How To Clean Stainless Steel Appliances

By Stephanie Gerber Updated September 18, 2018

using spray bottle to clean a stainless steel oven with water and rubbing alcohol

Ana Stanciu for Hunker

Stainless steel appliances look modern and sleek ... until they don't. When they're covered in fingerprints, smudges, and water stains —not so shiny anymore. Unfortunately, these marks show up fast and frequently in a busy kitchen. Luckily, you can make your appliances shine again with this stainless steel cleaner that not only makes surfaces sparkle, it disinfects, too. All you need are two simple ingredients.

Things Needed

Distilled water, 3/4 cup
70 percent isopropyl rubbing alcohol, 3/4 cup
Funnel (optional)
Spray bottle, 16 ounces

measuring cups and a spray bottle filled with water and rubbing alcohol

Ana Stanciu for Hunker

Step 1

Measure and pour the water and rubbing alcohol into the spray bottle. You can increase or decrease the amounts of each — just be sure to keep a 1:1 ratio.

Rubbing alcohol is the key to shiny stainless steel because it evaporates quickly without leaving a residue. The spray also helps prevent appliances from picking up future smudges and fingerprints.

mixing water and rubbing alcohol in a measuring cup

Ana Stanciu for Hunker

Step 2

Replace the spray bottle nozzle and agitate to combine.

a small spray bottle full of water and rubbing alcohol

Ana Stanciu for Hunker

WARNING: Rubbing alcohol has a strong smell so open the windows and ventilate if you're doing a lot of cleaning. And don't use this spray around heat or flames.

Step 3

To use, spray onto stainless steel and wipe up using a soft cloth. If you look closely, you'll see that stainless steel has a slight grain so always wipe with the grain of the appliance.

Because alcohol is antiseptic you'll be disinfecting your kitchen surfaces while you clean.

Ana Stanciu for Hunker

This cleaner works well on your steel pots and pans, too!