This homemade solution is so easy and effective, you'll wonder why you ever bought the bottled stuff. Whether you're tackling fingerprints on your fridge or buffing out streaks from yesterday's splatter, this homemade stainless steel cleaner brings the shine without the toxins, and it costs less than 40 cents to make.
Estimated Product Cost $0.39
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With a few pantry staples and a reusable spray bottle, you can whip up a DIY stainless steel cleaner that's frugal, fast, and eco-conscious.
Just like The BEST Homemade Window Cleaner, this non toxic stainless steel cleaner uses vinegar and essential oil to cut through grime while leaving a streak-free finish.
If you're into low-waste cleaning swaps, you'll definitely want to check out my Dryer Sheet Spray for your laundry routine too!
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🍯 Why This Product Works:
- Frugal and Effective. This mix costs about $0.39 per batch, compare that to store-bought sprays with harsh fumes, and you'll never go back.
- Safe and Eco-Friendly. Made with vinegar and essential oils, it's a much safer option for homes with kids and pets. You'll also like my DIY Disinfectant Spray for other non-toxic cleaning solutions.
- Cleans + Polishes in One. Add a touch of olive oil after cleaning, and you've got yourself a full stainless steel cleaner polish system, no second product required.
🧼 Ingredients Needed
- Distilled White Vinegar - Cuts grease, fingerprints, and bacteria naturally.
- Distilled Water - Tap water can leave behind minerals. Distilled is best for streak-free cleaning and longer shelf life.
- Essential Oil (optional) - Lemon, orange, or lavender adds a pleasant scent and a slight boost to degreasing power.
- Olive Oil - The secret to the best way to polish stainless steel naturally.
⚠️ Pet Safety Disclaimer: Many essential oils (like citrus and tea tree) can be toxic to pets. Always check safety guidelines if you have cats or dogs at home.
🧹Instructions for Homemade Stainless Steel Cleaner
Step 1 - Make the Cleaning Spray:
In a spray bottle, combine:
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 cup distilled water
- 3-5 drops essential oil (optional)
Shake gently to mix.
Step 2 - Clean the Surface:
- Spray the mixture onto a microfiber cloth (not directly on your fridge).
- Wipe in the direction of the grain.
- Dry with a separate, clean microfiber cloth.
Step 3 - Polish (Optional):
- Pour ½ to 1 teaspoon of olive oil onto a clean cloth.
- Gently rub in the direction of the grain.
- Buff with a dry part of the cloth until gleaming and streak-free.
🧽Expert Tips
- Always wipe with the grain to avoid dull spots or fine scratches.
- Start with just ½ teaspoon of olive oil, a little goes a long way.
- Store the spray at room temperature and shake well before each use.
- Test on a small hidden area first, some finishes have special coatings that react differently to vinegar.
- For other surfaces that need gentle scrubbing, pair this with my DIY Cleaning Paste.
🪣Storage
Store your spray bottle in a cool, dry area out of direct sunlight. If using essential oils, try to use the cleaner within 3-6 months for best scent and effectiveness. Like many other diy cleaners on my site, this cleaner is shelf-stable and safe for long-term use when stored properly.
🧤Product FAQs
A few drops of olive oil buffed into the surface with a microfiber cloth is one of the most effective and natural ways to polish stainless steel. It's included in the final step of this recipe for that reason.
You can, but minerals in tap water may leave streaks or spots. Distilled water is preferred in all homemade cleaner recipes, just like I recommend in my DIY Glass and Mirror Spray.
Yes, vinegar is safe for stainless steel when diluted. Avoid using it undiluted or letting it sit too long, as it's acidic.
Yes, the cleaner still works great without the polishing step. But if you're going for that magazine-cover gleam, olive oil is key!
Yes! It's especially effective on fingerprints. For hard water stains, combine use with my All Purpose Citrus Cleaner for extra scrubbing power.
🫧More Homemade Cleaning Products
If you tried this Homemade Stainless Steel Cleaner (or any other DIY on my website), please let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. I'd love to hear from you!
Homemade Stainless Steel Cleaner
Ingredients
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar ($0.25)
- 1 cup distilled water ($0.09)
- ½ to 1 teaspoon olive oil ($0.05)
- 5-10 drops essential oil, *optional
Instructions
- Step 1 - Make the Cleaning Spray:
- In a spray bottle, combine:
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 cup distilled water
- 3-5 drops essential oil (optional)
- Shake gently to mix.
- Step 2 - Clean the Surface:
- Spray the mixture onto a microfiber cloth (not directly on your fridge).
- Wipe in the direction of the grain.
- Dry with a separate, clean microfiber cloth.
- Step 3 - Polish (Optional):
- Pour ½ to 1 teaspoon of olive oil onto a clean cloth.
- Gently rub in the direction of the grain.
- Buff with a dry part of the cloth until gleaming and streak-free.
Notes
- Always wipe with the grain to avoid dull spots or fine scratches.
- Start with just ½ teaspoon of olive oil, a little goes a long way.
- Store the spray at room temperature and shake well before each use.
- Test on a small hidden area first, some finishes have special coatings that react differently to vinegar.
- Storage: Keep stored in a cool dark place for up to 3-6 months.
Nicole Durham says
My fridge and dishwasher have never looked so good!