New appliances are a big part of why a kitchen remodel feels so good. They also come wrapped like a birthday present: blue protective film, energy guide stickers, warning labels, foam blocks and tape everywhere. We covered glass in How to Remove Sticker Residue from New Windows. Appliances need a slightly gentler touch, because stainless steel and painted finishes scratch far more easily than glass.
Why it pays to remove film sooner rather than later
That plastic protective film is great during installation. It keeps scratches and paint off the surface while trades are working around it. But it is not meant to stay on forever. In a hot kitchen, or near the oven, the adhesive can bake onto the surface and become much harder to remove. Film left on for months can also trap moisture and leave a hazy outline when it finally comes off.
The best time to peel it is during the final clean, after the dusty work is done but before anyone starts cooking.
Peeling protective film
Start at a corner or an edge and pull slowly at a low angle, keeping the film close to the surface. If it tears into strips, warm it gently with a hair dryer on low for a few seconds, then try again. Work in sections on big surfaces like refrigerator doors.
Check the edges and seams, including around handles, control panels and door gaskets. Film loves to hide in those tight spots, and leftover slivers catch grime fast.
Removing stickers and energy labels
Energy guide labels and warning stickers are usually easy to peel, but the adhesive left behind can be stubborn. Try this order:
- Peel slowly, warming with a hair dryer if needed.
- Rub leftover residue with your fingertip to roll it up.
- Apply a little cooking oil on a soft cloth and let it sit a few minutes.
- Wipe gently in the direction of the grain on stainless steel.
- Wash the area with warm soapy water to remove the oil.
- Dry with a microfiber cloth.
Keep the stickers that list model and serial numbers, or snap a photo of them before you throw them away. You will want that information for warranties and repair calls later.
Stainless steel: go with the grain
Stainless steel has a visible grain, like wood. Always wipe in that direction. Avoid:
- Scrub pads, steel wool and abrasive powders
- Bleach or chlorine cleaners, which can discolor stainless
- Paper towels pressed hard, which can leave fine marks on some finishes
- Glass cleaners with ammonia, which can streak
Warm soapy water and a soft microfiber cloth handle most jobs. For a final shine, a stainless cleaner made for appliances is fine, used lightly and buffed with the grain.
Black stainless, enamel and glass tops
Not every appliance is regular stainless steel. Black stainless has a coating that can scratch or wear off with harsh products, so stick to mild soap and water. Enamel and painted finishes, like many white or colored appliances, handle soapy water well but scratch with abrasives. Glass and ceramic cooktops should only see a non-scratch pad or a cooktop scraper held flat, and only after the surface is fully cool.
Clean inside before first use
Construction dust gets inside appliances too, especially if the doors were opened during installation. Before you stock the fridge or run the dishwasher:
- Remove all packing tape, foam blocks and zip ties from shelves and racks.
- Wipe the inside of the fridge and freezer with warm soapy water, then dry.
- Wipe out the oven interior and remove any racks wrapped in plastic.
- Run the dishwasher empty for one cycle to rinse out the dust.
- Wipe the microwave inside and out.
Many manufacturers recommend running the oven empty once to burn off factory oils. Check the manual first, and open a window, since there can be a smell.
Do not forget the details
Behind and under appliances is where construction dust tends to settle. If the fridge or range can be pulled out safely, vacuum the floor and wall behind it. Wipe the kick plate under the dishwasher and the vent on the front of the fridge. Clean the range hood and its filters, which often collect drywall dust during the remodel.
On the many new builds we clean across the south DFW area, appliance film is one of the most commonly missed items at walkthrough. It is quick to remove when done at the right time and a real chore once it has baked on.
Want your new kitchen ready for its first meal?
Appliance film, stickers and inside-out appliance cleaning are part of our post-construction cleans. Tell us about your kitchen for a free quote.
Get a free quoteA kitchen that looks finished
Pull the film, peel the labels, soften the residue and wipe with the grain. Then clean the insides before the first use. Do that and your new appliances will look as good as they did in the showroom. If you would like it all handled, see our post-construction cleaning service for homes in Waxahachie, Midlothian and nearby.