    Use only a cleaning cloth for stainless steel or stainless steel cleaner would be my advice. We had stainless steel appliances at an investment home we owned and I don't know if it was what the tenants used to clean it but the dishwasher front went rusty! The dishwasher still worked but the thing looked awful. When those tenants moved out we had to replace it. Seemed that you could not replace just the door but had to replace the whole unit. Personally I will be happy when the fashion for stainless steel is over as I don't really find it that practical in the kitchen. We also owned a stainless steel fridge and in trying to clean off the sticky marks left on the door of the fridge from a label that was on it when we bought it, we managed to make a mark on the stainless steel that would not come off! It dulled the finish and was quite noticeable. My opinion is it is more trouble than it is worth!
  • LandlightS LandlightS on Sep 19, 2013
    If you want to make sure you are getting good quality stainless steel when shopping for appliances..bring a magnet with you. The magnet will not stick to good stainless.......if it does stick to the door.......DO NOT BUT IT...as it is not 100% stainless steel. This is especially true when shopping for gas grills.....so many coming from China, etc are base metal with a good chrome plateing. Good shopping...Gary
  • Gatorpond Gatorpond on Sep 19, 2013
    NEVR-DULL wadding polish works great! Works good on many metals. I don't use it all
    • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
      Thanks @Gatorpond - that sounds like great stuff - ya gotta love the name. Is it different from regular stainless steel polish? Does it take off any types of stains?
  • Gatorpond Gatorpond on Sep 19, 2013
    NEVR-DULL wadding polish works great! Works good on many metals. I don't use it all
  • Jewell Jewell on Sep 19, 2013
    I have had my stainless steel appliances for nearly three years now and there is hardly a day that goes by without regret due to the extra time it takes to clean them. Smudges, water spots and streaks are easily noticeable and it takes more time to clean, dry and polish the stainless steel vs. my previous appliances. Since the refrigerator is used most often, I clean the handles and any droplets related to the water dispenser several times a day. I clean with a drop of Dawn on a damp microfiber cloth, rinse and buff dry. I use Weiman stainless steel disposable wipes once or twice a week followed by buffing with a soft cloth. My husband spilled salsa on the dishwasher handle and missed a few spots when he cleaned the mess. Within a few hours I found the finish to be ruined in the areas where the stain had set. This is my first and last experience with the stainless steel appliances. BTW, just hubby and me here. Cannot imagine how difficult it would be to keep clean with children. Great idea posting this survey for your decision making and I hope u get enough info to make the right choice for you. Good Luck!!! :)
  • Linda A Linda A on Sep 20, 2013
    I love my stainless. I have never used anything but stainless steel cleaner. All my appliances look brand new. I was told that there is a factory coating over the stainless that protects it from smudging, finger prints etc, If you use anything but stainless steel cleaner you remove the protective coating once it is gone it is gone. Up hill battle. The cleaner works great and it also keeps it clean. I use the cleaner about every seven days. I don't have to wipe mine at all.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    Dear @tegma, thank you for the warning - it does seem like it would be hard to keep fingerprints off of everything. I haven't heard about New Stainless coming out. How is it supposed to be better except for color?
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    Wow @Shannon x - you don't mince words. How long have you been fighting with your Stainless Steel Appliances? Is it that you cannot get them clean - or that they don't stay clean that makes them a pain?
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    Hmmm - @Tina Ogle , I am sensing a pattern in the comments - and you are on the thumbs down side also. What kind of Fridge surface do you wish you had gotten?
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    Ah - @Marieanne Honsberger - it is the lure of the Expensive Style and Shine isn't it? You may have a career in Forensics with being so good at Wiping for Prints : ) How have you kept them from getting stains or water marks?
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    Hi @Carole - thanks for chiming in from Down-Under! Is the Stainless-Steel a Fad?...You mean I could actually be in Fashion for once if I get it? lol...It definitely sounds like a big headache for the prestige. I couldn't imagine putting Fine Finishes in the hands of Tenants - they don't seem to care about what they do to anything! Terrible about the Dishwasher front getting Rusty - my friend @Sherrie could probably tell you why that happened.
    • Carole Carole on Sep 20, 2013
      @Matthew Gingerella Hi Matthew, I think we may have replaced the dishwasher with a white one as we cannot afford to replace them every two to three years due to rust! I use a stainless steel cleaner for our own Bosch dishwasher and nothing else, and I am starting to notice a very small spot of rust low down on the dishwasher door. Bosch is not a cheap brand, so I am thinking maybe Stainless Steel is just not good for dishwashers. Maybe its the constant wet and steam from them that contributes - although it should not affect it, otherwise why make these appliances in SS in the first place! Makes me wonder!
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    What?!...Those Scoundrels are slipping us fake Stainless Steel?...As if we don't have enough to worry about - now I will have to carry a Magnet around with me. Hmmm?...How are you supposed to hang kids pictures and stuff on the front of the Fridge if you can't use magnets to hold them on?
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    Ahhhh - @Jewell - you are bumming me out. You regret them every day - that sucks. It sounds like they should have a Trade-in Program if so many people are hating their stainless steel. Do they have fake stainless steel that is easy to keep clean?
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    Hey @Linda A - You are Odd Woman out! Check you out loving your Stainless - Yay You! OK, what's the secret....just about everyone else has to wipe their Fridge down daily, but you only have to wipe yours down once a week???....Do you Eat Out all the time and Keep everyone away from the Fridge?...How does this work? Great info about the Factory Coating....or lack there of for many people!
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    OK Fashionista's - If not Stainless....what is the 2nd most Popular Finish for Food Network fans????
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    Whoa - Sweet - You got a BOSCH @Carole!....Oh - well since you live in Australia it makes sense that you would have a European brand. It would be a Bigger deal if you lived in the U.S. Sorry to hear about the rust starting up on your BOSCH though - Hey @Sherrie you got some tips to help Carole out? ...I bet she does but she's sleeping now because it's 1:30 or 2:30AM where she lives! : )
    • Carole Carole on Sep 20, 2013
      @Matthew Gingerella Hi Matthew, we only bought the house 2 years ago and the Bosch was part of fixtures and fittings and already in the kitchen. The house was only about 8 months old when we bought it. Stove and fridge are also SS.
  • Sharron W Sharron W on Sep 20, 2013
    Stainless Steel as far as the product goes, is actually Steel, (Plain old iron folks) that has a large quantity of nickel added to keep it from oxidizing and rusting and to give it a "shiny" more polished appearance and make it more adaptable to various "usage" environments. For example a canning factory where the steam cookers would have the steel I beams rusted in a matter of days. You are asking specifically about the product from an aesthetics point of view I guess and frankly, I've never been a fan because there is stainless "high polish" (think silverware and the metal sheets they mount in public bathrooms to serve as mirrors) and then there is "brushed" which is most commonly used on appliances and public bathroom trash cans etc. Both of them tend to show fingerprints and marks, the brushed because brushing actually creates miniscule "scratches" on the surface which can hold oil off your fingers or from cooking residue... The person that commented on this being better or worse depending on the company was correct, the various companies use different "gauges" of stainless and different qualities of stainless. The higher the nickel content the higher the quality of the product. However, I constantly am amazed at the young environmentalists and how "green aware" our young adults have become and they all seem to have a "love affair" with stainless appliances. So let me say this, I did the Environmental Impact statement for two of the U.S. Auto Manufacturers on Steel verses stainless, stainless verses painted steel, and painted steel verses a proprietary protective coating, and if you are buying stainless you are more than tripling the impact from mining to manufacture of ordinary steel, and it is almost twice the impact of steel that is painted. And none of that even touches on the toxicity of the nickel itself .... So if you're "green conscious" don't buy stainless. And tell your friends.
