Yesterday my stainless fridge arrived. After the installers left, it was covered in fingerprints. I grabbed my sprayer of water + few drops of Dawn and wiped it down. It cleaned up okay but every time I went near it, it got smudgy again.

I had to go into the appliance store to report a small scratch on the door (they're going to fix it). I told them about cleaning it and they blanched a bit when I mentioned the soap in my mix. He said it removes all the oil in the surface, making the oil in your hands leave such noticeable marks. I bought some spray from them called Thor and did the entire surface when I got home. It not only left the surface looking better, but my fingerprints don't show up later on.

I've read where many of you use an alcohol+water+lavender oil mix to clean your SS appliances. You say the lavender oil is for a nice smell and also its antibacterial qualities. I wonder if it's also providing the oil that the metal is seeking from your fingertips.

I acknowledge that not all stainless surfaces are exactly the same. Magnets stick to my fridge. I need to clean each one with alcohol first or their ancient patina will leave a smudge.