DIY Stainless Steel Cleaner
My favorite two-ingredient DIY Stainless Steel Cleaner.
Keeping stainless steel appliances clean can be a challenge. Not only do you have to worry about fingerprints and smudges, but you also have to make sure that the surface is free of dirt and grease.
I happened upon this magical cleaner that I keep STOCKED at the house here. It’s a breeze to make and it’s cheap too. Bonus; it also works on mirrors and windows and has mild disinfecting properties. Yay! It’s one of my favorite cleaning hacks ever.

Commercial stainless steel cleaners can be expensive, but with just two ingredients, you can make your homemade cleaner that works just as well to polish those appliances. No streaks and no residue!
Things You’ll Need
- Spray bottle
- 70% Rubbing Alcohol
- Water
- Essential Oils (optional)
Note: Rubbing Alcohol can have a strong odor, so use this in a well-ventilated area. Rubbing Alcohol and its fumes are flammable, so do not use this cleaner near an open flame or open heat source – such as in your oven. This goes without saying but I’ll mention it anyways — rubbing alcohol is not like vodka –so please do not drink. Finally, while rubbing alcohol has disinfecting qualities, I can’t be sure this particular mixture will kill all germs. It’s best to refer to the CDC for that. It does make a fantastic cleaner though!! 🙂
How to Make this DIY Stainless Steel Cleaner

The formula I use is 1 part alcohol to 1 part water. Grab your spray bottle and mix this ratio up.
I have a 16 oz spray bottle and go with 1/2 cup of alcohol to 1/2 cup of water. You can add a few drops of your favorite oils (such as lavender essential oil) or even a dash of Dawn soap if you want to cut the smell, but I find that it dissipates quickly (don’t forget those important notes mentioned above about it’s flammability).

Finally, make sure to label the spray bottle with the solution inside so you don’t forget!
Related: How to Clean Oven Racks the Easy Way
How to Use this cleaner
Now how to use it. Simply spray the solution onto your stainless steel appliances, such as the microwave, refrigerator and dishwasher, and wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth. (I LOVE these microfiber cloths. I use them everywhere.) Don’t forget those dirty handles. If you are cleaning something like a cell phone or remote control, it’s best to spray the cloth first, then wipe down.

Voila! You now have a streak-free shine and a clean stainless steel surface.
You will be amazed at how well this works. It’s better than any other cleaner I’ve ever tried out there for stainless steel (including Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner and Windex).

This solution also works wonders on these things too:
- Windows and glass doors
- Mirrors
- Light switches (to disinfect and clean)
- Remote control (spray a cloth first, then wipe)
- Cell Phones (spray a cloth first, then wipe)
- Computer Keyboard and Mouse (spray a cloth first, then wipe)
- Chrome fixtures
- Remove hairspray gunk
- Stainless Steel Sink
- Defrost your car windows in the winter!!

If you’re looking for a way to clean without the pricey, weird-chemical-filled commercial cleaners, this DIY stainless steel cleaner is a great option. I hope you guys love it as much as I do!
Thanks for visiting today,
Xo Karen