Is baby oil good for cleaning your kitchen? Here's what the experts say

Cleaning fans rave about the sparkling results this household item gives, but does it really work?

kitchen
(Image credit: Neptune)

A gleaming kitchen doesn’t last long, but it sure feels good. It’s an area of the home that’s in constant use, so it doesn’t take long for smears and grubby fingerprints to appear. When it comes to how to clean a kitchen, cleaning fanatics often recommend using baby oil for a sparkling finish, but what do the experts think?

Baby oil used on a soft, dry cloth will effectively remove streaks from shiny surfaces like stainless steel or enamel - but it won't actually sanitize the surface. Baqir Khan, owner of Proactive Cleaners, says 'Oils like olive oil, mineral oil and baby oil won't clean surfaces so you'll still need to use other surface cleaners to remove dirt. 

'Start with a small amount of oil to avoid making everything too greasy and always polish steel in the direction of the grain,' he adds. Your usual surface cleaner or washing up liquid and warm water on a multifibre cloth will remove germs before you start polishing.

kitchen

(Image credit: Neptune)

So baby oil will really help to keep appliances looking shiny, whether that's your sink, fridge, dishwasher, oven, or even microwave. This said, cleaning company Fabulosa does not recommend using baby oil at all when cleaning the kitchen as it could cause problems further down the line. 

‘Although the surface might look clean and shiny after use, over a period of time the surface will attract dust which could cause discoloring,’ Fabulosa warns.

kitchen

(Image credit: Dunelm)

Instead,Fabulosa recommends using a multi-surface polish with a microfibre cloth to remove any unsightly streaks. Fabulosa's own multi-surface polish removes smears from surfaces like wood, glass, metal, and plastic, and kills 99.9% of bacteria, as well as eliminating odors. Baqir from Proactive Cleaners, on the other hand, says oils 'help to repel smudges in the future by leaving behind a protective film.'

kitchen

(Image credit: Neptune)

So while a very small amount of baby oil will get rid of those marks that have been bugging you, remember to use a product that effectively sanitizes first - and keep an eye on dust!

Millie joined Real Homes in early 2021 as a homes news writer. When she isn't writing about trends, makeovers and houseplant care, she spends her free time making tweaks to her rented flat in North London. Her next project is a very basic armchair reupholstering job to help create a cosy reading nook in her living room. She loves browsing antique centres, tending to her small front garden, and is never without some fresh flowers at home.