Transform Your Stainless Steel Appliances with This Simple Pantry Trick

Stainless steel can be frustrating. Despite its name, it often looks smudged and dirty right after cleaning. Those pesky streaks can be incredibly annoying.

When I first learned that olive oil could clean and polish stainless steel, I was doubtful. How could an oily product, which typically adds streaks, improve the metal’s appearance? With limited options left, I decided to try it out.

To my amazement, it worked wonders to refresh my stainless steel appliances, making them shine like new – and I have proof!

Polishing Stainless Steel with Olive Oil

I quickly discovered that olive oil doesn’t actually clean; it’s a mistake to think it does. It’s not a method for eliminating bacteria or removing kitchen grease. Instead, it serves as a finishing touch that rejuvenates the stainless steel surface.

According to Glen Lewis, president of Mr. Appliance, “Oil is not a cleaner. It acts as a sealant that shields the metal from moisture but won’t clean stainless steel. First, use a proper cleaner, then apply a light coat of olive oil with a microfiber cloth to maintain the shine and protect the surface.”

I began by cleaning the stainless steel of my best electric kettle with a multi-surface cleaner to eliminate any grease and fingerprints, buffing it with a clean microfiber cloth, and drying it off. Unfortunately, the result was the same as always – glaring streaks left my kettle looking worse.

After drying the trims, I took a clean paper towel with a dab of extra virgin olive oil and buffed the kettle’s handle and trims. To my surprise, the streaks vanished instantly. I expected to see more oil marks, but the stainless steel gleamed – even better than when I first bought it.

Noticing a slight oily feel on the trims and handle, I went over them again with a dry microfiber cloth to remove excess oil. Again, I was pleasantly surprised; no streaks returned. The stainless steel remained pristine and no longer felt slippery.

Just like cleaning with vinegar or using lemon juice, polishing my stainless steel appliances with olive oil proves that everyday pantry items can be incredibly effective.

Elizabeth Shields, operations manager at Super Cleaning Service Louisville, mentions, “Olive oil adds a beautiful shine to stainless steel. When you buff it, it creates a protective layer that restores the polished look that can dull over time. If you notice your pots or appliances looking lackluster while cooking, reach for that bottle without needing to go shopping. Plus, it doesn’t have any overpowering odors.”

I’m now curious if this technique could clean a stainless steel sink or remove rainbow patina from stainless steel pans over time. I’ll report back once I try it out.

After a day of use, I found that the stainless steel on my kettle still looked immaculate, proving that this polishing tip is no fleeting gimmick.

All prices correct at time of publication.

Method Heavy Duty Degreaser

Using a reliable degreaser or antibacterial spray ensures your stainless steel surface is clean before polishing.

Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil - 16 Fl Oz

Any quality olive oil will suffice for this method, as long as it’s not vegetable or rapeseed oil. I used what was already in my kitchen.

Mr.siga Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

Microfiber cloths are my go-to for cleaning. They effectively pick up dust and grime and can be easily washed for reuse.

Olive oil has definitely changed the game for this area that once frustrated me. There are also many everyday items you can clean with olive oil that I plan to explore. For instance, polishing stainless steel using old socks may sound odd, but it works wonders for a brilliant shine.