  • Tradition Wood Works Tradition Wood Works on Sep 20, 2013
    ^^What she said^^
  • Bonnie Lewenza Bonnie Lewenza on Sep 20, 2013
    There is a very simple way of telling if you have stainless steel of just a other type. Use a small magnet if it sticks it is stainless steel and not a fake. Now for finger prints I used nothing but the recommended products for my stainless steel and still got the mega finger prints. Drove me totally crazy. Now I don't have that problem at all, I washed down and dried my appliances and then I applied turtle wax to the steel and buffed it off as per the directions. The sheen was fabulous and better yet finger prints gone. If you do get finger prints it is because of hands being wet or something. Take a damp cloth wipe and dry. Trust me it works. I also did this to my bathroom mirror and my full wall bedroom closet mirrors. Cleans up so nice.
  • MaryKay@Studio23Thirty MaryKay@Studio23Thirty on Sep 20, 2013
    I see stainless steel all day at work being an event planner. So at home I don't want to feel like I'm at work.
  • Tegma Tegma on Sep 20, 2013
    Sorry.... it's not actually stainless steel. It's the new color coming out in appliances, which is being CALLED, "The new stainless" because they think it is going to take the place of stainless steel.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Sep 20, 2013
    Ferritic and Martensitic stainless steels are magnetic.Austenitic stainless steels are non-magnetic. This is the one way to tell them apart. When I worked as an engineer in the Pharmaceutical industry we had dozens of different stainless steel tanks equipment etc. For us the most common was 316L , with 304 being a lower grade we also had a number of things made with AL-6XN. Stainless gets its "rust resistance" from the Chromium component which when exposed to oxygen produce a protective layer of chromium oxide. In the industry this is called a passive layer. When we installed new equipment / piping etc. we would bring in a specialty company to do "passivation" work. These folks would circulate various solutions through the equipment (some at high temps) to create a more robust passive layer. I could go on for pages on the various aspects of Stainless...but one can look it up on wiki to get a good understanding of the properties and history. One of the best things we found to keep the thousands of sq feet of stainless steel looking good in the plant was a simple wipe down with IPA (for those beer drinkers this is not India Pale Ale...but isopropyl alcohol we used 70%)
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    NICE @Carole -that's what I call a BONUS!
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    You Rock - @Sharron W ! I love your Technical Subject Matter Expertise and the way you explained the various Stainless Steel versions to us - awesome learning opportunity. And, thanks for the heads-up on Stainless Steel NOT being GREEN due to its environmental impact! Hardcore "Environmentalist" will bury that info along with the same scientific results that show the Batteries from Hybrid and Electric Cars have a much Larger Carbon Footprint than Gas Vehicles. Selective memory I guess. Thanks so much! Matthew
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    Cool @Bonnie Lewenza - Sounds like a great tip - just don't touch the Stainless with Wet or Goopie Hands folks. Thank you!
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    Ha!...Now that's a Practical reason not to get Stainless Steel right-there! Thank you @MaryKay@Studio23Thirty
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    OK thanks for the clarification @tegma . From most of the comments on here - it sounds like almost ANYTHING is going to take the place of Stainless-Steel. I will have to check out the new finish when it comes out.
  • KrysFL KrysFL on Sep 20, 2013
    I went with all black appliances and I love them!! I used SS as my accent and sink, that way it still has the polished look in the kitchen.. Besides the cant-ever-keep-them-clean factor, if you look closely, each manufacturer's stainless has a different tone to it. So unless you get the same exact manufacturer for all your appliances, you may end up with a fridge that looks more yellow than your stove, etc. Next time you visit an appliance store and they have different brands lined up next to each other, you will be able to see what I am talking about.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    Awesome @KMS Woodworks - another Techie!...I too worked in Bio and Pharma Water Systems. I was the subject matter expert on measuring and validating FDA compliance for Hi-Purity Water for Injection. As you mentioned, even that really expensive Stainless-Steel is Rust-Resistant; not Rust Proof. Hence, the reason you had to run the periodic Passivations on the SS water lines. I used to get lots of calls for service after the pharma company ran a Passivation - because they would tend to forget tor remove our Conductivity Sensors from the lines before running all the chemicals through them....Result: Dead Sensors. Good-Times...Good-Times. Thanks for you insight!
    • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Sep 21, 2013
      @Matthew Gingerella Ah the memories of WFI and WPU....Cleaning Validation SOP's etc. Now days I much more fond of sawdust and rosewood.
  • KrysFL KrysFL on Sep 20, 2013
    But if you do buy stainless... be sure to buy Sheila Shine Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish... its the best thing out there IMO. I use it on my sink and it still looks brand new.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    Excellent @KrysFL - Thanks for the Pictures - your kitchen looks great in Black! Maybe "Black" is the "New Stainless". Are there any issues with the Stainless-Steel Sink - it should get a lot more abuse than a Fridge? Food stains?...Coffee stains?...Discoloring?....How do you keep it clean?
  • KrysFL KrysFL on Sep 20, 2013
    I clean it with dish soap after washing dishes every night (lol) and then once a week I use a brillo pad and lightly go over any scratches, then clean/polish with Sheila Shine. We did the kitchen last summer and the sink still looks brand new.
  • KrysFL KrysFL on Sep 20, 2013
    Oh and I have never had any stains, discoloration... just a few surface scratches from my hubs throwing in silverware, etc. but I as I stated, a brillo pad and bam! they disappear
  • Tegma Tegma on Sep 20, 2013
    I see that GE already has a hot new color out, called "slate". It's a real rich looking grey. I've also already seen this other color I mentioned.... sort of a light goldish bronze, not like the old bronze of years ago, but very light and more yellowish. Both are really rich looking and I wish I had gone that way! This stainless steel is frustrating to say the least. LOL
  • Cheri Fettes Cheri Fettes on Sep 20, 2013
    Personally, I love the old throwback designs out there, like you might see on Rachel Ray cooking show. Pricy, but sweet! Any color too. Daughter has appliances in satin mist, very NICE steel type with no cleaning issues. Now, down to your question. I've spent the past few years cleaning some pretty nice houses, with top end appliances. Sheila shine is definitely a superior cleaning product. But, it is a bit greasy, smudges easy, fingerprint collector and takes time and dedication to keep it clean. If you have a good housekeeper, it's not a problem. One client had top of the line brand frig, and it got scratched by a fingernail so I wouldn't recommend any brillo pad on the frig surface. In sinks, grapefruit rinds work wonderful. Remember the word is "stainLESS'. which means it stains less than some other surfaces. ...my experience.
    • KrysFL KrysFL on Sep 20, 2013
      @Cheri Fettes Funny, my mom owned a cleaning business which is how I was turned onto Sheila Shine... one thing to keep in mind is that a little goes a long way (I've had the same bottle for over a year now and I've only used maybe a 1/4 of it). In my experience, I never have smudges, fingerprints or anything... Less is definitely more when it comes to Sheila Shine.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    Awesome @KrysFL ! So then you would say that maintaining the Stainless Steel Sink is reasonably easy ?
