I'm a huge fan of essential oils, and when I discovered their cleaning potential, I couldn't resist testing them on various surfaces. The standout performance was on my stainless steel appliances.

From effortlessly lifting stubborn marks off my stainless steel gadgets to achieving a beautiful, streak-free finish on my greasy stovetop backsplash, essential oils have become my go-to cleaning secret.

Here are my favorite cleaning hacks for using essential oils to give your stainless steel a dazzling touch, along with the essentials you need to get started.

Reasons to Use Essential Oils for Cleaning Stainless Steel

kitchen with white cabinetry and bright red kitchen island and wooden floors and green doors

Mother Nature really does have the best solutions. I've tried numerous natural cleaning products, and they consistently outperform commercial alternatives. Not only are homemade cleaning solutions effective, but they're also budget-friendly and environmentally safe, making them a win-win.

Essential oils are incredibly versatile for cleaning purposes. After speaking with a cleaning expert, I was amazed by their effectiveness.

She mentioned, 'I'm a big fan of DIY cleaning! You'll be surprised at how many everyday items can serve as powerful cleaners.'

And I completely agree! Plus, the lovely aromas from essential oils elevate the cleaning experience. I adore using geranium oil, which transforms my bathroom into a soothing spa atmosphere while cleaning effectively.

My Top Choice: Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium essential oil is my favorite. Its scent is luxurious without being overpowering. It brings a spa-like feel to my home. If florals aren't your thing, this brand offers 33 other scents to explore, all 100% pure.

What You'll Need

Essential oils

  • Essential oil: Choose your preferred scent. Citrus scents provide a refreshing vibe, while my top pick, geranium oil from Walmart, adds a luxurious aroma. Consider other scents like pine or eucalyptus for a holiday touch.
  • Microfiber cloth: I used to rely on paper towels, but now I'm all about microfiber cloths from Walmart. Just avoid fabric softeners when washing them to maintain their absorbency.
  • Dish soap: You'll need just a drop as a surfactant. Dawn Dish Soap from Walmart works perfectly.
  • Spray bottle: Reuse an old bottle or invest in stylish amber glass ones for your cleaning solutions. I love my amber glass bottles from Amazon for a uniform look.
  • Water: Tap water is fine, but filtered water, like that from a Brita Filter from Amazon is even better.

My Essential Oil Cleaning Spray Recipe

My geranium cleaning spray in an amber glass bottle with white lid and label on a blue sideboard against a background of terracotta painted wall with white bobby lamp and green plant in ribbed pot

This is my homemade cleaning spray featuring essential oils. I label my bottles to keep everything organized.

To create your stainless steel cleaning spray, simply combine two cups of water, 5 to 20 drops of essential oil, and a drop of dish soap. I find that five drops work well, but using more enhances the scent and cleaning power.

Mix the solution gently to avoid foam. Spray on the surface you want to clean, buff in circular motions, and wipe with your microfiber cloth to prevent streaks.

My Experience with Essential Oils on Stainless Steel

My spotless sage green and stainless steel Tower toaster and kettle set on wooden worktop against pink subway tiled backsplash after cleaning with essential oil removed all marks

After cleaning, my stainless steel appliances looked fantastic.

I applied my cleaning spray on my stainless steel backsplash, greasy extractor hood, and the stainless steel parts of my toaster and kettle. The transformation was impressive, making my kitchen appear much tidier.

Before and After Comparison

Before image of black air fryer with stainless steel lower half that has grime and streaks
Before: My air fryer was grimy and marked.
After image of black air fryer with stainless steel lower half that has no grime or streaks
After: Post-cleaning, it looked flawless.

My Final Thoughts

My stainless steel backsplash after cleaning it with my essential oil cleaning spray. It is spotless and has no streaks

I rate this method a strong 10 out of 10! My essential oil spray quickly tackled grime on heavily used appliances. It required minimal effort, and the fresh geranium scent lingered throughout the day.

Definitely consider adding essential oils to your cleaning routine for fantastic results.


If you enjoy natural cleaning methods, check out the essential oil cleaning blunders to avoid.