When we moved into our home, we had to purchase a fridge, and when we decided to buy a stainless steel one to coordinate with the stove, friends and family were quick to urge caution.
“They’re impossible to keep clean, especially with kids in the house,” was the admonishment we received from more than one person. Because, as you may know,
Stainless Steel appliance + children = lots o’ fingerprints all over the fridge and oven.
Naturally, they were right. Fingerprints abound. For the most part, I have to admit that the fingerprints don’t bother me all that much. My housekeeping standards are more about “Can we walk around the house without tripping on toys?” and “Are the kitchen countertops thoroughly sanitized?” Dust and fingerprints come somewhere waaay down the housekeeping list.
But even for someone like me, there are times when the fingerprints must go. Whether it’s company coming over, or just the desire to feel like my kitchen is sparkling for all of 2.3 seconds, I like to have a product on hand that will make our stainless steel look like new.
I tried the wipes. I tried the spray. I tried almost everything on the grocery store shelf and in those “natural solutions” books. But nothing seemed to do the trick. Some products left streaks, while others left water spots. None made me feel like my kitchen was sparkling.
But then I found this product, which really does the job with minimal effort:
Cerama Bryte Stainless Steel Cleaning Polish and Conditioner. It’s not necessarily cheap: about $8.00 for a 16-oz. bottle at Amazon. But a little goes a long way (I’ve had my current bottle for close to a year), and it really makes the fridge shine. I wipe it on with one cloth, buff it off with another, and our appliances would make you think that we didn’t even have kids running around here.
For at least 2.3 seconds. After that, the 8-year-old probably needs a drink, and the 1-year-old is overcome with the urge to lick the fridge (and yes, he really does get that urge). [Don't worry: I don't permit him to lick any harmful items; that's why we have invested heavily in baby gates.]
Check out Shannon’s blog for more brand-name recommendations today!
That is great!
My 3 year old licks things, too. I’m no germophobe, but Terry and I almost had a fit when he was licking the window of the NYC commuter train. ICK!
Urge to lick the fridge, that is too funny. I thought of a stainless steel fridge too, for all of about 5 seconds before I clicked back to reality. Dayhomes and stainless do not do good together.
Thank you for sharing that neat producted, Katrina. When we finally have a home of our own, Steve and I have talked of having everything be stainless steel (appliance-wise, that is). I’ll have to remember this product.
Also, that is too cute that L. is into licking! Olyvia does the same thing, but on mirrors. lol
How is the little cutie doing anyway? I truefully admit that I have been a very bad blog friend and haven’t been reading blogs very much because I have put more on my plate than I can handle. I just don’t know how to say “NO” very well. I love your blog and miss reading it. I’m working on slowing my life down, little by little. It’s a work in progress.
Hugs,
Eden
Thanks I needed a good ss cleaner for my appliances cuz my little 26 year old boy leaves his paw prints all over everything!
Thanks so much for this suggestion! We just got a stainless steel (in the front) fridge a few months ago, and even without any children in the house, somehow, there are fingerprints all over that door.
Just zooming in from WFMW! Hee Hee hee about the fridge licking. It’s not the first time I’ve heard that! We just bought 2 stainless appliances – thanks for the recommend.
I’ve had your blog in my favorites for quite some time and I don’t know why I picked the day you talked of stainless steel cleaning polish to comment, but I did. I seriously enjoy any blog that turns ordinary life into an interesting read. I’ll be back to yours often. I’m checking “Write Is A Verb” out of the library tomorrow. Nice to meet ya.
I have been looking for something for our appliances. Thus far nothing has worked. Thanks for the recommendation!
I love the look of stainless steel and have it for all my major appliances. When looking for the fridge though, Whirlpool had what they called (I believe)Satina that looks just like stainless steel but does not show any fingerprints. I’ve had it for a couple years now and yep, no fingerprintas and looks just like the other appliances, just a slightly different hue. I wish the other stainless steel appliances were satina
-Tim
Buffalo GameBuffs blog