Why is it So Hard to Clean Stainless Steel?
How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances Naturally with a Two-Step Natural Cleaning Method.
Do 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.” Am I right?
Unfortunately, you can’t just use any old cleaner to clean stainless steel, either. I’ve tried – glass cleaner: nope, multi-purpose cleaning spray: nope, it’s true you need the right ingredients to remove those fingerprints and smudges from stainless steel.
But most stainless steel cleaners come with a big price tag and an umpteen amount of chemicals. So, what can you use to clean stainless steel? I’ve got just the thing!
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How Do You Clean Stainless Steel?
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, in fact, requires 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.
Related: Surefire Summer Cleaning Checklist
Cleaning Stainless Steel
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. Then follow the steps below to apply to your kitchen appliances.
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.
Related: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances
STEP 1 CLEAN:
Lightly spray the surface with my 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 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
DIY Stainless Steel Polish
Mix up this homemade stainless steel polish to remove deep scratches from stainless steel naturally.
Materials
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
- 4 drops lemon essential oil
- 4 drops lavender essential oil
Tools
- glass mixing bowl
- whisk
- 2-ounce airtight container
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
Always remember to test a new cleaner first on a small, inconspicuous area.
Add this DIY stainless steel polish 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?
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 🙂
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!
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 🙂
Jordan, lavender does give it a nice scent, but it also is packed with natural cleaning abilities. So it cleans while you polish!