How to clean stainless steel and wood

A modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances.

People commonly use toxic treatments to clean stainless steel and wood. This stainless steel cleaner and furniture polish use ingredients you may have in your cupboard — olive oil, white vinegar and water. Inexpensive, non-toxic, natural and effective!

Stainless steel cleaner

Removes smudges from stainless steel appliances.

  • 15ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
  • 15ml (1 tbsp) white vinegar

Drip olive oil onto rag. Rub surface to get rid of smudges. Drip white vinegar on the other side of rag. Wipe and let dry.

Furniture polish

Removes smudges and preserves wood surfaces.

  • 500 ml (2 cups) warm water
  • 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
  • 30 ml (2 tbsp) white vinegar* (or lemon juice)

Pour into a spray bottle. Shake well, spray, rub and polish with a rag. Since wood finishes vary, always do a test patch.

*Tip: Don’t use vinegar on natural stone, waxed wood, cast iron or aluminum.

Empty jars and wooden spoon

Environmentally friendly ingredients for DIY cleaning recipes

Want to make more of your own home green cleaning products? From castile soap to baking soda — we’ve got you covered on how and why to use natural ingredients to clean.

TRY THESE NATURAL CLEANING INGREDIENTS