Keeping your stainless steel appliances looking their best doesn't have to involve harsh chemicals or expensive store-bought cleaners.
You can achieve a brilliant shine with simple, natural ingredients you likely already have in your pantry! This collection of DIY solutions will help you banish fingerprints, smudges, and streaks, leaving your kitchen sparkling and looking brand new..
1. White Vinegar & Olive Oil Stainless Steel Cleaner
This simple yet effective cleaner uses the power of white vinegar to cut through grime and olive oil to leave a protective, shiny polish.
It's a fantastic way to tackle fingerprints and smudges without any harsh chemicals, making your stainless steel surfaces gleam.
You'll love how easily it restores the natural shine..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Olive Oil
- Lemon Essential Oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Smudge-free shine
- Removes fingerprints
- Natural and eco-friendly
Pro Tip: Always wipe in the direction of the stainless steel grain to prevent streaking and achieve the best shine.
Get the Recipe: White Vinegar & Olive Oil Stainless Steel Cleaner
2. Lemon & Dish Soap Stainless Steel Cleaner
Whip up a streak-free shine with this easy DIY cleaner! Combining white vinegar, water, a touch of dish soap, and fragrant lemon essential oil, this recipe tackles everyday messes.
It's a budget-friendly and non-toxic way to keep your stainless steel appliances looking impeccably clean and refreshed..
Key Ingredients:
- White Distilled Vinegar
- Water
- Lemon Essential Oil
- Dish Soap
Benefits:
- Streak-free finish
- Cuts through grease
- Pleasant fragrance
Pro Tip: This solution is also great for cleaning glass and windows!
Get the Recipe: Lemon & Dish Soap Stainless Steel Cleaner
3. Olive Oil, Vinegar & Lemon Polish
Achieve a dazzling, polished finish on your stainless steel with just three simple ingredients! This DIY polish uses olive oil to create a beautiful sheen, while vinegar cleans and lemon essential oil helps lift grease.
It’s a wonderful way to keep your appliances looking pristine and resisting smudges for longer..
Key Ingredients:
- Olive Oil
- White Vinegar
- Lemon Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Brilliant shine
- Resists fingerprints
- Natural ingredients
Pro Tip: Shake vigorously before each use, as the natural ingredients will separate.
Get the Recipe: Olive Oil, Vinegar & Lemon Polish
4. Water & Vinegar Appliance Shine
Discover the surprisingly powerful cleaning magic of just water and white vinegar! This incredibly simple solution effortlessly removes smudges and marks, leaving your stainless steel appliances looking beautifully shiny.
It’s a testament to how effective basic pantry staples can be for a sparkling clean kitchen..
Key Ingredients:
- Water
- White Vinegar
Benefits:
- Effortless cleaning
- Restores shine
- Inexpensive
Pro Tip: Wipe down your appliances in the direction of the stainless steel grain for the smoothest finish.
Get the Recipe: Water & Vinegar Appliance Shine
5. Coconut Oil Stainless Steel Polish
Experience a unique approach to polishing your stainless steel with coconut oil! This method not only cleans but also leaves a lovely sheen.
The natural properties of coconut oil help remove water stains and create a smooth surface, making your appliances look their absolute best..
Key Ingredients:
- Coconut Oil
Benefits:
- Removes water stains
- Long-lasting polish
- Natural sheen
Pro Tip: For an extra shine, lightly buff with a slightly damp microfiber cloth after the initial buffing.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Oil Stainless Steel Polish
6. Two-Step Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish
This two-step method offers a comprehensive way to clean and polish your stainless steel appliances.
First, use a DIY spray to clean away smudges and fingerprints.
Then, a simple homemade polish buffs everything to a brilliant shine, tackling minor scratches and leaving a smudge-resistant finish..
Key Ingredients:
- Olive Oil
- Distilled White Vinegar
- Lemon Essential Oil
- Lavender Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Removes deep scratches
- Cleans and polishes
- Smudge-resistant
Pro Tip: Always test any new cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Get the Recipe: Two-Step Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish
7. Lemon Oil & Vinegar Stainless Steel Cleaner
This non-toxic cleaner is perfect for achieving a smudge-proof shine on your stainless steel.
Lemon essential oil helps bring out the natural gleam while effectively cleaning, and when combined with vinegar and water, it tackles grime beautifully.
It’s a great alternative to harsh chemical cleaners..
