Stainless Steel Cleaner: DIY Natural Cleaning Tips

The secret to easily cleaning stainless steel appliances without harsh chemical cleaners.

Reader Contribution by Sommer Poquette
Updated on July 18, 2022
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by Pixabay/Monfocus

Try this stainless steel cleaner diy recipe! Author shares her best tips for how to clean stainless steel appliances naturally without spending extra time or cash.

When we remodeled our “forever” home, I insisted on stainless steel appliances. We were moving from an old farmhouse with ancient appliances that were white and run down. I wanted fresh, clean and modern. I watched all the home shows on television, so I knew that stainless was the way to go…or so I thought. Not one person warned me about cleaning them. Nobody told me that I’d clean them and somebody would open the fridge and BAM… fingerprints galore.

Oh, what a nightmare my first year was in my new kitchen. Yes, it was beautiful. I had every appliance I had ever dreamed of. Double ovens, a large stainless farm sink…the list goes on. It wasn’t that I didn’t love my new kitchen, it’s just that I dreaded ever using it, because then I had to clean it. My poor husband was afraid to open the fridge, turn on the sink or go into the kitchen because I’d huff and puff and then go clean and polish those darn stainless steel appliances.

Fast forward 10 years: I’ve adjusted. I’ve lightened up. Two kids later, this mom doesn’t have time to fret over a fingerprint. The kitchen has to function; we need to eat. I gave up the idea that my kitchen will look like those in the magazines. Those are staged. Nobody cooks in those kitchens! This means, I have lots of fingerprints now and don’t jump up to catch one smudge. I deal with it.

I do, however, still clean and polish and desire a nice-looking kitchen. I just don’t do it daily. I also don’t use all those terrible chemical-filled products that I was tricked into buying 10 years ago when I was desperate to keep my brand new dream kitchen magazine worthy. Nope, I’m cheap. I’m sensible.

What do I use? How do I clean without the name-brand products that promise to make life easy and clean your stainless steel products? Let me tell you my secret.

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