Can You Use Windex on a Stainless-Steel Fridge?

There are differing opinions when your stainless-steel fridge starts to get dirt, fingerprints, and other stains on it, you may want to reach for the closest cleanser at hand. However, how you clean your stainless-steel appliance is subject to debate.

Some people are for using Windex while others say you should avoid that all-purpose cleaner when trying to make your fridge shiny again. To find out if this product is okay to use to clean your stainless-steel fridge, just continue to read our article. It has the information you need to consider.

What is Windex?

The inventor and original maker of this cleanser was a man named Philip Drackett. He created the formula in 1936 and its main purpose was to clean car windshields of that time.

To market and mass-produce this cleaner, Mr. Drackett formed the Drackett company. It is not known how many corporations owned it between 1936 and 1992 when SC Johnson bought it.

The ingredients that make Windex are water, isopropyl alcohol, fragrance, blue dye, and other cleaning agents which some say is ammonia. It is that last ingredient that stops many people from using Windex on their stainless-steel fridge.

Regular Windex does contain ammonia and that ingredient is not good for stainless steel

Can You Use Windex on Stainless Steel Fridges?

If you have regular Windex in your home and no other kind of Windex cleaners, then the answer is no. The ammonia in the regular formula will damage your stainless-steel fridge and ruin its look.

Some people say avoid all Windex cleansers when cleaning stainless steel as that surface is hard to get clean and you never know how the metal will react to the different ingredients inside those alternative forms.

However, the makers of Windex have created several different ammonia-free products that should clean up stainless steel with no adverse effects. These are called touch-up cleansers and they are usually safe when applied to surfaces made for the following materials- chrome, vinyl, plastic, ceramic, kitchen fixtures, and stainless steel.

How to Use Windex to Clean Stainless Steel Fridges

There are several steps to this process and before you get started, check the label to see if there is any ammonia added to the ingredients. If so, look for another Windex product to use.

Step 1 – Do a Test

Discoloration is always an issue so after buying the cleanser that has no ammonia, test it on a hidden spot first. This will tell you if the cleaner will damage the look of your fridge.

Step 2 – Spray Away

Once the test proves it is safe to use, spray the Windex on the fridge, letting it soak into the stains. This is vital for those hard to remove stains

Step 3 – Wipe Off

After letting the cleaner soak for a couple of minutes, take a nice soft, clean cloth and wipe off the cleaner and the stains. Avoid using an abrasive sponge or cloth and make sure to wipe in the direction of the grain.

Step 4 – Buff the Fridge

The final step is to use a polishing cloth and buff the fridge until it shines like new again.

Alternative Cleansers for Stainless Steel

If you are not convinced to use Windex to clean your stainless-steel fridge, there are some alternative natural cleansers you can try. The key to cleaning this metal is to use a non-abrasive cleanser and soft cloths. Here are some of those natural alternatives:

• Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Flour
• Olive Oil

Make sure to always use warm water when cleaning stainless steel. Also, never forget to wipe in the direction of the grain. In addition to those alternative cleansers, you can always go to your favorite big box store and buy commercial stainless-steel cleansers.

These products are specially designed to clean this surface and should do as good or if not better job than Windex will. They are also safer than Windex and other cleaners you can use.

Some Final Words

When it comes to cleaning stainless steel fridges and other appliances, avoid all cleansers that contain ammonia. That means you should not use regular Windex to clean your stainless-steel fridge.

However, Windex does make ammonia-free products that should be safe to use. But if you do not want to take the chance and like commercial cleansers, buy one of the many stainless-steel products found almost anywhere cleaning products are sold.

That way your fridge will always be nice, shiny, and protected.