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    OK - Just keep Hubby away from the Sink!...or make him use Plastic Forks and Knives : ) thanks
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    Those colors sound interesting @tegma - I think the Slate more than Gold. Just tell the Appliance Store that you will gladly SWAP them a High-End Stainless Steel Fridge for one of the New Colors that they are trying to pedal!
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    Hi @Cheri Fettes -it good to hear from you. Do you still have a Professional Cleaning Business? Your experience and insight is very appreciated. An who would have thought of Grapefruit Rinds for cleaning the Stainless Sink?!...Heck, I'll use the Whole Grapefruit because I am not going to eat it. Oh- your Throwback Appliance Designs idea is very interesting. I stayed in a beach cottage before that had an Old 50's style Stove and it added so much character to that little place. Thank you
    • See 1 previous
    • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Sep 21, 2013
      @Cheri Fettes I grew up in MI and loved the "dunes". Spent some great times out on South Manitou.
  • Tegma Tegma on Sep 20, 2013
    I would no doubt lose my shirt. I've only had these appliances a few months. Oh well.... live & learn. Just let me encourage you to not make the same mistake, especially if you have children. However, it's not my 4 yr. old gr-grandson who makes the prints.... it's me, just from just daily use. You'd think they'd come up with some kind of a coating to prevent that from happening, wouldn't you? Someone could make a fortune coming up with a spray coating (which wouldn't turn yellow) for those of us who have already invested in stainless.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    Wow @tegma - that ties in with what @Linda A was mentioning earlier. She said that she doesn't have problems with her Stainless Steel because it came with a "Factory Coating". But she also said that the coating can get damaged and not work - not so good. If a Protective Coating is answer to this major hassle - then we could be in good shape. I actually have a Transparent Protective Coating that doesn't yellow - but I've been focusing my efforts on Bathroom Applications. It works great on metals, porcelain, tile, glass and other typical bathroom surfaces. So I've used it on chrome faucets, anodized fixtures, aluminum frames, etc. See www.selfcleen.com I haven't tried it on Stainless Steel yet, because I don't have any Stainless Steel yet. But as I think about it - it should work very well, since it seals the surface and makes it self-cleaning for 6-months at a time. The coated surface wipes clean with water or a light cleaning solution. I've also used it to Stain-Proof my kitchen sink, but that's another story. I will check with some of my local friends to see if they will let me test it out on their Stainless Steel Appliances and see if we have a solution for this mess. In the meantime, if you wanted to help out and test my coating on your Stainless Steel - then I would be glad to ship you a DIY Kit. Excellent!...Now we have a quest. I will keep you and our friends updated on progress.
  • Tegma Tegma on Sep 20, 2013
    Thanks, but I'd be afraid to test it on an appliance. If you have any small item made of stainless, you could try it on that, but.... I have Maytag appliances with a factory coating, and they say not to put any kind of chemicals, coatings, cleaning fluids etc. on them. To clean, they say nothing but water and a soft cloth! Yeah.... good luck with that as it doesn't do that well! If you find something that works, please let me know. I'm frustrated, and like I said, no kids... live alone, age 72! LOL
  • Tegma Tegma on Sep 20, 2013
    BTW, I do have a stainless cleaner and polish.... even that doesn't protect more than a day or two.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    OK @tegma - I will keep you updated.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    Is anybody frustrated enough to want to help test my protective coating on their Stainless Steel appliance? See coating at www.selfcleen.com (2-3 people would make a good test group) Thanks Matthew
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    Sweeet! Let's do this thing @KrysFL . Follow me so that we can communicate offline to set up the shipment. BTW - Below is a picture of Tub and Metal (Chrome) fixtures that are coated with Self-Cleen ST3.
  • Cheri Fettes Cheri Fettes on Sep 20, 2013
    @KrysFL, that could be the key!! Thanks for the tip. I've basically retired this year, but I keep my hand in on a couple of jobs with my daughter, so this should help. Thanks ever so much. ;)
  • Bev Carstensen Bev Carstensen on Sep 20, 2013
    We always wiped out ovens down with baby oil on a cloth... makes them shine
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    Wow @Cheri Fettes - thanks for the link to BigChill.com -their stuff is Awesome! So, your kitchen sink looks like the one in the attached picture?...Too Cool! Check out the Retro Range that I picked out for myself!...Is it out of sight or what?! Cheri, I'm sure that your daughter really appreciates you and your extra help with the family business. It sounds like you've both done very well. I sure would like to checkout some of those Lake Homes!
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 20, 2013
    Well @Bev Carstensen - is there ANYTHING that you can't do with Baby Oil?! Cool tip - thank you!
  • Evette Evette on Sep 21, 2013
    I have stainless appliances and the only advice I would give is to get the brushed finish and not the polished as it is much easier to look after and doesn't show finger marks and smudges as easily, just needs general cleaning and a rub over with a microfiber clothe, they're great for a light polish.
  • Babby Blair Babby Blair on Sep 21, 2013
    to check to see if it is TRUE stainless steal put a magnet on it. if it won't stick it is a different kind and not true steal. harder to clean.
  • Carolyn Fletcher Carolyn Fletcher on Sep 21, 2013
    I don't have SS appiances but we d in our church. We also have a SS backsplash on the wall wherethe stove is. I read that wiping it down with olive oil and then buffing it with a dry cloth removes marks and keps it shiny. It did a good job at the church and I imagine there would be some residue of the oil that would help to remove the everyday fingerprints for a while. Worth a try!! Def. not a hard job to do.
  • Jeannie Jeannie on Sep 21, 2013
    This has been an extremely informative article and comment line for stainless steel. I've been considering stainless when we move, but now I'm thinking I'll stick with white. My white gets dirty, but doesn't show finger prints. I'd like to buy a "long term" color. I remember wishing my old harvest gold fridge would die...for YEARS. BTW, my stainless sink is not an issue when it comes to clean. I spray it and the shiny faucet with Windex daily.
  • Loribeth Loribeth on Sep 21, 2013
    We have stainless steel appliances, and I love them. I don't have a problem at all with fingerprints, stains or streaks. I clean mine about once a week with stainless steel cleaner, and then I use Pledge or Old English spray furniture polish on them. The polish keeps the fingerprints off them, and helps prevents anything from sticking. When I moved in with my husband four years ago, he already had our stainless steel refrigerator and it was covered with fingerprints. But since I started using the furniture polish, it's remained looking clean all the time.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 21, 2013
    Hi @Evette - it's nice to hear from friends from the U.K., I used visit England quite a bit in a past job - I enjoyed it. I will definitely take your advice because it makes perfect sense. I was also experimenting with some polished stainless-steel last night and I saw exactly what you are talking about. In addition, it seems much easier to create fine scratches if you do not clean it very carefully - which I didn't. Thank you
  • Angela Angela on Sep 21, 2013
    I have all stainless steel appliances and four kids. That was a mistake; the stainless steel, not the four kids. I love the way it looks, when it's clean. The problem is keeping it clean. The hardest place for me to keep clean is near the handles of the refrigerator. I wipe that area down daily, sometimes more. You can NOT wipe it down with a Clorox wipe, wet washcloth or dish sponge and expect it to look good. It streaks. The best thing I have found is a damp micro fiber cloth and to wipe in one direction. I have not tried baby oil and may try that next, it sounds promising. I have had no problems with stains or scratches.
