Homemade Stainless Steel Cleaner
This vinegar-based cleaner is a quick, budget-friendly way to bring the shine back to your stainless steel—no streaks, no smudges, just beautiful results. It's best for uncoated (non-fingerprint-resistant) stainless surfaces like appliances and sinks. Add a few drops of lemon essential oil if you'd like to tone down the vinegar smell and leave things smelling fresh.Caution: Some stainless appliances come with a special oil-repellent (oleophobic) coating that vinegar can damage. Before using any vinegar-based cleaner, take a peek at your owner's manual just to be safe.
Servings: 16 ounces
Cost: Under $2
Equipment
- 16-oz. spray bottle
- small bowl
- Microfiber cloths
Ingredients
- 16 oz. cleaning vinegar 6% acidity or greater
- 10-20 drops essential oil like lemon or orange (optional, but helps mask the vinegar smell)
- 2 oz. food-grade mineral oil for polishing
- 1 clean 16 oz. spray bottle
Instructions
To Make:
- Pour the cleaning vinegar into your spray bottle.
- Add essential oil, if using. Lemon or orange are great options for a fresh scent and extra grease-fighting power.
- Screw on the spray top and give it a gentle shake to combine.
- Pour the mineral oil into a small bowl. Set aside for polishing after cleaning.
To Use:
- First, determine the direction of the grain on your stainless steel (horizontal or vertical). Always clean with the grain to avoid streaks.
- Spray the vinegar solution directly onto the surface.
- Wipe with a microfiber cloth, buffing away dust, grime, and fingerprints.
- Once the surface is clean, dip a clean cloth into the mineral oil and rub with the grain. This step removes any lingering streaks and enhances the shine.
- Finish by buffing with a dry microfiber cloth to remove excess oil and bring out that glorious shine.
To Store:
- Label your bottle and store at room temperature. Keep out of reach of kids and pets.
Notes
Why food-grade mineral oil? It’s non-toxic and won’t go rancid like olive or vegetable oil can over time.
Skip the vinegar if your appliances are fingerprint-resistant. Most coated stainless steel needs only a mild soap and water solution.
Don’t forget the grain! Cleaning against the grain is the fast track to streak city.
Never use green Scotch-Brite sponges, steel wool, or anything abrasive—these will scratch your beautiful stainless.
