DIY Stainless steel cleaner: A simple plastic-free swap

Stainless steel appliances are a popular choice for modern kitchens, but keeping them free of fingerprints, smudges, and water spots can be a challenge. I recently found myself finishing a kitchen renovation, ready to move back in and clean my very dirty stainless steel appliances, only to realize I couldn’t find my usual cleaner anywhere among the boxes.

Rather than buying another bottle, I looked around the house and mixed up a simple DIY version with ingredients I already had on hand. To my surprise, it worked really well!

While there are plenty of commercial stainless steel cleaners available, many come in single-use plastic bottles and contain ingredients you may not recognize. This homemade cleaner is quick to make, budget-friendly, and leaves stainless steel looking clean, shiny, and streak-free using just a few simple household ingredients.

For more great plastic-free DIY ideas, see past blog posts here!

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DIY stainless steel cleaner recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup distilled water
• ½ cup white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon mineral oil
• 5–10 drops essential oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Add the water and vinegar to a clean spray bottle or other reused container.
2. Add the essential oil, if using.
3. Shake well before each use.

Why make your own stainless steel cleaner?

Reduce plastic waste: Making your own cleaner allows you to refill the same spray bottle or reused container (I used a mason jar) again and again. This simple swap helps reduce the number of disposable plastic bottles entering the waste stream and supports a lower-waste lifestyle.

Save money: Commercial stainless steel cleaners can be surprisingly expensive, especially for a product you’ll use regularly. Homemade cleaners use inexpensive household ingredients, making them a budget-friendly alternative that costs only pennies per batch.

Control your ingredients: When you make your own cleaning products, you know exactly what’s inside. You can avoid unnecessary dyes, synthetic fragrances, and harsh chemicals while choosing essential oils that naturally scent your home without overpowering it.

How to use your DIY stainless steel cleaner

1. Clean stainlesss steel surface with soap and water, then dry with a soft cloth or towel.
2. Shake cleaner bottle well.
3. Lightly spray or pour the cleaner onto a microfiber cloth rather than directly onto the appliance. This helps prevent excess liquid from getting into seams or electronic controls.
4. Wipe in the direction of the steel’s grain to remove fingerprints and grime.
5. Buff with a dry microfiber or cotton cloth for a streak-free shine.

Be sure to avoid using abrasive scrubbers or steel wool, as they can scratch stainless steel finishes.

The best cloths

Microfiber cloths are the best choice for cleaning stainless steel because they trap dirt, absorb moisture, and leave behind a lint-free finish. Keep one cloth for cleaning and a second dry cloth for buffing.

Soft cotton cloths also work well, but avoid paper towels whenever possible, as they can leave lint behind and create unnecessary waste. See our past post here on reusing old clothing and consider making rags out of worn out clothing items!

A simple sustainable swap

Making DIY stainless steel cleaner is an easy eco-friendly change to make at home. With just a handful of affordable ingredients, you can keep your appliances sparkling while reducing plastic waste, saving money, and choosing ingredients you feel good about using.

Small changes add up, and this homemade cleaner is a simple step toward a more sustainable home!

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