  • Jean H Jean H on Sep 21, 2013
    When we purchased our new stainless steel kitchen appliances, the store personnel told us to clean them with WD-40. We occasionally have drip marks down the front of the refrigerator from the water dispenser and WD-40 removes the streaks without any problems. It is the only product I found to work so efficiently and have been using it for over seven years now. I just spray and buff with a clean cloth and everything looks as new as the day we bought them.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 21, 2013
    Thank you @Babby Blair - I am going to have to stock up on Magnets!
    • Babby Blair Babby Blair on Sep 21, 2013
      @Matthew Gingerella well....it's a good way to check it. When we got our big bread fridge for the lunchroom we tried to put our magnets on it and they wouldn't stay. we asked the saleman about it and he said it was ionized or something like that, and that's why magnets wouldn't stick to it. It is usually not as heavy of a gauge either as true stainless steel.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 21, 2013
    Ha! - I got to agree with you there @KMS Woodworks ; but it was interesting to be a part of the inner workings of Pharmaceuticals for a while - good experience! Take care
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 21, 2013
    Hi @Carolyn Fletcher - I recognize the creative uses of oils from working in an Italian restaurant myself; however, I cannot recommend the practice because the Oil residue goes rancid and makes for unsanitary conditions. I'm sure that we all want a sanitary solution to the problem and I am working on it.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 21, 2013
    Thanks @Jeannie - I am very appreciative of all of the insightful comments from our Community and agree that we are getting awesome and some very technical advice. Did you see the Retro Fridges and Stoves at Big Chill.com?....Incredibly fun throwback designs! I'm glad to hear that the Stainless Sinks aren't a big problem. Good luck
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 21, 2013
    She shoots - She Scores! @Loribeth has got to be one of the happiest Stainless Steel owners we have heard from yet. Thanks for the creative advice on preventing the pesky fingerprints! Matthew
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 21, 2013
    Awesome input @Angela - and congratulations on the Four Kids! Bringing up the handle area of the Fridge is really important, because I have read multiple technical articles that indicate that the Fridge Handle is the MOST bacteria ridden surface in the kitchen, in front of the Microwave Door and the Kitchen Faucet Handle. As you mentioned, it is easy to use Clorox wipes to sanitize the faucet and the microwave, but they are problematic on Stainless Steel Fridges. And that's where we need them most. Take heart, as I am working on the solution to provide a anti-microbial, anti-fungal protective surface coating to remedy the problem. Thank you - and stay tuned. Matthew
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 21, 2013
    Alright @Jean H - another Stainless-Steel lover - with another great tip for all of us! Thanks for sharing Jean, Matthew
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 21, 2013
    OK all - I was lucky to find a friend that has Stainless Steel appliance cleaning and maintenance problems and wants me to come over and test out my transparent anti-microbial self-cleaning coating on her fridge and dishwasher - so I am off on a mission. I will try to get some video footage to share with you.
  • Sherri Sherri on Sep 21, 2013
    I clean houses and the customers that have SS I use furniture polish on them...works great!!
    • Loribeth Loribeth on Sep 21, 2013
      @Sherri Yep! That's what I use on mine, and it does work great!
  • Jean DeSavage Jean DeSavage on Sep 21, 2013
    The clinic I worked at had stainless steel sinks and we used a white vinegar and water mix on them at the end of the day and then wiped them dry, and it worked great. I've used that on my sink at home, works well for me. I don't know if other appliances with stainless steel have some sort of finish that wouldn't work with the vinegar solution.
  • Stacie Warfield Stacie Warfield on Sep 21, 2013
    to clean stainless steel buy a stainless steel cleaner its a oil base solution in a can spray it on and wipe it off with a soft micro towel n keep tht towl separate with aww other towels
  • Wabbitears Wabbitears on Sep 21, 2013
    Stainless steel comes in grades - that's why you see some appliances that get messed up at a glance - and others don't. 18 gauge is common for utensils and they don't spot or stain. Ask before you buy them - and by the way, feel free to mess up the ones in the store with your fingerprints and some water.
  • Jessie Jessie on Sep 21, 2013
    pro: you clean daily so it will be the cleanest appliances you will ever own Con: if you have children it will never look good My recommendation is: DON'T BUY STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES!!!
  • Barbara Ahern Barbara Ahern on Sep 21, 2013
    Keep WD 40 under the sink and just spray some on and wipe it off. The easiest and safest cleaner I know of. I have used that method for 12 years and love it. Also, the tray under the ice and water is black and I also spray it with wd 40 and let it sit and it looks new!! I would never have any other kind unless they quit selling it!ahernb@1 result is available, use up and down arrow keys to navigate.yahoo.com
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 21, 2013
    Hi @Jean DeSavage - thanks for the good tip on keeping the Stainless Sinks looking good. I can see the logic in it - since the vinegar will also help reduce the build-up of hard water stains on the faucet and sink ledge. Take care, Matthew
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 21, 2013
    Awww - what an Fun Idea@Wabbitears! I can just see the look on the poor tired saleperson's face as I lick my finger and draw Smiley Faces all over his appliances!...No - just kidding - that would be too mean. Funny to think about though! Thanks, Matthew
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 21, 2013
    That is sound advice @Stacie Warfield, but thinking about it - if Stainless Steel Cleaner is just oil in a spray can, then why wouldn't I use Pam Cooking Oil Spray?....What is so special about this stuff that they call "Stainless-Steel Cleaner"?...Any Techies want to clue us in?
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 21, 2013
    Haaa! I love it @Jessie - you can't beat a good PRO & CON argument. Although, I'm wondering that if you clean it so often it may start wearing the finish out : )
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 21, 2013
    Hey - if it's not broken, then don't fix it @Barbara Ahern! I am glad that method works for you, and not that there is anything wrong with it. Thanks for the tip. As a personal preference, I don't want to spray anything on my appliances that leaves a residue that gets on my hands when I touch them, because I am fixing food in my kitchen. I don't plan on transferring residue from WD-40, Stainless-Steel Cleaner, Baby Oil, Furniture Polish, Car Wax, Motor Oil, Jet Fuel or Rancid Pam Cooking Spray onto my hands and food. But that's just me.
    • Loribeth Loribeth on Sep 22, 2013
      @Matthew Gingerella The furniture polish doesn't leave a residue that gets on your hands that I've noticed. To test whether there is any residue, take a tissue and rub it over the area. If nothing comes off onto the tissue, then you shouldn't have to worry about anything coming off onto your hands when you're cooking. If there was any residue, then it would collect dust and grime like crazy.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 21, 2013
    Absolutely @Babby Blair - it is a great method that has been recommended many times so far - that's why I said I will need more magnets, that's all. Thank you
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 21, 2013
    Well everybody, I had a big time Adventure today going to a friends house to help her try to solve her Stainless Steel cleaning nightmares with my self-cleaning coating product that we were discussing yesterday. I can't wait to have a few minutes to tell you about it. Boy, some of you think that you had problems- whoa! Oh, and I did manage to get some video footage. Matthew
  • Cheri Fettes Cheri Fettes on Sep 21, 2013
    @KMS Woodworks, sounds like you're ready for a visit home soon ;)
    • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Sep 22, 2013
      @Cheri Fettes We spent week in Grand Haven last year...It had been about 10 years since my last visit.