Key Ingredients:
- Water
- White Distilled Vinegar
- Lemon Essential Oil
- Liquid Dish Soap
Benefits:
- Non-toxic
- Smudge-proof shine
- Naturally cleans
Pro Tip: Use a microfiber cloth for the best results when wiping clean.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Oil & Vinegar Stainless Steel Cleaner
8. Olive Oil Polish for Smudge-Proof Appliances
Discover a simple yet brilliant hack for keeping your stainless steel appliances fingerprint-free! Polishing with olive oil not only cleans away existing smudges but also creates a barrier that repels new ones.
This easy method leaves your surfaces looking shiny and smudge-proof for a beautifully clean kitchen..
Key Ingredients:
- Olive Oil
- Stainless Steel Cleaner (or vinegar for natural option)
Benefits:
- Repels fingerprints
- Long-lasting shine
- Easy to use
Pro Tip: After applying olive oil, use the dry part of the cloth to soak up any excess oil.
Get the Recipe: Olive Oil Polish for Smudge-Proof Appliances
9. Sparkling Stainless Steel with Dish Soap & Water
This simple DIY cleaner uses just a few drops of dish soap and water to make your stainless steel appliances shine.
It's incredibly easy to whip up in a spray bottle and is perfect for everyday cleaning.
The key is to wipe with the grain for a streak-free finish, leaving your surfaces looking spotless and refreshed..
Key Ingredients:
- Water
- Dish Soap
- Microfiber Cloth
Benefits:
- Streak-Free Shine
- Easy to Make
- Removes Dirt and Grime
Pro Tip: After cleaning, buff your stainless steel with a dry microfiber cloth to enhance the shine and help prevent future smudges.
Get the Recipe: Sparkling Stainless Steel with Dish Soap & Water
10. Shiny Stainless Steel with Old English Polish
Achieve a brilliant, like-new shine on your stainless steel with this super simple two-ingredient method.
Old English furniture polish, when applied with a microfiber cloth, works wonders to remove smudges and fingerprints.
It not only cleans but also helps to prevent future marks, keeping your appliances looking gorgeous for longer..
Key Ingredients:
- Old English Furniture Polish
- Microfiber Cloth
Benefits:
- Brilliant Shine
- Prevents Fingerprints
- Easy Application
Pro Tip: For stubborn grime, gently scrub with water and dry completely before applying the Old English. Always use a soft cloth to avoid scratches.
Get the Recipe: Shiny Stainless Steel with Old English Polish
11. Non-Toxic Stainless Steel Shine with Vinegar
This natural cleaner is as simple as it gets, using just plain white vinegar to make your stainless steel appliances gleam.
It's a fantastic non-toxic option that effectively tackles watermarks and smudges.
A quick spray and wipe is all it takes to restore that beautiful, sparkling finish..
Key Ingredients:
- Plain White Vinegar
- Microfiber Cloth
Benefits:
- Natural and Non-Toxic
- Removes Watermarks
- Sparkling Finish
Pro Tip: Always wipe down with a damp cloth afterward to remove any residual acidity from the vinegar and ensure a streak-free look.
Get the Recipe: Non-Toxic Stainless Steel Shine with Vinegar
12. All-Natural Stainless Steel Cleaner with Lemon & Baking Soda
Combine the power of lemon essential oil and baking soda with white vinegar for a fantastic all-natural stainless steel cleaner.
This DIY solution tackles dirt and fingerprints effectively, leaving your appliances looking fresh and clean.
The lemon adds a pleasant scent, making your cleaning routine a little brighter..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
- White Distilled Vinegar
- Lemon Essential Oil
- Hot Water
Benefits:
- Natural Cleaning
- Removes Fingerprints
- Pleasant Scent
Pro Tip: Make a fresh batch each time you need it for the best results, and use a funnel for mess-free mixing.
Get the Recipe: All-Natural Stainless Steel Cleaner with Lemon & Baking Soda
13. Gentle Stainless Steel Polish with Olive Oil & Vinegar
Restore the gleam to your stainless steel with a combination of white vinegar and olive oil.
This method first uses vinegar to clean away grime, then olive oil to add a beautiful shine and prevent future smudges.
Buffing with a dry cloth ensures a smooth, streak-free finish that looks professionally done..
Key Ingredients:
- Distilled White Vinegar
- Olive Oil
- Microfiber Cloth
Benefits:
- Removes Grime
- Adds Shine
- Prevents Smudges
Pro Tip: Be sure to wipe with the grain during both the vinegar and olive oil steps for the best, most uniform shine.
