This three-ingredient, DIY stainless steel cleaner is an eco-friendly and affordable alternative to commercial cleaners that still delivers impressive results. Plus, it only takes 10 minutes to make. Here’s everything you need to know about creating and using this magic spray, along with a few bonus tips to keep your stainless steel looking flawless.

3-Ingredient Stainless Steel Cleaner

Make an effective stainless steel clean in 10 minutes with just three items you probably already have in your kitchen.

What You’ll Need

• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 drop of dish soap (preferably a gentle, grease-cutting formula like Dawn)

How to Make the Spray

Start by carefully pouring boiling water into a heat-resistant spray bottle. Next, add distilled white vinegar to the bottle. Its natural acidity cuts through fingerprints, grease, and bacteria without scratching surfaces. Then, add a single drop of dish soap. Remember, a little goes a long way, and adding too much can leave a soapy residue. Secure the spray bottle cap and gently swirl the mixture to combine the ingredients.

How to Use Your DIY Stainless Steel Spray

Ensure the stainless steel surface is cool and dry before you start cleaning. Lightly mist a microfiber cloth with your cleaning solution (avoid spraying directly onto the surface). This technique gives you better control and prevents unnecessary moisture.

Wipe the surface in the direction of the stainless steel’s grain to avoid streaks and result in a polished appearance. For stubborn spots or heavy smudges, spray the affected area lightly and let the solution sit for about a minute before wiping it away.

After cleaning, use a dry, clean microfiber cloth to buff the surface and enhance the shine, removing any remaining moisture.

How It Works

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in effectively removing grime without damaging your appliances:

• Boiling water loosens grease and grime, making it easier to clean.
• White vinegar naturally breaks down grease, removes fingerprints, and eliminates bacteria due to its mild acidity.
• Dish soap cuts through oily residues and lifts dirt without scratching or harming surfaces.

Together, these ingredients create a gentle, yet powerful, solution that restores shine to stainless steel without dulling its finish.

More Tips for Keeping Stainless Steel Clean

Maintaining your stainless steel appliances is easier with a few simple habits. Here are some tips to keep them looking pristine day after day:

• Wipe Regularly. Don’t wait for dirt to accumulate. Wiping stainless steel surfaces once or twice a week with the DIY spray will help prevent grime from becoming stubborn and difficult to remove. Pay extra attention to handles and edges as they tend to collect the majority of fingerprints.
• Avoid Abrasives. Steer clear of steel wool and other rough scrubbers. Use only soft microfiber cloths or sponges, as abrasive materials can scratch the surface, making it even more prone to buildup.
• Polish with Oil. After cleaning, apply a small amount of olive oil or mineral oil to the surface using a clean cloth. This creates a protective barrier that repels fingerprints and gives your appliances a sparkling finish.
• Clean Spills Immediately. Acidic foods, such as tomato sauce, citrus juice, or vinegar, can cause discoloration if they sit on stainless steel. Be sure to wipe up spills as soon as they happen (or as you spot them) to prevent stains.
• Tackle Tough Stains. If you encounter heavy buildup or stubborn stains on your stainless steel surface, create a paste using baking soda and water. Gently rub it onto the stain with a soft cloth, always moving in the direction of the grain, before rinsing and drying thoroughly.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Stainless Steel

While the DIY spray is safe and effective, it’s important to avoid certain products and practices that can harm your stainless steel.

• Bleach or ammonia. Harsh chemicals, such as bleach or glass cleaners that contain ammonia, can damage the protective finish of stainless steel.
• Hard water. Hard water can lead to the formation of mineral deposits and streaks. If possible, use distilled or filtered water when preparing your DIY cleaner.
• Air Drying. Allowing water to air dry on stainless steel can result in water spots. Always dry the surface with a cloth after cleaning.

Summertime is an excellent opportunity to get a head start on a few home improvement projects, but not every job benefits from the heat and humidity of the season. Bubbling paint, unsafe temperatures in the attic, and waiting for more comfortable working conditions are all reasons you should consider putting off certain jobs this summer. And before you think you’re off the hook from any DIY renovations this season, we rounded up a few that are worth focusing on now, while the weather is warm and favorable for outdoor work.

5 Projects to Skip This Summer and Save for Winter

Ron Shimek of Mr. Handyman shares his top picks for home improvement to-dos that are better left for winter.  Ron Shimek is the president of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company, a leading provider of property maintenance, repair, and improvement services.