  • Sharon Connors Sharon Connors on Sep 21, 2013
    I NEVER oil my stainless. I clean tough watermarks or prints with Barkeeper's Friend and a soft cloth then rinse and dry. Then I spray it with glass cleaner and get a beautiful shine not a greasy surface.Even at Lowe's, Home Depot and other stores use GLASS CLEANER on their stainless.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 21, 2013
    Whoa @Sharon Connors - that is a cool new method that we haven't heard about yet. Thank you for sharing! Matthew
  • Jessie Jessie on Sep 21, 2013
    this Grandma can assure you the finish is still there with Grandkids finger prints daily you should also know the metal magnets scratch the surface. JUST SAY NO TO SS APPLIANCES! They are beautiful for about 10 mins. Then are a pain in the butt. I am 65 yrs.old with 3 years experience cleaning SS appliances. SAVE YOURSELF !JUST SAY NOOOOOOOO!
    • See 2 previous
    • Bernice H Bernice H on Sep 24, 2013
      @Matthew Gingerella yup, glad you found a SPECIAL product for this, sort of like special CLEANERS now for the front loading washers! I just hide my toaster in a cabinet! Next time it will be not ssteel, for sure.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 22, 2013
    Come on @Jessie - tell us how you Really Feel....stop candy coating it! : ) Your advice is duly Noted! Thank You
  • Jessie Jessie on Sep 22, 2013
    you are soooo welcome.
  • Bonnie Lewenza Bonnie Lewenza on Sep 22, 2013
    Here is my fridge and stove and yes they are stainless steel. My set is 10 years old and on the fridge I used to get the prints on it and it drove me crazy. But since I used the turtle wax on it I have no problems with it.
    • Loribeth Loribeth on Sep 22, 2013
      @Bonnie Lewenza Do you apply it just like you would on a car?
  • Kelly Kelly on Sep 22, 2013
    I don't have a stainless steel stove or fridge, but I do have several other stainless steel appliances and I found a tiny bit of olive oil on a rag will clean the stainless really well and it stays nice for a good while
  • Bonnie Lewenza Bonnie Lewenza on Sep 22, 2013
    Loribeth You just wash it down with warm soap and water, dry it and apply the wax with the grain of your steel. Just like you would your wood, wait for it to turn white and then buff it with a clean soft cloth. That's it I did this over a month ago and all I use on it now is my dish cloth and soft cloth to dry. If you see the glass on my door I did that as well.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 22, 2013
    Thank you for sharing pictures @Bonnie Lewenza - your stainles steel appliances look great. It's good to know that there is hope for Stainless-Steel Lovers!
  • Constance Constance on Sep 22, 2013
    I used to clean for a living and I discovered a product that I depend on to this day. It works on stainless, wood, and gives formica a whole new life!. It's called Sheila Shine and I wouldn't be without it! It's available on line. It also lasts forever. I use the liquid usually, but it does also come in a spray.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 22, 2013
    Hi @Loribeth - thank you for your explanation.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 22, 2013
    Hi Kelly - thanks for the tip. Please note that food oil residues go rancid so I would prefer a more sanitary coating.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 22, 2013
    Hi @Constance - thanks for your suggestion. You are not alone - I've heard from several big fans of Sheila Shine! Take care
  • Margie Newman Margie Newman on Sep 22, 2013
    I have all stainless steel appliances; worst move ever!!! I totally agree with Jessie!!! I too am 65 and we have better things to do than be slaves!!! I just printed all the above comments; some of the solutions I have not yet tried!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 22, 2013
    Hi @Margie Newman - I've got to agree with you there, we are not meant to be slaves to CLEANING! Thanks, Matthew
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 22, 2013
    Well all, It turns out that my friend had a lot more problems with her Stainless Steel Fridge and Dishwasher than just Fingerprints. Although she has tried to protect it with Stainless-Steel Cleaner for over a year, she has been plagued with many of the same problems that you have mentioned on her Top-of-the-Line Kenmore Fridge - and worse. The Stainless-Steel has become "Stained" with Rust and Drip Marks down the doors. See attached pics. And, she says that where her diswasher is, that it constantly gets stuff dripped down it. I helped her polish them up as good as possible (over an hour) - but some stains don't seem to polish out! I applied a transparent permanent protective coating barrier with an antimicrobial surface to the LEFT Door and the RIGHT Door just has the SS Polish on it. The Dishwasher was also coated to eliminate the chance of further staining to the finish. I will put up video footage soon. I will revisit next week to see how the coated Stainless Steel is holding up. Matthew
  • Cheri Fettes Cheri Fettes on Sep 23, 2013
    Yep, stainless can be cleaned, eventually. Scratches, not so much. Rust, never. Even milk drippings are hard to remove. Having been a cleaning lady, I'm not ready to spend that much time effort or money at home! Even if I had a good cleaning lady that I could afford ;)
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 23, 2013
    I hear you @Cheri Fettes! Although, I was able to polish out the rust stain; the drip stains are eluding me; and forget scratches. What is coming to light with this forum and my field work on my friend's Stainless Steel appliances - is that with today's latest protective coating technologies - it is possible to protect the Beautiful Stainless Steel against Chemical Attack - which cause the Rust Stains, Drip Stains and Water Marks. It is this type of coating that I am testing out in hopes of solving the Problem of "Stain-less Steel" and providing a Solution for "Stain-Proof Stainless Steel". Thanks, Matthew
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 23, 2013
    To all, The Stainless-Steel Appliance Manufacturers Link to Stainless-Steel Cleaning Products: It's not that the Appliance Manufacturers are not aware of the latest Self-Cleaning Coating Technologies that I use. They have some of the best Chemists and Surface Material Scientists in the world working for them. It's a PROFIT Motive for them to provide a protective coating on their Appliances that still must be maintained constantly by using Stainless-Steel Cleaners and Polishes. I GUARANTEE you that the Stainless-Steel Appliance Manufacturers have a Revenue Link to the Sale of Stainless-Steel cleaning products! It is the old approach of selling you the Razor to get the Repeat Razor-Blade business. The latest coating technology used in my Self-Cleen ST3 product does NOT require you to buy any Stainless-Steel cleaning products to maintain the surface. It has a self-cleaning antimicrobial finish that is maintained by spraying on a fresh coat about every 6-month. The self-cleaning surface makes fingerprints, spills, drips, etc. wipe off with a damp cloth - or my preference a damp Micro-Fiber Cloth (lint-free, streak-free). And, since it provides a permanent transparent barrier over the original Stainless Steel; then nothing can touch the original surface to stain-it. It's time to break the Appliance Company's little monopoly that has frustrated so many and has kept you a slave to cleaning Stainless Steel and having to put up with it being highly susceptible to STAINING.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 23, 2013
    Thanks @Cheri Fettes - will do!
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 23, 2013
    Has anyone found a way to remove the drip mark stains from Stainless Steel? Matthew
  • Irish53 Irish53 on Sep 23, 2013
    i used to polish more then 50 washing machines each night I went to work. I used a few drops of baby oil to both clean and shine the stainless steel tops and sides. it also removed caked on detergent powder.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 23, 2013
    Hi @Irish53 - thank you very much for sharing your years of experience and tip!
