Maytag Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel: Care and Cleaning Guide

What Makes It Fingerprint Resistant

Maytag Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel has a special coating that reduces the visibility of fingerprints and smudges compared to standard stainless steel. It is not fingerprint-proof — prints can still appear, especially with oily hands — but they are less noticeable and easier to clean.

Daily Cleaning

For routine cleaning, all you need is a soft, damp microfiber cloth. Wipe in the direction of the grain (the faint lines in the steel). For most smudges and fingerprints, plain water and a microfiber cloth are all that is needed.

Deeper Cleaning

For grease splatters, sticky spots, or stubborn marks:

1. Apply a small amount of mild dish soap to a damp microfiber cloth.
2. Wipe the affected area in the direction of the grain.
3. Rinse the cloth, wring it out, and wipe again to remove soap residue.
4. Dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

What NOT to Use

• Abrasive cleaners or scrub pads — they scratch and damage the fingerprint-resistant coating permanently
• Stainless steel polish or spray — products designed for standard stainless steel can damage or strip the fingerprint-resistant coating
• Bleach or chlorine-based cleaners — they discolor stainless steel and damage the protective coating
• Glass cleaner with ammonia — ammonia can cloud the coating over time
• Paper towels — they can leave micro-scratches; always use a microfiber cloth

Protecting the Finish Long-Term

• Clean spills and splatters promptly — acidic foods (tomato sauce, citrus) can etch stainless steel if left in contact
• Keep magnets and magnetic clips to a minimum — removing them frequently can wear the coating
• Do not apply adhesive stickers or tape directly to the finish

Why Professional Service May Be the Right Choice

While many Refrigerator issues can be addressed with the steps in this guide, there are situations where attempting a DIY repair can make the problem worse or void your warranty. If you've followed the steps above and the issue persists, or if you're not comfortable working with electrical components or water connections, calling a factory-certified technician is the safest and most cost-effective path forward.

Maytag Appliance Solutions technicians are trained directly to Maytag's service specifications. They arrive with the most common OEM replacement parts already on the vehicle, which means most repairs are completed in a single visit — no waiting for parts to be ordered.

Preventing the Problem from Recurring

Most Refrigerator issues that require repair are preventable with regular maintenance. Key habits that extend appliance life and reduce fault frequency:

• Clean filters regularly. Lint filters, drain pump filters, and water inlet screens accumulate debris over time. A clogged filter is one of the most common causes of performance issues and error codes.
• Don't overload. Consistently running your Refrigerator beyond its rated capacity puts extra stress on the motor, drum bearings, and suspension components.
• Use the correct detergent and amounts. Excess detergent — especially non-HE detergent in HE appliances — causes buildup, mold, and sensor errors over time.
• Check hoses and connections annually. Inspect inlet and drain hoses for cracks, kinks, or loose connections at least once a year, especially if your appliance is more than five years old.
• Level the appliance. An unlevel Refrigerator vibrates excessively during operation, accelerating wear on internal components and causing noise and balance errors.

Maytag Warranty and Service Coverage

Maytag offers a standard one-year parts and labor warranty on most appliances, with extended coverage on specific components. If your appliance is still within its manufacturer warranty period, contact Maytag directly before scheduling an independent repair, as unauthorized service may affect warranty coverage.

For appliances outside the warranty period, Maytag Appliance Solutions provides a 30 day parts and labor warranty on every repair we complete. All replacement parts are genuine Maytag OEM components sourced directly from Maytag's authorized parts network.