Natural Stainless Steel Cleaner

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It’s easy to clean stainless steel appliances like refrigerators, sinks, pans, and microwaves with this natural, homemade stainless steel cleaner. You’ll save a ton of money with this easy DIY recipe!

Stainless steel appliances are sleek and beautiful, but need special care when cleaning.

We recently got a stainless steel refrigerator. It’s so fancy, sleek, and modern–but it shows every bit of grime, fingerprints, and smudges.

A bottle of stainless steel spray polish was nearly $8 at my local Target, so it was time to find something to replace these store-bought options. Luckily, it only takes a few natural ingredients to make DIY stainless steel cleaner. 

Important note: before making this recipe, check your owner’s manual to make sure your appliance does not have an oil-repellent coating. The vinegar will remove it, so don’t use this recipe if your appliance has this coating.

DIY Stainless Steel Cleaner

Ingredients

1 cup white vinegar or citrus vinegar

½ cup distilled or purified water

10 drops lemon or orange essential oil, optional

Supplies

16-oz. spray bottle

Microfiber cloth

Instructions

Put the vinegar, water, and essential oil (if using) in the spray bottle. Shake to combine and label the bottle.

To Use

This cleaner will help remove grease and stains, leaving a streak-free shine on your stainless steel surfaces. It’s important to look at the direction of the grain on the appliance. The lines will either be horizontal or vertical. 

Spray the cleaner and wipe the same way as the grain with a microfiber cloth or other soft cloth. Don’t scrub crossways, or you’ll damage the finish. 

Wipe all excess cleaner away and don’t let it run down the surface of the appliance. Some folks like to buff the appliance with olive oil or mineral oil, but I found that it makes more streaks and fingerprints.

Want more tested and trusted natural cleaning recipes? You deserve to have a clean house without sacrificing your health. Check out Natural Cleaning for Your Entire Home and start cleaning safely!

fresh flowers in a clean farmhouse kitchen

Natural Stainless Steel Cleaner

Natural Stainless Steel Cleaner

Yield: 1 1/2 cups

It's easy to clean stainless steel appliances like refrigerators, sinks, pans, and microwaves with this natural, homemade stainless steel cleaner. You'll save a ton of money with this easy DIY recipe!

Materials

  • 1 cup white vinegar or citrus vinegar
  • ½ cup distilled or purified water
  • 10 drops lemon or orange essential oil, optional

Tools

  • 16-oz. spray bottle
  • Microfiber cloth

Instructions

    Put the vinegar, water, and essential oil (if using) in the spray bottle. Shake to combine and label the bottle.

    It's important to look at the direction of the grain on the appliance. The lines will either be horizontal or vertical. 

    Spray the cleaner and wipe the same way as the grain with a microfiber cloth or other soft cloth. Don’t scrub crossways, or you’ll damage the finish. 

    Wipe all excess cleaner away and don’t let it run down the surface of the appliance. Some folks like to buff the appliance with olive oil or mineral oil, but I found that it makes more streaks and fingerprints.

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Hi, Im Pam!

I created Brown Thumb Mama to share my natural living journey, and help you live a greener life. Thanks for being here!

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