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 23, 2013
    Hi Everybody, As promised, I have attached a video to summarize the original state of my friend's Stainless Steel Appliances, the serious polishing to remove as much stains as possible, and the results of applying my high-tech transparent self-cleaning protective coating. Self-cleaning and sanitary properties are maintained with just 2-treatments a year. For those that don't have time to watch the video, I have attached photos for your convenience. I look forward to your thoughts, Matthew
  • Ginni Cronin Ginni Cronin on Sep 24, 2013
    I absolutely LOVE my stainless steel appliances but was concerned at how stained they looked. I researched on-line and found a product that works wonders and so EASY! I use the wipes b/c I'm too busy to do much else. However I do use the paste polish for my black flat stove top. They sell this at Walmart. http://weiman.com/Home.aspx
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 24, 2013
    Hi @Ginni Cronin - thank you for the tip and the link to the Weiman brand products. I personally know that the Weiman Glass Stove Top Polish works real well. Take care, Matthew
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 24, 2013
    Yup - hiding the toaster in the cabinet also works. Thanks, Matthew
  • Donna Shipley Donna Shipley on Sep 25, 2013
    I saw this advice regarding stainless sink cleaning and thought it might be of interest... http://the-happyhome.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/how-to-make-your-stainless-shine.html ... It sure sparkled when finished!
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 25, 2013
    Hi @Donna Shipley - thanks for the link for cleaning and shining stainless steels sinks! It's looks like an effective little process that they mapped out there. Take Care
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 28, 2013
    OK all, I'm off to revisit my friend and follow-up on the Stainless-Steel Coating I performed last week. Pictures and more video footage to follow. Take care, Matthew
  • Rosepetal Rosepetal on Sep 29, 2013
    I bought a stainless-Steel stove--much to my surprise the oven door and drawer front are not stainless steel A magnet sticks to them--I am told magnets do not stick to stainless steel. The only thing stainless is around the burner controls. Just saying check to may sure you are trying to clean stainless-steel..
  • Beverly Moody Swain Beverly Moody Swain on Sep 29, 2013
    Oxy clean works better than anything I've tried on water marks & smudges!
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 29, 2013
    Hi @ - I'm sorry to hear that you were misled by the appliance dealer. Some of the comments received indicate that there are various grades of Stainless Steel and that magnets do not stick to the Good Grades. Your stove may have a lower grade SS on it. Thanks for your input and warning! Matthew
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 29, 2013
    Hello @Beverly Moody Swain - That's interesting. Are you talking about Oxy Clean for laundry or other?
    • Beverly Moody Swain Beverly Moody Swain on Oct 05, 2013
      @Matthew Gingerella Just the kind in the spray bottle. I use a soft, dry cloth and saturate it with the Oxy Clean, wipe my stove/refrigerator thoroughly, and then dry with a soft cloth. I have a 2 yr old, so there are always little (sweet) fingerprints everywhere :)
  • Rosepetal Rosepetal on Sep 30, 2013
    I also have a stainless-steel fridge--to keep it looking super I use cleaning rags from Norwex--you never use fabric softener on them (the reags)--You use one to wet wipe and the other is a polishing cloth--no cleaners to look smeary. The rags are similar to ones that Fly Lady uses--also work great on windows and mirrors.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Sep 30, 2013
    Thanks @ - I will have to check out these Norwex cleaning rags. They sound similar to Microfiber cloths - which are awesome for similar applications.
  • Tina Yoder Tina Yoder on Sep 30, 2013
    Mathew the pic your showing on this stove looks like you may have left the plastic coating on it that your suppose to peal off?
  • Kelly S Kelly S on Sep 30, 2013
    There are various grades of steel depending on how it is made, cold-rolled or hot-rolled, what other minerals are mixed with the iron, nickle, chromium etc. 316 stainless steel is non magnetic while 304 is slightly magnetic. This is all I can remember from metals class nearly 30 years ago. Parts of my husband's BBQ grill are magnetic and parts are not, even though it was sold as stainless steel. This is most evident in the side panels and lid. The higher grade parts are going to be the ones that get the most wear and tear similiar to leather furniture. High grade on the cushion tops and lower grade on the back of the chair or couch.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 01, 2013
    Hi @Tina Yoder - the stove definitely looks bad. It would be lucky if plastic was left on it because then you could peel it off and there would be not stains. Which is the idea behind my protective coating that I am qualifying on Stainless-Steel Appliances, right now. Except my coating is a permanent transparent protective barrier that prevents staining of the stainless-steel, easily wipes clean with a damp cloth, and does not require the use of any Stainless-Steel cleaner or polish.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 01, 2013
    Excellent technical input @Kelly S - thank you so much! Matthew
  • Suzanne Dean Suzanne Dean on Oct 01, 2013
    I wipe my down with a micro-fiber cloth every morning and evening with either a Method All Purpose Cleaner for tough stains or a Stainless Steel cleaner...mine are 7 years old and still look brand new...its all about upkeep which I know can be a pain, but it only takes a few mins each day. Good luck!
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 01, 2013
    Hi @Suzanne Dean - I love using Micro-fiber cloths - awesome tool for cleaning. I'm happy to hear that you have been able to keep your SS Appliances looking Good for 7-years - nicely done. Thank you, Matthew
  • Tina Yoder Tina Yoder on Oct 01, 2013
    believe it or not try some orange glow with a soft cloth.let me know what u think?
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 01, 2013
    Thanks you for the creative tip @Tina Yoder! Matthew
  • Tegma Tegma on Oct 02, 2013
    How did your test run turn out?
