Is it OK to put magnets on a stainless steel refrigerator?

Author: Troy Watsica  |  Last update: Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Bottom Freezer and French-Door Refrigerators: All models except stainless Café will hold a magnet. This includes Black Stainless and Fingerprint Resistant Stainless. However, we strongly advise not to use magnets on Black Stainless or Fingerprint Resistant Stainless doors because the magnet can damage the finish.

Will magnets damage a stainless steel fridge?

Are stainless steel fridge magnets safe? No, stainless steel fridges are not magnetic. The back of magnets can rust easily, which crosses over to your fridge rusting.

Why won't a magnet stick to my stainless steel fridge?

Why don't magnets stick to my stainless steel fridge? Because the stainless steel chosen for your refrigerator is a non-corrosive alloy. This is typically because of a large proportion of chromium (can be 50%) with the magnetic steel. Generally, t...

How to keep magnets from scratching in a stainless steel fridge?

If it's not just a decorative magnet, just make sure there is always a photo or something between the magnet and fridge coating. Add a magnet cushion pad, a thin plastic sticker or coating on the back. This will protect the fridge from scratches even if the magnet is moved around.

Is it OK to stick magnet on fridge?

Yes. You can add magnets to the fridge. I dont use the solid metal ones, but more of the bendy magnets as i dont want to potentially scratch the fridge.

What to do if your fridge isn't MAGNETIC

Where should you not put magnets?

Magnets should not be placed in close proximity to media devices and older electronics, such as floppy disks or videotapes. Modern cell phones are safe near small magnets. In fact, rare earth magnets are used in the phone's speaker.

How to stick things on a stainless steel fridge?

Though the inner walls of the refrigerator are made of non-magnetic steel, the outer walls will usually be made of powder coated mild steel sheet or cheaper ferritic steels that are magnetic. Small magnets can conveniently be used to stick anything to your refrigerator.

Is stainless steel affected by magnets?

It depends on what type of stainless you're using. Some steels are only weakly magnetic, and some are not magnetic at all. Austenitic stainless steels like 304 or 316 stainless are good examples of this. A ferritic stainless like 430 stainless steel, on the other hand, is ferromagnetic.

Do fridge magnets damage fridges?

Do magnets harm or scratch stainless steel appliances? While magnets are a fun way of personalizing your stainless steel appliance, magnets with sharp corners or textures may scratch your refrigerator's surface. To avoid possible scratches, use flat, vinyl magnets that will sit flush against the refrigerator.

How do I keep my stainless steel refrigerator streak free?

Dip your soft cloth in a small amount of olive or mineral oil. Polish the steel with the cloth and oil in the direction of the grain. Spray your stainless steel surface with vinegar. With a paper towel or soft cloth, wipe away the vinegar.

What can I use instead of a magnet on my fridge?

Adhesive Putty: This reusable solution works great on any surface. The best part is, there is no clutter of magnets. We recommend the Scotch brand Adhesive putty, as it is easy to remove and won't leave big circles on your beautiful stainless steel refrigerator.

Why do my magnets keep falling off my fridge?

Make sure leverage is minimized to prevent magnet from falling off fridge. Placing multiple magnets helps to reduce leverage, but if you are only able to attach one, try to make sure it is in the center of gravity. Check out our Leverage & Friction When Using Magnets article to learn more.

Do magnets stick to 316 stainless steel?

With its higher nickel composition range, 316 is considered the "most nonmagnetic" stainless steel. However, an item of 316 stainless steel which has significant welding or machining may be sufficiently magnetic to produce a noticeable attraction when brought near a magnet.

Why won't magnets stick to my stainless steel refrigerator?

The reason your refrigerator doesn't hold a magnet, according to Peter Eng, a physicist at the University of Chicago, is that different stainless steels contain different proportions of nickel (added to help keep steel from cracking and to allow the addition of more carbon, for strength).

Do magnets stick to LG stainless steel refrigerators?

Stainless steel is non magnetic so if you have the stainless or black stainless then that would be true. We have the black stainless doors but our sides are black painted steel and hold magnets fine.

Is it okay to put magnets on a stainless steel refrigerator?

Q: Can you use magnets on a stainless steel fridge? Yes. In most cases, the stainless steel found in domestic and household white goods is not 100% pure stainless and contains some degree of ferrous metal to which all Refrigerator Magnets can attach.

Which side of a magnet sticks to the fridge?

Most refrigerators have sheet steel doors and the magnetic field lines pass through the door metal from the north poles of the sheet magnet to the south poles, making the magnet stick to the refrigerator door.

Are magnets on your fridge permanent or temporary?

Permanent magnets - Attraction around the clock

The so-called permanent magnets are well known to us from everyday life. You can find them on refrigerators, magnetic walls, jewelry, bags, and many other objects.

Do magnets stick to real stainless steel?

Types of Stainless Steel and Their Magnetic Properties

Austenitic Stainless Steels: Commonly used in household appliances, these contain nickel and are generally non-magnetic. Ferritic and Martensitic Stainless Steels: These types contain higher amounts of iron and are magnetic.

Do magnets scratch stainless steel appliances?

Magnets can be anything you want them to be, but some could risk scratching your stainless steel if they are pointy and sharp. Otherwise, there is no reason to think that they will harm your fridge immediately or over time.

What is the magnetic susceptibility of stainless steel?

The permeability of austenitic stainless steels is quite different and can be classed as "paramagnetic" with relative permeabilities of 1. (generally in the range of 1.003 to 1.05 in the fully annealed condition) These low permeabilities enable these steels to be used where "non-magnetic" materials are required.

What is the best thing to use on a stainless steel refrigerator?

Dampen a microfiber cloth in warm water and wipe the stainless steel to wet it. We found that starting with a wet surface made it easiest to work with the dish soap. Next, dampen a second microfiber cloth and add a drop or two of dish soap (less is more here). Slowly begin to wipe down the appliance.

Can you magnetize stainless steel?

Austenitic Stainless Steels

They can be made partially magnetic through special thermal treatment or work-hardening which can form ferrite in some locations. This is why, austenitic grades display vary slight magnetism on any edge that has been mechanically worked, such as the edge of a sheet.

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