How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances with Pledge Polish

By Lilo On Dec 2, 2024

Keep Your Stainless Steel Appliances Gleaming with This Easy Method

Stainless steel appliances bring a sleek, modern look to any kitchen, but they are also magnets for fingerprints, smudges, and grime. Maintaining their shine doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right tools and method, you can easily restore the sparkle to your appliances and keep them looking pristine.

Why Choose This Method?

This cleaning technique uses Pledge furniture polish combined with microfiber cloths to efficiently remove smudges, dirt, and fingerprints, while also leaving a protective layer to resist future grime. Here’s why it works:

Pledge: Cleans and polishes without streaking, leaving a shiny, protective coat on your stainless steel.
Microfiber Cloths: Gently clean and buff the surface for a streak-free finish without damaging the steel.
Old T-Shirt: Perfect for wiping off excess polish and buffing your appliances to a beautiful satin-like finish.

With just a few simple steps, your appliances will look brand new!

What You’ll Need:

Pledge Furniture Polish: A reliable product that leaves your stainless steel clean and streak-free.
Microfiber Cloth: Essential for thorough, non-scratching cleaning.
Old T-Shirt: To buff off excess polish and create a smooth finish.
Towels (optional): To protect your floor from overspray, especially for large appliances.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Appliance’s Surface

Before cleaning, inspect the appliance’s surface for fingerprints, smudges, or streaks. Pay attention to the direction of the steel’s grain (horizontal or vertical), and clean along the grain for a more polished result.

Step 2: Prepare the Area

For large appliances like refrigerators or dishwashers, lay towels on the floor underneath to catch any overspray. This step prevents any cleaning agents from making your floor slippery or messy.

Step 3: Apply Pledge Polish

For Small Appliances:
Spray a generous amount of Pledge onto a microfiber cloth. Avoid spraying directly onto any glass surfaces, as the polish may leave a residue on the glass. Rub the cloth gently onto the stainless steel, working in the direction of the grain.
For Large Appliances:
Spray the Pledge directly onto the appliance’s surface, ensuring an even coating. For any glass parts (e.g., on a refrigerator), clean those separately after wiping down the stainless steel.

Step 4: Let It Sit

Allow the polish to sit for a few minutes to break down grime and create a protective layer on the stainless steel surface.

Step 5: Wipe Off Excess Polish

Use an old t-shirt to wipe off any excess polish in circular motions. Pay attention to any streaky areas, buffing them until the surface is smooth and shiny. The softness of the t-shirt ensures no scratches.

Step 6: Check the Finish

Run your hand over the surface to feel for smoothness. If any sticky or uneven spots remain, buff those areas again with the t-shirt or a clean microfiber cloth.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Stainless Steel

Clean Regularly: Wipe down your appliances weekly to prevent dirt and fingerprints from building up.
Avoid Abrasives: Steer clear of harsh scrubbers or abrasive products that can scratch the surface.
Spot Clean: Keep a microfiber cloth on hand for quick touch-ups between deep cleans.
Reapply Protective Coating: The polish leaves a protective layer, but for enhanced results, apply a light coat of Pledge every few weeks.

Why This Method Works

The combination of Pledge Furniture Polish and microfiber cloths not only helps clean but also enhances the natural sheen of your stainless steel while leaving behind a protective barrier. It’s a cost-effective, easy-to-follow method that works on all types of stainless steel surfaces—whether you’re cleaning a refrigerator, dishwasher, or smaller kitchen appliances like toasters or coffee makers.

By incorporating this simple process into your cleaning routine, you can keep your stainless steel appliances looking their best—fingerprint-free and shining bright. Try this method today and enjoy the satisfaction of a gleaming kitchen!