Fingerprints are unique. There are no two sets of fingerprints alike. It’s amazing to me how precise they are, too. Sometimes I forget how intricate God is. That’s how I feel about fingerprints in a spiritual way.
Then there’s the practical, everyday way I feel about fingerprints. They stick in my craw. They also stick to everything in the house! From windows to a stainless steel refrigerator, I spend much of my time trying to remove fingerprints from surfaces in an effort to clean my home.
I have a 19-year-old young man still living at home. Though I don’t really see him that often, I know he’s been there – ESPECIALLY in the fridge. Fingerprints all over it. I’m not mad at the fingerprints I find on the fridge; in fact, I feel a little lump rise in my throat because I know he will be leaving soon and I will not get to see those fingerprints as often. But what’s baffling to me is it almost seems as though he doesn’t even BOTHER to use the handle that is connected to the refrigerator…it’s as though he paws at it with both hands until it opens.
It’s no secret I try not to use chemicals for cleaning. But my trusty vinegar, lemon, and water just doesn’t cut it when it comes to the fridge fingerprints. It leaves streaks and makes the stainless steel pretty dull.
So I did my research. You will never guess what I found!! Extra virgin olive oil! (Talk about “elbow grease’!) It removes the fingerprints AND shines it up for quite some time! I know this sounds strange and almost opposite to the point, but I now swear by it because it truly works!
So here’s what ya do:
Paper towel or soft cloth in one hand. Extra virgin olive oil in the other. Pour a small amount (maybe a quarter size at a time – remember: you can always add, but it’s much harder to take (rub) away) in small, circular motions, start from the top (in case you happen to have too much on the cloth and it drips, it drips downward for you to rub it in!) and massage oil in, working your way down the door of the fridge, rubbing the oil in fully. If you put too much oil, it can turn rancid and start to stink…found THAT out the hard way! Then use other side or cleaner, drier side of towel or cloth and work your way back up the door of the fridge. BAM!! Clean, shiny and au naturale!
What do the fingerprints you find around your house remind you of? Don’t take them for granted as you clean them away……know they are unique and fleeting. Allow them to massage your heart with the oil of their reminiscence and as you rub them away from the surface, make sure to keep them locked away in your memories. They’re intricate and the person they came from is VERY special......especially if they’re yours.