Fingerprints make stainless steel look grimy fast, even when the rest of the kitchen is clean. This quick homemade stainless steel cleaner handles light smudges without dragging out a cabinet full of bottles. Spray it on, dry it off, and move on with your day (because the fridge really does not need its own beauty routine).
Making your own costs very little compared with buying a ready-made stainless steel spray. Using current Walmart pricing, 1 tablespoon of ammonia from a 64-ounce bottle priced at $2.12 costs about 1 cent, so this pint-sized batch comes in at roughly a penny before the bottle itself, while store-bought specialty stainless steel cleaners usually cost several dollars per bottle. It also lets you keep the formula simple and unscented instead of buying a fragranced specialty product you may not want on kitchen surfaces.
You only need 2 materials for this batch, and the formula makes enough to fill a spray bottle with about 1 pint of cleaner. Set out a spray bottle and a measuring spoon so you can mix it, label it, and use it as needed.
- 🧰 Materials You'll Need
- 🔧 Tools/Equipment
- 🛠️ How to Make Stainless Steel Cleaner II
- 🛠️ How to Use It
- 🎨 Customization Ideas
- 🛡️ Safety Information
- 📦 Storage
- 💸 Estimated Cost
- 🛍️ Need Help Finding Everything?
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Stainless Steel Cleaner II
- 📌 Love this Stainless Steel Cleaner II? Pin it!
- 🖨️ Print-Friendly How-To: Stainless Steel Cleaner II
Materials You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon ammonia
- 1 pint water
Tools/Equipment
- Spray bottle
- Tablespoon measure
How to Make Stainless Steel Cleaner II
- Measure 1 tablespoon ammonia into a spray bottle.
- Add 1 pint water.
- Close the bottle and combine the mixture.
- Spray as needed, then dry.
How to Use It
Spray the cleaner lightly on stainless steel as needed, then dry the surface well. For best results, use a clean dry cloth so you do not redeposit lint or grime while you wipe.
If you need a different homemade option for comparison, take a look at Stainless Steel Cleaner I or, for sink-specific cleanup, How to Polish Stainless Steel Sinks.
Customization Ideas
This formula stays intentionally simple, but you can still tailor how you use it to fit the job.
- For quick touch-ups: Keep a labeled bottle under the kitchen sink for fingerprints on the refrigerator, dishwasher, or microwave trim.
- For a basic cleaning caddy: Pair it with Miracle All-Purpose Cleaner Spray for counters and Lemon Furniture Cleaner Spray for wood surfaces.
- For shared household use: Add a clear label so nobody mistakes it for a plain water spray bottle. That tiny step saves a surprising amount of confusion.
Safety Information
Do not mix this cleaner with bleach or with other cleaning products unless the product label specifically says the combination is appropriate. The CDC notes that household ammonia can release dangerous gas if it is mixed with certain cleaners, including chlorine bleach. Read more here: Ammonia | Chemical Emergencies | CDC.
Use the cleaner with normal household ventilation, avoid spraying it near your face, and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Storage
Store the cleaner in its spray bottle with a clear label so it is easy to identify. Keep it away from bleach and other cleaning products to avoid accidental mixing, and store it in a cool spot out of direct reach of children and pets.
Estimated Cost
Using current Walmart pricing, a 64-ounce bottle of ammonia costs $2.12. Since this cleaner uses just 1 tablespoon, the consumable cost for the ammonia in one batch is about $0.01. Water is not included in the estimate, and the reusable spray bottle is not charged to a single batch.
🛍️ Need Help Finding Everything?
- Great Value Clear Ammonia All Purpose Cleaner, 64 fl oz
- Great Value Empty Plastic Spray Bottle, 16 oz
Frequently Asked Questions about Stainless Steel Cleaner II
Yes. The method is simply to combine 1 tablespoon ammonia and 1 pint water in a spray bottle, then use it as needed and dry the surface.
It makes 1 pint of cleaner, which is about 16 fluid ounces.
The original method says to spray as needed and dry. If the finish looks good and feels clean after drying, that completes the job for this formula.
Use a clean dry cloth. That helps remove the cleaner and polish away fingerprints instead of pushing moisture around.
Stick with the listed ratio unless you have a specific reason to change it. This formula is written as 1 tablespoon ammonia to 1 pint water, and changing the ratio creates a different cleaner than the one given here.
Yes. Store it in a labeled spray bottle so you can identify it easily and keep it separate from bleach and other cleaners.
This version does not include any added scent, and that simplicity is part of the appeal. If you want a different formula, it is better to use one written for added ingredients rather than improvising in this bottle.
This formula is presented as a stainless steel cleaner. It is not written or verified here as a disinfectant.
Do not mix it with bleach or other cleaning products. Keep the bottle labeled, use it with ventilation, and store it where children and pets cannot get into it.
📌 Love this Stainless Steel Cleaner II? Pin it!
Keep this quick cleaner handy for fingerprints, smudges, and everyday stainless steel touch-ups.
Did you try this project? Tell us where you used it first or what it helped clean up in your kitchen.
🖨️ Print-Friendly How-To: Stainless Steel Cleaner II
Stainless Steel Cleaner II
Equipment
Materials
- 1 tablespoon ammonia
- 1 pint water
Instructions
- Measure 1 tablespoon ammonia into a spray bottle.
- Add 1 pint water.
- Close the bottle and combine the mixture.
- Spray as needed, then dry.
- Do not mix this cleaner with bleach or other cleaning products.
- Label the spray bottle clearly before storing.
- Use with ventilation and keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Estimated cost reflects consumable materials only and excludes the reusable spray bottle.
This is super easy and way cheaper then what the stores offer ~Can’t wait to try this!