Get the Recipe: Gentle Stainless Steel Polish with Olive Oil & Vinegar
14. Smudge-Free Stainless Steel with Baby Oil & Alcohol
Discover a budget-friendly secret to keeping your stainless steel appliances looking fantastic! A simple mix of baby oil and rubbing alcohol creates a powerful cleaner that not only removes existing streaks and smudges but also leaves a protective layer.
This makes your surfaces resist fingerprints for weeks, keeping them looking pristine with minimal effort..
Key Ingredients:
- Baby Oil
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Microfiber Cloth
Benefits:
- Smudge Resistant
- Long-Lasting Shine
- Budget-Friendly
Pro Tip: A little goes a long way with this mixture! Use a small amount on your microfiber cloth to avoid excess residue.
Get the Recipe: Smudge-Free Stainless Steel with Baby Oil & Alcohol
15. Vinegar, Salt, and Baking Soda Kettle Cleaner
This powerful DIY cleaner tackles stubborn limescale and stains inside your stainless steel kettle.
Using common household ingredients like white vinegar, salt, and baking soda, it efficiently dissolves mineral buildup and burnt residue.
A final rinse and boil ensure your kettle is not only spotless but also free of any lingering tastes, leaving your water pure and your kettle performing at its best..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Salt
- Baking Soda
- Water
Benefits:
- Removes Limescale
- Eliminates Burnt Residue
- Restores Kettle Shine
- Improves Heating Efficiency
Pro Tip: For an extra shine on the exterior of your kettle, try buffing with a tiny amount of olive oil after cleaning.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar, Salt, and Baking Soda Kettle Cleaner
16. Olive Oil and Essential Oil Stainless Steel Polish
Achieve a brilliant, smudge-free shine on your stainless steel appliances with this simple polish.
Olive oil creates a protective barrier that repels fingerprints and water spots, while essential oils like lemon or citrus fresh add a pleasant scent and cleaning power.
This natural blend is gentle, budget-friendly, and leaves your surfaces looking incredibly sleek and new..
Key Ingredients:
- Olive Oil
- Lemon Essential Oil
- Citrus Fresh Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Repels Fingerprints
- Restores Shine
- Protects Surface
- Pleasant Scent
Pro Tip: Consider using a variation with distilled white vinegar mixed with olive oil and water for extra grime-fighting power.
Get the Recipe: Olive Oil and Essential Oil Stainless Steel Polish
17. Glass Cleaner and Olive Oil Stainless Steel Method
This two-step method offers an easy way to keep stainless steel appliances looking pristine.
Start with a regular glass cleaner to tackle smudges and grime, buffing in the direction of the grain.
For an extra layer of protection and shine, follow up with a touch of olive oil applied with a microfiber cloth to condition the surface and resist future fingerprints..
Key Ingredients:
- Glass Cleaner
- Olive Oil
- Microfiber Cloth
Benefits:
- Removes Smudges
- Prevents Fingerprints
- Restores Shiny Finish
- Easy Maintenance
Pro Tip: Weekly cleaning with this method takes minimal time and significantly extends the streak-free appearance of your appliances.
Get the Recipe: Glass Cleaner and Olive Oil Stainless Steel Method
18. Eco-Friendly Vinegar and Water Stainless Steel Cleaner
Create a gentle yet effective cleaner for your stainless steel appliances using just white vinegar and water.
This non-toxic solution cuts through grease and grime without harsh chemicals, making it a healthier choice for your home and the environment.
Add your favorite essential oils for a fresh scent and enjoy a streak-free shine that lasts..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Water
- Essential Oils (optional)
Benefits:
- Non-Toxic
- Streak-Free Shine
- Eco-Friendly
- Cost-Effective
Pro Tip: For an extra boost and to enhance the shine, finish by buffing with a clean cloth dipped in a small amount of olive oil.
Get the Recipe: Eco-Friendly Vinegar and Water Stainless Steel Cleaner
19. Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Olive Oil Sink Cleaner
This dynamic trio of vinegar, baking soda, and boiling water is perfect for making stainless steel sinks sparkle.
The effervescent reaction between vinegar and baking soda helps lift dirt and grime, while boiling water rinses away residue.
A final buff with olive oil leaves your sink with a dazzling, like-new sheen..
