Would you like to find a homemade natural solution for a smudge-free stainless steel cleaning experience?
I have bought stainless steel cleaners in the past and there were 2 things I did not like about them:
1. They were expensive
2. They were not natural
Two things that I try to avoid in everyday living. So I started using this recipe developed from my own glass and window cleaner to use for stainless steel. It is a very, very good recipe that is very effective. I have no complaints about it and it is easy to make and keep the smudges at bay.
Here’s the ingredients needed:
- Any size spray bottle
- Equal parts water to equal parts vinegar (white distilled) to fill your bottle
- 4 drops of lemon essential oil per 4 oz of liquid
- 1 drop of dish soap per 4oz. of liquid
- *Funnel if needed
Lemon essential oil is a very necessary ingredient to actually make this solution smudge-proof while shining up the stainless steel. Without it, you will not get a stainless steel shine.
We have talked about Lemon Essential Oil so many times and here’s even a post regarding 17 Helpful Household Uses for Lemon Essential Oil HERE.
You can also find out how to get lemon essential oil for a great price on our Guide To The 7 Best Essential Oils for Cleaning HERE. We use Lemon in many of our cleaning recipes, so it is a great oil to have on hand! Each 15 ml bottle contains about 300 drops of oil, so it will last a very long time.
- Pour the equal parts of water and vinegar in your bottle
- Then add the dish soap
- Then add your drops of essential oil
- Put the lid/sprayer back on and shake until blended
- Just give it a shake before each use as well!
That’s it! This solution is also perfect for glass and windows and appliance interiors – so even whole kitchen cleaning! I also use a dish rag or even a microfiber cloth when I use this for cleaning!
This solution is pennies on the dollar to store-bought versions, even with the cost of the essential oil.
Here is a printable recipe for you to print and keep in your home binder for easy access and reference!
| DIY Stainless Steel Cleaner Recipe | Print |
- Any size spray bottle
- Equal parts water to equal parts vinegar (white distilled) to fill your bottle
- 4 drops of lemon essential oil per 4 oz of liquid
- 1 drop of dish soap per 4oz. of liquid
- *Funnel if needed
- Pour the equal parts of water and vinegar in your bottle
- Then add the dish soap
- Then add your drops of essential oil
- Put the lid/sprayer back on and shake until blended
- Just give it a shake before each use as well!
See our Homemade Products Gallery to save money making your own products
See our Homemade Products Pinterest Board
Kelly S.
I just made this for my stainless steel appliances and it left streaks everywhere 🙁
Cassie
Hi Kelly, I can try to help figure out what went wrong. I do know that you do need to use a clean rag that has no residue (especially soap!) or residue left from commercial cleaning products that just may need a few washings to wash off. I just use a microfiber cloth that is not washed with traditional soap. In addition, you want to shake the formula right before each use to ensure that the ingredients are well blended. They will separate between uses. Also, if you use more soap than suggested, it will be too soapy and cause streaks. Hopefully one of those tricks will help to trouble-shoot! I have used exclusively this for a few years on all my stainless steel because it does work well, but homemade products have to be just right – but worth the money savings. 🙂 Have a wonderful day and thanks for your comment!