Why is it So Hard to Clean Stainless Steel?
Smudges, fingerprints, scratches, and water stains ring a bell? They all plaque stainless steel and take away that gorgeous, shiny luster we all seek to have in our kitchens.
And if you are a mama like me with a pair of little hands roaming about your home, these things “happen on the regular.”
Unfortunately, you can’t just use any old cleaner to clean stainless steel either. And most stainless steel cleaners come with a big price tag and an umpteen amount of chemicals.
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So, how do you get fingerprints off stainless steel and other unpleasantries without chemicals and $$ price tag?
First, we have to change our way of thinking when it comes to cleaning stainless steel. Because stainless steel requires more than cleaning; it requires polishing!
It’s, in fact, a two-step process to vanish smudges, fingerprints, and the like. However, it can be done with only a few ingredients to clean and polish.
To get started, mix up a homemade stainless steel polish. It’s the best way I’ve found to remove deep scratches from stainless steel too!
DIY Stainless Steel Polish Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
- 4 drops lemon essential oil
- 4 drops lavender essential oil
How to make a Stainless Steel Polish:
In a small glass bowl, combine two tablespoons of olive oil and two tablespoons of distilled white vinegar. Using a whisk mix to combine.
Add 4 drops of lemon and lavender essential oils. Whisk once more to blend essential oils into the polish thoroughly.
Use immediately or pour into a 2-ounce airtight container.
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How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances
STEP 1 CLEAN: Lightly spray the surface with a DIY stainless steel spray. Then wipe in the direction of the grain with a microfiber cloth.
Step 2 POLISH: Dab a clean cloth into the stainless steel polish. Working in circular motions, buff your stainless steel appliances with a microfiber cloth.
Repeat this process weekly or as needed for a smudge-resistant fridge, and happy mama!
Note: Always remember to test a new store-bought or homemade cleaner first on a small, inconspicuous area.
P.S.
If you’re looking for natural cleaning tips on how to clean stainless appliances on the inside – I’ve got you covered!
- The Quickest Way to Clean the Microwave
- How to De-grime the Inside of the Oven
- How to Deodorize and Clean the Fridge
Add this DIY stainless steel polish and to your natural cleaning kit to save time and money. Do you have a stainless steel cleaning hack? Could you share it in the comments below?
Amanda @ Healthy House on the Block
I’m going to have to give this tip a try. I used to use a store-bought cleaner but stopped when I read about all the chemicals in it. I’m glad there are options to use that are homemade, safe and inexpensive. With littles around, stainless steel always looks like a disaster 🙂
lifenreflection
You are so right, mainstream stainless cleaners are some of the worst when it comes to chemicals! I found this method to not only be toxin free but actually super simple to keep up with. Especially with DIY stainless steel spray, you’ll have your whole kitchen shiny in minutes!
Jordan
I need to try the DIY Stainless Steel polish ASAP!
Question, is the lavender essential oil just for the scent or does it actually help polish? If it’s a must have guess I’m going out and buying some haha.
Thanks for the great tips 🙂
lifenreflection
Jordan, lavender does give it a nice scent, but it also is packed with natural cleaning abilities. So it cleans while you polish!