Key Ingredients:
- Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Boiling Water
- Olive Oil
Benefits:
- Deep Cleans Sinks
- Restores Shine
- Removes Dirt and Grime
- Non-Abrasive
Pro Tip: If you encounter particularly tough stains, consider using Goo Gone before the olive oil buffing step.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Olive Oil Sink Cleaner
20. Vinegar, Water, and Olive Oil Appliance Polish
Combat those frustrating fingerprints and smudges on your stainless steel appliances with this simple spray.
A mix of white vinegar and water tackles dirt, while a subsequent buff with olive oil provides a beautiful shine and helps to repel future marks.
It’s a quick, effective, and chemical-free way to keep your kitchen looking polished..
Key Ingredients:
- Water
- White Vinegar
- Olive Oil
Benefits:
- Fingerprint-Free
- Shiny Finish
- Chemical-Free
- Easy to Make
Pro Tip: Always rub in the direction of the grain of your stainless steel for the best, streak-free results.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar, Water, and Olive Oil Appliance Polish
21. Vinegar and Water Stainless Steel Degreaser
This straightforward vinegar and water solution is a surprisingly effective degreaser for stainless steel.
It effortlessly cuts through the grease and oils that tend to accumulate on refrigerator doors and other high-touch surfaces.
Wiping with a warm, wet microfiber cloth ensures all residue is removed, leaving a truly clean, smudge-free finish without any sticky leftover cleaners..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Water
- Microfiber Cloth
Benefits:
- Cuts Grease
- Removes Smudges
- Leaves Stainless Steel Clean
- Inexpensive
Pro Tip: For cleaning the inside of a stainless steel microwave, heat a bowl of water and vinegar for 5 minutes, then let it sit to create steam that loosens grime.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar and Water Stainless Steel Degreaser
22. Olive Oil Appliance Spotless Shine
Discover the secret to truly spotless stainless steel appliances: a touch of olive oil! Simply apply a small amount to a paper towel and rub it into the stainless steel, following the grain.
This method magically erases fingerprints and streaks, leaving a beautiful, polished finish that makes your appliances look brand new and ready to impress..
Key Ingredients:
- Olive Oil
Benefits:
- Eliminates Fingerprints
- Restores Shine
- Repels Smudges
- Simple to Use
Pro Tip: This olive oil treatment is effective on a variety of stainless steel items, including ovens, dishwashers, and refrigerators.
Get the Recipe: Olive Oil Appliance Spotless Shine
23. Vinegar and Olive Oil Stainless Steel Appliance Shine
This easy method uses common household ingredients to bring a brilliant shine back to your stainless steel appliances.
A simple wipe with vinegar cuts through grease and grime, while a touch of olive oil polishes and helps repel future smudges.
It's a quick and effective way to keep your fridge, stove, and dishwasher looking like new without any harsh fumes..
Key Ingredients:
- Microfiber cloth
- Distilled white vinegar
- Olive oil
Benefits:
- Removes fingerprints and smudges
- Restores shine
- Helps repel future smudges
- Streak-free finish
Pro Tip: Always wipe in the direction of the grain on your stainless steel for the best, streak-free results.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar and Olive Oil Stainless Steel Appliance Shine
24. Baking Soda and Dish Soap Stainless Steel Sink Scrub
This natural scrub is fantastic for tackling stubborn stains on your stainless steel sink.
A paste made from baking soda and dish soap gently lifts grease, grime, and even tough spots without scratching.
It leaves your sink feeling super clean and looking refreshingly bright..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking soda
- Dishwashing liquid
- Microfiber cloth
Benefits:
- Removes tough stains
- Gentle on stainless steel
- Leaves sink sparkling
- Natural ingredients
Pro Tip: For extra shine after cleaning, buff your sink with a few drops of olive oil or essential oil on a soft cloth.
Get the Recipe: Baking Soda and Dish Soap Stainless Steel Sink Scrub
25. Vinegar and Water Stainless Steel Polish
This simple spray is a game-changer for keeping stainless steel appliances looking their best.
A blend of vinegar and water effectively cleans away fingerprints and smudges.
Wiping with the grain ensures a smooth, streak-free finish that makes your appliances gleam..
Key Ingredients:
- White distilled vinegar
- Water
- Microfiber cloth
Benefits:
- Streak-free cleaning
- Removes fingerprints
- Polished finish
- Easy to make
Pro Tip: You can use olive oil, baby oil, or coconut oil to polish the stainless steel after cleaning with the vinegar and water mix.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar and Water Stainless Steel Polish
26. Lemon and Baking Soda Stainless Steel Sink Deep Clean
Give your stainless steel sink a deep clean with the power of lemon and baking soda.