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 02, 2013
    Hi @tegma - thank you for asking about my Protective Coating Beta-Testing. You will be glad to hear that it went exceptionally well. I was hoping to have time to get the pictures and some more video footage posted - but I've been swamped. The Quick Highlights are: - The Coated Side of the Fridge showed less finger prints and smudges than the uncoated side; but they were still there. - The terrific part is that on the Coated-Side the finger prints and smudges wiped off with a damp cloth and it looked good as new when wiped dry. The same was not the case for the Uncoated side - it got cloudy when wiped with a damp cloth, so it required Stainless-Steel Cleaner to remove the fingerprints, smudges & drips. - Plus, keep in mind that you can't Stain the Coated side any longer and that all the Coated Surfaces are now More Sanitary (Anti-microbial & Anti-Fungal) My friend was ecstatic and wanted me to apply Self-Cleen ST3 Protective Coating to the Uncoated Right-Side of her Fridge - which I did. I checked back with her and she is loving her Stainless Steel Appliances now - when just a week or so ago she was Hating them. I'm now looking for a few Hometalk friends that would like to try out my Protective Coating Solution on their Stainless-Steel Appliances to provide 3rd Party - non-biased - confirmation of this technical solution to this long despised problem. One picture attached after finishing the protective Coating on both sides of the SS Fridge. I look forward to your thoughts, Matthew
  • Tegma Tegma on Oct 02, 2013
    Looking forward to seeing the picture &/or video. While I was afraid to try it on my appliances which are only a few months old, I'm at a point of trying almost anything, as long as it won't do damage to the S.S. When bought new, Maytag said not to use any kind of chemicals on it, but.... I have used polish and it doesn't last but a day or two. See how long it lasts with your friend's appliances, if you would. You could easily hit the jackpot if this really works well, as people are so frustrated with their Stainless products.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 02, 2013
    Hi @tegma - I hear your pain - and everyone else's that has been kind enough to contribute to this forum. I have reviewed all of the comments that we received and here is what I can conclude from analyzing the data: 1. At this point we have 156 Comments and There are less than a Hand-Full of comments that were POSITIVE 2. I estimated that 95% of those commenting were NEGATIVE about their Stainless-Steel Appliances and their upkeep. 3. Out of those 95%, it seems that the Majority (if not all) were following - or trying to follow the Appliance Manufacturers directions on care (only use Stainless-Steel Cleaner and Polish, etc.) 4. Those 95% have been plagued with Fingerprint, Smear, Smudge, Drips and permanent Staining to their Stainless-Steel by following the Appliance Manufacturers directions. CONCLUSION: DO NOT FOLLOW THE APPLIANCE MANUFACTURERS DIRECTIONS - it becomes clear that there is a Profit Motive on their part. They want to make more revenue by selling you Stainless-Steel Cleaning Products - year after year! And, all at the expense of you and your so-called Stainless-Steel Appliance finish; which we have all decided is not "Stain"-less. Since the Appliance Manufacturers have let you down so badly, I RECOMMEND that you PROTECT your Stainless-Steel by any means that are viable to you by stepping outside of the manufacturers recommendations and trying new methods that are shown not to hurt your Stainless Steel. In response to your comment regarding my protective coating product - it actually STAIIN-PROOFS the Stainless-Steel. Its the Stain-Protection is permanent because the advanced micro-particle coating technology creates a transparent barrier that bonds directly to the Stainless-Steel. It doesn't come off - it becomes a very thin transparent part of the surface that will not yellow or cloud with age. It's self-cleaning and Sanitary properties (Anti-Microbial and Anti-Fungal) start to fade after 6-months; so you simply apply a fresh spray-on coat 2-times a year. It only takes a small amount of the Coating provided in my Kit for you to Protect your SS Appliances. So in addition to protecting those, you will have enough coating to PROTECT and STAIN-PROOF your Kitchen Sink, Scale Protect your Faucets and Fixtures, Water-Proof your lower cabinets to prevent water damage from spills and drips, and seal and protect your counter top.More details at www.selfcleen.com As I mentioned before, my Self-Cleen ST3 Coating product is fully proven to protect metals. It was just that I had not personally applied it to Stainless-Steel. I'm an Applications Engineer and my Test concludes that there is no difference in applying my coating to Stainless-Steel than there is with applying it to Chrome, Aluminum, Anodized Metals, Painted Metals, etc. If you and a few others would like to try it out, then I will be happy to send you a free sample kit. Your Stainless-Steel dilemma could be over in a matter of days from now. Thanks again, Matthew
  • Tegma Tegma on Oct 02, 2013
    I would like very much to try it out. I see that it was developed for bathrooms, but.... if your test on SS was successful, it will be a great need fulfilled. Everyone wanted SS in their kitchens.... it was considered the top of the line. However, due to problems with keeping it cleaned, people are not wanting it anymore. I cannot afford to change when I've only had these appliances a few months. So, yes, I would like to give it a try. I think you have proven your case here. BWT, are you the Mathew Masters who developed this? I have no problem with that. If you've developed something which will keep SS on top, that's wonderful! I like the looks of it.... when it is clean, that is! LOL
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 02, 2013
    Thanks for your Enthusiasm @tegma I look forward to sending you a Self-Cleen ST3 Kit to end your Stainless-Steel maintenance dilemma. BTW - Matthew Masters is my pen name when I am writing press releases, but yes - I developed it. I will have to get your address to send the kit, so if you go to my profile and "Follow" me, then I will be able to send you an message and you can message me. Be assured that the self-cleaning and sanitary properties of my product go well beyond the Bathroom. They are also very important in the Kitchen so that you can protect your counters, appliances, cabinets, faucets. The Anti-Microbial properties are critical for the known Bacteria-prone locations: Fridge Handles, Microwave Face and Door and the Faucet Handle; plus more. And, if you really want to WOW yourself - then you should see Self-Cleen ST3 applied to your house windows - amazing clarity, shine, reflection and of course they are self-cleaning. The rain cleans them on the outside our your house. See attached picture of my Kitchen Window - before (I couldn't keep it clean) and after - I don't need to clean it for months. After which I wipe it clean with white vinegar on a cloth - period. I look forward to messaging you to get the shipment going for you. Matthew
  • Tegma Tegma on Oct 02, 2013
    Clicked on the "follow me", so you should be able to email me. This gets better as we go..... I need something for a defective granite counter in my bath (no shine in areas), and the tho't of doing windows with this, too....well, it's almost too much to ask. I hope it's as good as it sounds! If it is, you can be sure I will let everyone know!
  • Tina Yoder Tina Yoder on Oct 02, 2013
    let me know what you think?
    • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 02, 2013
      @Hi Tina Yoder - That is not my stove - it is just an example. I don't have any Stainless Steel to try it on yet, but many of the people in this forum do - so thank you very much for the tip!Matthew
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 02, 2013
    Aww Patricia - would I pull your leg??...You will be astounded. I messaged you so that we can get your Self-Cleen ST3 Coating Kit in your hands.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 02, 2013
    Anybody else want to try my protective anti-microbial coating on your stainless steel appliances? I can use a couple more people to confirm its performance. Matthew
  • Sharron W Sharron W on Oct 02, 2013
    I DO! I don't have any SS appliances, but I DO have a kitchen sink and especially a kitchen window I'd LOVE to try them on!
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 02, 2013
    OK @Sharron W - how could I turn down your Enthusiasm. I will be glad to send you a Self-Cleen ST3 Kit to use on your Kitchen and Windows. I will look forward to you posting your pictures on Hometalk after you're done! I will "Follow You" on your profile, then when you click "Follow" on my profile - you will be able to message me with your address so that I can ship it to you. Thanks, Matthew
    • Elizabeth Johnson Elizabeth Johnson on Oct 03, 2013
      @Matthew Gingerella There are many of us homemakers that hate cleaning and I have been one for 74 yrs. I am also almost a neighbour of yours and would love to try your product.
  • Sharron W Sharron W on Oct 02, 2013
    AWESOME! I hate cleaning windows, or for that matter...I hate cleaning...LOL If I can do it once every six months...I'll be thrilled!
