- For a homemade stainless steel cleaner that can be stored, you can mix cleaning vinegar with essential oils.
If you want to mix a simple, all-natural spray for daily cleaning, mix 32 ounces of cleaning vinegar (6% acetic acid, more than the regular white variety) with 10 to 20 drops of food-grade essential oils in an empty spray bottle. Again, only use this if you are sure your stainless steel appliances do not have an oleophobic layer.
- If not a stainless steel polish, use a food-grade mineral oil or lemon oil to restore the shine.
Polishing your appliances regularly after cleaning stainless steel will help maintain a shiny finish. Apply polish with a lint-free cloth in the direction of the grain, then polish and dry with another lint-free cloth.
Homemade versus commercial stainless steel cleaners
So far, in discussing how to clean stainless steel, we have focused on the cleaners that many homeowners already have in their pantries: liquid dish detergent, baking soda, vinegar, and even food-grade mineral oil. These include dish detergent, baking soda, vinegar and food mineral oil. Not only are these readily available and inexpensive, but they are also safe to use in the kitchen.
However, there are non-abrasives and polishes specifically designed for use on stainless steel. My favorite is 3M Stainless Steel Cleaner (available on Amazon), but there is also Bar Keeper’s Friend (available on Amazon), Cerama Bryte (available on Amazon), Sprayway (available on Amazon), Weiman (available on Amazon), and more. There are some brands that we recommend.
If in doubt, be sure to try stainless steel cleaners on somewhat hidden surfaces, such as backs and sides, before cleaning more obvious areas, such as the fronts of appliances and kitchen countertops.