This natural combination is excellent for tackling water spots and grime, leaving your sink fresh and bright.
The citric acid from the lemon helps dissolve mineral deposits while the baking soda gently scrubs..
Key Ingredients:
- Bicarbonate of soda
- Lemon
- White vinegar
- Olive oil
Benefits:
- Removes water spots
- Freshens the sink
- Gentle abrasive
- Natural disinfectant
Pro Tip: For extra tough limescale, try gently heating the vinegar before applying it to the stains.
Get the Recipe: Lemon and Baking Soda Stainless Steel Sink Deep Clean
27. Vinegar and Baking Soda Stainless Steel Cookware Cleaner
Revive your stainless steel pots and pans with this effective homemade cleaner.
A paste made from baking soda and water tackles burnt-on food and tough stains, while vinegar helps remove calcium buildup.
This duo works wonders to make your cookware look shiny and new again..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking soda
- Cold water
- White vinegar
- Warm water
Benefits:
- Removes burnt food
- Tackles calcium buildup
- Restores shine
- Non-abrasive cleaning
Pro Tip: Always dry your stainless steel cookware by hand immediately after rinsing to prevent water spots.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar and Baking Soda Stainless Steel Cookware Cleaner
28. Simple Natural Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish
This recipe provides a dual-action approach to cleaning your stainless steel.
It combines ingredients to effectively clean off grime and then polish the surface to a brilliant shine.
It's a simple, natural way to keep all your stainless steel items looking their absolute best..
Key Ingredients:
- Table salt
- White vinegar
- Microfiber cloth
Benefits:
- Cleans and polishes
- Removes tough stains
- Natural ingredients
- Restores luster
Pro Tip: This cleaner can also be effective on other metal surfaces like chrome and copper.
Get the Recipe: Simple Natural Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish
29. Baking Soda and White Vinegar for Stainless Steel Surfaces
For general cleaning and tackling grease on stainless steel, this combination is wonderfully effective.
A damp cloth with warm water to start, followed by rubbing alcohol for grease, or a baking soda paste for burnt stains, will leave your surfaces looking clean and refreshed.
It's a go-to for keeping kitchen appliances spotless..
Key Ingredients:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Warm water
- Baking soda
Benefits:
- Removes grease and burnt stains
- Leaves surfaces gleaming
- Easy to use
- Appliance-friendly
Pro Tip: This method works on more than just steel; try it on copper, chrome, and aluminum too.
Get the Recipe: Baking Soda and White Vinegar for Stainless Steel Surfaces
30. Vinegar and Baking Soda Stainless Steel Silverware Polish
Brighten up your stainless steel silverware with this simple soak.
Combining distilled white vinegar and baking soda creates a solution that tackles tarnish and leaves your flatware looking shiny and new.
After a soak, rinse and buff with a microfiber cloth for a dazzling finish..
Key Ingredients:
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Microfiber cloth
Benefits:
- Removes tarnish
- Restores shine
- Impresses guests
- Easy to use
Pro Tip: To make flatware shine, create a paste with dish soap and baking soda, then scrub gently with an old toothbrush.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar and Baking Soda Stainless Steel Silverware Polish
31. Baking Soda and Dish Soap Stainless Steel Sink Daily Clean
For everyday upkeep of your stainless steel sink, a mix of baking soda and dish soap is a winning combination.
This gentle yet effective cleaner cuts through daily grime and keeps your sink looking spotless.
It’s a simple routine that makes a big difference in maintaining that lovely shine..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Warm water
Benefits:
- Gentle daily cleaning
- Removes general grime
- Maintains sink shine
- Uses common ingredients
Pro Tip: Always clean stainless steel by wiping in the direction of the grain to avoid scratches and achieve the best finish.
Get the Recipe: Baking Soda and Dish Soap Stainless Steel Sink Daily Clean
32. Baking Soda Paste for Stainless Steel Sink Stains
Tackle tough stains on your stainless steel sink with this simple baking soda paste.
Equal parts baking soda and water create a gentle abrasive that lifts away discoloration and odors.
It's an effective, natural way to restore your sink's clean and fresh appearance..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking soda
- Water
- Soft cloth
Benefits:
- Removes stains and odors
- Gentle cleaning
- Restores shine
- Natural solution
Pro Tip: For extra sparkle, follow up your cleaning with a polish using a small amount of olive oil on a soft cloth.
Get the Recipe: Baking Soda Paste for Stainless Steel Sink Stains