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 02, 2013
    Ha! A woman after my own heart @Sharron W. I spent over 3-years developing the way to PREVENT Cleaning because I couldn't possibly keep up with everything by myself: the house, yard, pool, work and daughter. I was always in a frustrating tail spin. Then in December 2012, I came up with the Solution and solved my cleaning problems for myself and went on to Beta Test my self-cleaning coating product by solving a bunch of my friends cleaning problems. Proven 100% effective at all Beta-Sites for at least 6-months - I brought it to market to solve the Cleaning Problems of Americans from coast to coast on July 1st, 2013. This is the Start of the "Self-Cleen Revolution" and you are becoming a Member. Our Mantra is: Don't Clean-it...Coat-It! Thanks, Matthew
  • Pat Dollar Pat Dollar on Oct 03, 2013
    Stainless (stains less - the true meaning) sinks etc. can be brought back to new by using stainless steel scrub pads like Brillo pads going with the grain and finishing with wet/dry sandpaper again going with the grain.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 03, 2013
    Hi @Pat Dollar - thanks for this input. Will that scrubbing remove water drip mark stains on a Fridge door or is this tip mainly for SS sinks? Matthew
  • Elizabeth Johnson Elizabeth Johnson on Oct 03, 2013
    I have found that WD-40 cleans the faux stainless steel very well. It is not toxic as it is made from fish oil.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 03, 2013
    Hello @Elizabeth Johnson - You are one of multiple WD-40 fans. Thank you for your tip - I am glad it is working for you! Matthew
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 03, 2013
    Hi @Elizabeth Johnson - than you for contacting me and following me. I will send you a message to discuss it! Thank you, Matthew
  • Pat Dollar Pat Dollar on Oct 03, 2013
    I am sure it will work on any stainless steel surface. I would try it first on a surface that is not visible such as on the side of the fridge. You might also try using Mr Clean magic erasers.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 03, 2013
    OK @Pat Dollar its good to have different methods to try. Thanks, Matthew
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 04, 2013
    Hi Friends, Please make sure that you read my New Post regarding a Serious Health RIsk Related to your Shower Heads! Go to: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/alert-bacteria-in-shower-heads-can-spread-bacterial-lung-infection-2337630 Stay Safe, Matthew
    alert bacteria in shower heads can spread bacterial lung infection, bathroom ideas, cleaning tips, 2013 Headline
    ALERT! Bacteria in Shower Heads Can Spread Bacterial Lung Infection
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 05, 2013
    Aw - those are the best kind of Fingerprints @Beverly Moody Swain - thank you for the extra details on using Oxy Clean to wipe them away! Matthew
  • Martha Ballard Martha Ballard on Oct 05, 2013
    I would like to try your new coating. Please send me more information. I have one question though. Does it have Triclosan in it? I am highly allergic and every time I get exposed the reactions gets worse. I hate having to check everything for that stuff but it sure beats going to the ER so darn often. LOL!
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 05, 2013
    Hi @Martha Ballard - I would like to discuss it more with you. I will "Follow" You on your profile, and if you "Follow" me then we can message back and forth. I look forward to it, Matthew
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 05, 2013
    No worries @Martha Ballard, just click on my Profile, then on the "Follow" icon. Thanks, Matthew
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 06, 2013
    Sorry for the delay Folks, but I was able to finish the Video for PART-2 of the SS Appliance Protective Coating Beta Test - so check it out and let me know your thoughts! Thanks, Matthew
  • Beverly Moody Swain Beverly Moody Swain on Oct 09, 2013
    You're welcome! :)
  • Tegma Tegma on Oct 10, 2013
    OMG, folks! If you haven't watched Matt's videos, please do. However, I don't think they do his product justice. I just got my kit and used it on my fridge, and I can't even begin to explain what a wonderful product it is. My SS fridge is so shiny that I can see the neighbors house across the street, in the reflection on the doors. It's a simple product to use, and it only takes minutes. The kit comes with everything you need, so simple that a child could use it, tho' you don't want children handling it! I am 72 years old, bought all new SS appliances a few months back, and was regretting I'd ever done so. Altho' I am a gr-grandmother to a 5 yr. old, I don't have kids around constantly, however, my appliances were so difficult to keep clean of fingerprints, waterspots and all, (mine) that I was wishing I have never changed over to Stainless Steel! Well, thanks to Matt's product, I am now delighted with my appliances. I think they look even better than when I first bought them!! Anyhow, it you haven't tried it, get yourself a kit of this protective coating. It's wonderful, and is suppose to last for months! I just used it today, so I don't know how long it will last, but I will say, you will not regret the investment. And no, I am NOT related to Matthew in anyway, never even heard of him until we talked here on Hometalk!
  • Tegma Tegma on Oct 10, 2013
    Forgot to mention, this product keeps you from having to clean, constantly. It's a protective coating that you spray on after cleaning, and which makes the cleanliness last for months! How's that for not having to worry about cleaning all the time? Anything that will help us women, young or old, having to clean constantly, is a God-send! I can't wait to try it on other things around the house, the bathroom, windows, etc.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 11, 2013
    Hi @tegma thanks for the great news and compliments. After you coated your SS Fridge today with Self-Cleen ST3 - the actual stainless-steel surface cannot be stained any longer - so that should be a load off your mind. The self-cleaning properties last for 6-months - so you wont have to recoat it until were in 2014. Besides enjoying your beautiful shiny stainless-steel, the only maintenance for you to do is to wipe the Fridge off with a damp microfiber cloth when you feel like it. No more Stainless-Steel Cleaners to buy. ENJOY - Matthew
    • Donna Jean O Donna Jean O on May 31, 2014
      @Matthew Gingerella I bought this product this week, but how do I clean the fridge before I apply it? Excited to get it on there, as I am not happy with SS right now!
  • Tegma Tegma on Oct 11, 2013
    Oh wow.... 6 months! I already want to buy some more, perhaps for Christmas gifts, even. Today is day two, and due to a family emergency, I had my great-grandson today. Anyway, we made a game out of trying to see if we could "fingerprint" my Stainless Steel fridge, and lo and behold, we couldn't! No marks on the fridge no matter how hard we tried. I'm saying to all of you, you will not believe this until you try it! It is wonderful! I even used it on my bathroom granite along with the faucets! It's almost unbelievable! To think of stainless and chrome with no fingerprints or anything for 6 months! You've got to try this!! I'm anxious to try it on the windows, and also the bathroom mirror which gets splattered with toothpaste! My mind is running thinking of all the different ways I can use this stuff! I'm so glad I participated in this Hometalk discussion, as without it, I don't know if I would have ever heard of this product!
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 11, 2013
    You are too wonderful @tegma ; glad you had fun playing the Fingerprint Game with your Great-Grandson today - kids are the best! If you have a digital camera then it would be great to see some pictures. I'm sure your granite and faucet are sparkling. The fun part about coating the bathroom mirror is that the spatter wipes of with a dry or damp cloth - and not streaks! I laugh about it every time I wipe it off. Thanks again and enjoy your Self-Cleen ST3, Matthew
  • Lori Wallace Lori Wallace on Oct 19, 2013
    I hate hate hate my stainless steel appliances because of the marks and constant need to clean them. I also have hard water in my refrigerator door, so if it drips and isn't immediately wiped off, there's a sprained wrist of scrubbing. I would not buy stainless again, to answer your question.
  • Matthew Gingerella Matthew Gingerella on Oct 20, 2013
    Can't blame you there - @Lori Wallace, but you don't have to live with that problem any longer - we made a quest of solving this hated problem in this Hometalk Forum - and did just that this month. You can Fall back in Love with your Stainless-Steel Appliances now! See Patricia Morse's comments : Patricia Morse Lake City, PA OMG, folks! If you haven't watched Matt's videos, please do. However, I don't think they do his product justice. I just got my kit and used it on my fridge, and I can't even begin to explain what a wonderful product it is. My SS fridge is so shiny that I can see the neighbors house across the street, in the reflection on the doors. It's a simple product to use, and it only takes minutes. The kit comes with everything you need, so simple that a child could use it, tho' you don't want children handling it! I am 72 years old, bought all new SS appliances a few months back, and was regretting I'd ever done so. Altho' I am a gr-grandmother to a 5 yr. old, I don't have kids around constantly, however, my appliances were so difficult to keep clean of fingerprints, waterspots and all, (mine) that I wa