The Best DIY Stainless Steel Cleaner: 3 Ingredients Only

It’s fairly easy to keep stainless steel clean without the use of harsh and toxic solvents. In fact, you can make your own DIY stainless steel cleaner at home with just three simple ingredients.

3 Ingredients for Homemade Stainless Steel Cleaner

This DIY stainless steel cleaner is an easy, cost-effective and healthy alternative to store-bought cleaners. It can safely be used on any of your stainless steel cooking implements, surfaces and faucets as a deep cleaner. Skip the solvents and toxins and make your own stainless steel cleaner using just three ingredients you probably already have in your own home. 

1. Baking Soda: This multipurpose powder is a must-have in any natural cleaning arsenal as a light but hardworking abrasive. Baking soda is also a natural deodorizer and kind to skin!
2. Apple Cider Vinegar: If you live in an area with hard water, you’re probably familiar with the chalky build up on your appliances and faucets, also known as limescale. Vinegar is capable of dissolving these unpleasant mineral deposits with little trouble. Furthermore, apple cider vinegar is an impressive multipurpose cleaner on its own and can be used between deep cleans to remove everyday grime from stainless steel.
3. Essential Oil: Organic and responsibly-sourced essential oils are always a practical addition to any cleaning routine. Citrus oils, such as lemon, orange, and lime, help eliminate odors and plant oils, such as lavender, rosemary, and birch, can be used to sanitize surfaces. 

How To Make DIY Stainless Steel Cleaner

Materials:

• Measuring cups
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Gloves
• Sponge or cloth
• Glass spray bottle (optional)

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup baking soda
• 3-5 drops essential oil
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar

DIY Stainless Steel Cleaner Method:

1. Wash the item you want to deep clean with hot water. Do not dry.
2. Combine the baking soda and essential oil in a large bowl and whisk to combine. 
3. Sprinkle enough of the powder to cover the surface of the stainless steel item you want to clean.
4. Wearing the gloves, soak the sponge or the cloth in the vinegar and scrub the surface until clean.

For tougher grime – on stove tops, for example – use a spray bottle to spray the vinegar on top of the powder and leave the solution to sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing, re-applying as needed. 

For smaller kitchen utensils, such as cutlery or grill spatulas, make a paste by adding a small amount of vinegar to the baking soda mix. Use an old toothbrush to distribute the paste into every nook and cranny, let sit for a few minutes, then rinse off with warm water and dry. 

The powder on its own should keep indefinitely as long as it’s kept in an airtight container. Consider repurposing old spice jars with the shaker top for easy use.

How to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink 

Using the same measurements as above:

1. Combine all ingredients in the bowl and mix to combine. The mixture will start to fizz up, so make sure you’re using a bowl large enough to accommodate for this.
2. Rise the sink with hot water.
3. Pour the mixture into the sink and wipe around using a sponge or cloth, wiping in the direction of the grain of the stainless steel.
4. Rinse the sink again with hot water. 
5. If you have a built-in garbage disposal unit, you can pour any excess of this mixture into it to reduce odors.

Final tip: Use a drop of any cooking oil on a fresh cloth to wipe over your stainless steel to protect from scratches and add shine!

Read on:

• Best Way to Clean Bathtub Without Special Cleaners
• Make Your Own Laundry Detergent in 6 Steps
• How to Get Stickers Off Glass and Remove Residue

Tags: Cleaning Guide Practical Tips