1. Fixture and Hardware Upgrades

While you’re spending time indoors during the winter, you might notice more things about your house that you want to change or upgrade, or you might be looking for quick and easy ways to add more interest, personality, and style to your home. Swapping out your fixtures and hardware can give your home a fresh look in a matter of minutes, and you can stay warm indoors while you work. “Upgrading light fixtures, cabinet pulls, door handles, or even installing smart home devices can significantly enhance your home’s aesthetic and functionality without being weather-dependent,” explains Shimek.

2. Insulation and Weather Stripping

Spending time in your attic messing with insulation in the summer is probably the last thing you want to do, but there are other reasons to put off this project until cooler weather arrives. In the winter, you’ll be better able to identify cold spots leaking in from damaged weather stripping and other flaws in your home’s insulation. Additionally, there will be no delay in feeling the effects of a job well done. “You’ll immediately feel the impact of improved insulation and sealed drafts as your home becomes warmer and your heating bills potentially decrease,” says Shimek.

3. Interior Painting

Painting the interior of your home during the summertime can come with a few obstacles, one of which is humidity. Moisture is a major culprit in sabotaging paint drying time. When paint doesn’t dry properly, it can lead to bubbles, cracking, and mildew issues if you’re not careful. Although Shimek says some ventilation is needed to help the paint dry during the winter, the lower humidity levels go a long way in getting walls and ceilings dry in a reasonable amount of time. Plus, the home project pro says it’s a great way to give your living spaces a fresh look during a season when you’ll be spending a lot of time inside.

4. Minor Remodels

The key here is minor, as you’ll likely spend a lot of time indoors during the winter, so whatever construction you do will likely happen while the whole family is underfoot. It is best to schedule these projects during the winter when the weather can be unstable. “These indoor projects don’t rely on good weather and can significantly improve the comfort and functionality of your home during the months you use them most,” says Shimek. Low-key bath and kitchen remodels are both projects you can move from your summertime to-do list to your wintertime schedule.

5. Dryer Vent and Chimney Cleaning

“These are crucial safety projects, especially as you begin to use your dryer more frequently and your fireplace for warmth,” says Shimek. Hiring professionals to clean your dryer vent can reduce your fire risk, while a professional chimney cleaning can prevent creosote buildup. Creosote is a tar-like byproduct of smoke from wood-burning fires that forms on the interior of the chimney. It can be a fire hazard and a health risk. Get these projects squared away early in the season to ensure your home is safe and prepared for the cold weather ahead.

5 Projects to Do Instead This Summer

When the weather is nice and you are eager for a home improvement project, get a jump on these projects that are ideal for summertime.

1. Exterior Painting

Hold off on exterior painting until days when the temperature is warm and the humidity is low. In some areas, particularly in the South, this might mean starting or completing the project early or late in the season, when the weather is moderate. These conditions are ideal for allowing paint to dry properly without cracking, bubbling, or mildew issues, says Shimek.

2. Deck and Patio Refinishing

One bonus of the summer heat is how quickly it dries surfaces, like when a sudden summer rainstorm hits and the puddles vanish before our eyes after the sun comes out. It turns out that this phenomenon is also beneficial when it comes to pressure washing, staining, sealing, and sanding patios and decks. Shimek says the warm, dry conditions help the materials dry properly, which means they should last longer.

3. Window and Door Work

Consider any window-related projects for another early- or late-season job. “Replacing windows and exterior doors is less disruptive when the weather is mild, as it exposes the interior of your home to the elements for a period,” says Shimek. He also advises replacing or repairing window screens during this time.

4. Gutter Repair and Installation

Summer is a great time to repair, install, and clean out your gutters. “With less rain and no risk of ice in summer, it’s easier and safer to work on gutters,” says Shimek. “You can clean out debris, check for leaks, and make sure there is adequate drainage before fall rains and winter snows.”

5. Landscaping Updates

If you’ve been wanting to add some new shrubs or maybe even a new paver path, summer is the ideal time to do so. “With ample daylight and favorable growing conditions, summer is prime time for enhancing your outdoor spaces,” says Shimek. Installing landscape lighting, building a garden bed, and adding a small shed are all on his list of top projects.

By Patricia Shannon