Households want cheaper shine with fewer chemicals.
This week, a century-old pairing from the pantry is back in the spotlight as families report fast results, tiny costs and less waste.
Why a century-old method is trending again
In the 1920s, when shop-bought sprays were rare, cooks relied on simple mixtures to clean metalware. That thrift-first mindset resonates today. Energy bills have squeezed budgets. Branded polishes often cost several pounds a bottle. Many readers now reach for white vinegar to cut film and olive oil to revive lustre.
The approach uses two staples you likely own. Acetic acid in vinegar dissolves mineral haze and greasy prints. A light wipe of oil fills micro-marks and leaves a thin hydrophobic film that resists new smears. Microfibre cloths lift the loosened grime without scratching the surface grain.
Two familiar ingredients, about £1.20 per 250 ml, and less than 10 minutes: streaks fade, shine returns.
What you need and what it costs
- 125 ml olive oil (any culinary grade) — for sheen and a protective film
- 125 ml white vinegar (or cider vinegar) — for degreasing and limescale
- 1 tablespoon bicarbonate of soda — optional for stubborn spots
- A clean 250 ml spray bottle
- Two microfibre cloths — one damp for wiping, one dry for buffing
| Item | Typical UK price | Estimated cost per 250 ml batch |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | £4.00 per litre (budget) | £0.50 (for 125 ml) |
| White vinegar | £0.80 per litre | £0.10 (for 125 ml) |
| Bicarbonate of soda | £1.00 per 200 g | ~£0.05 (1 tbsp) |
| Microfibre cloth | £1.00 each (reusable) | negligible per use |
A 250 ml DIY bottle lands near £0.60–£1.20, depending on your oil. Many branded steel cleaners retail at £3–£5 for a similar volume.
How to apply for a mirror finish
Mix
Pour 125 ml olive oil and 125 ml vinegar into a 250 ml spray bottle. Fit the cap and shake hard for 30 seconds. The liquids separate at rest, so shake before every use.
Spray
Mist the stainless surface from about 15 cm away. Cover handles, edges and control panels sparingly. Avoid touchscreens.
Wait
Leave the solution to work for 2–3 minutes on light marks. Give 10 minutes for cooked-on haze or chalky water spots.
Wipe with the grain
Work in the direction of the metal grain using a soft microfibre. Short, overlapping strokes clear residue and fingerprints. Rinsing is not needed on exterior panels.
Buff
For extra pop, place a single drop of oil on a dry cloth and buff lightly. This adds a thin barrier that helps fend off new prints for days.
Always wipe with the grain. Microfibre only. No kitchen roll. Shake the bottle before every spray.
Expert-level tweaks
- Troublesome spots: dab a paste of bicarbonate and a few drops of water. Massage gently, then follow with the spray.
- Busy zones: treat high-touch areas like fridge doors daily; a weekly pass suits the rest.
- Smell control: the vinegar scent fades within minutes. Open a window, or add a strip of lemon zest to the bottle for a fresher note.
- Cloth care: wash microfibres at 40–60°C without fabric softener to keep fibres grippy.
- Storage: mix small batches and use within two weeks. Oil can turn before long if kept warm.
Where it works—and where it doesn’t
Use on brushed or polished stainless appliances, splashbacks, cooker hoods and exterior sink rims. Test a discreet corner first. The method suits kettle exteriors and metal bins as well.
Avoid coated black stainless, lacquers, or printed control labels. Keep acids away from natural stone such as marble and limestone. Do not spray onto hot hobs or near open flames. Wipe spills from floors to prevent slips. For food-contact areas like sink bowls, finish with a water rinse and a dry buff.
Why it works, simply put
White vinegar contains acetic acid at roughly 5%. That mild acid loosens mineral film from hard water and cuts greasy residues. Olive oil sits in fine surface scratches, reducing light scatter and helping the sheet look uniform. The light oil layer also slows fingerprint transfer because it is hydrophobic. Microfibre traps dirt mechanically, thanks to split fibres that increase surface area.
Common questions, quick answers
- Will it smell of vinegar? The odour drops fast as the water content evaporates. A brief airing finishes the job.
- Is it food-safe? Keep it for exteriors. If you treat a food-contact zone, wipe with warm water after and dry.
- Can I swap oils? Sunflower and rapeseed work, yet they may feel tackier. Use the smallest amount that buffs clear.
- What about rust? This mix does not remove true rust. Rust needs a different approach and sometimes replacement parts.
- Does it attract dust? Heavy oiling can. The fix is a lean buff: one drop on the cloth goes a long way.
A five-minute routine that fits busy kitchens
Time it once and you will see why the method spreads so fast. A fridge door and a hob front usually take under five minutes. A full bank of appliances needs about ten. The technique reduces the need for separate glass and metal sprays, which means fewer bottles under the sink.
Savings you can count
Households that buy one £4 cleaner each month spend roughly £48 a year. The two-staple mix, made weekly, costs under £15 even with mid-range oil and fresh cloths. The gap widens if you clean large surfaces, such as splashbacks or an American-style fridge freezer.
Safety notes you should keep in mind
- Never mix vinegar with bleach or bleach-based powders. The gases irritate airways.
- Label the bottle clearly and store out of children’s reach.
- Do not use abrasive pads on brushed finishes. They scratch and trap grime.
- Unplug small appliances before wiping around vents or cords.
If you need alternatives
No vinegar at home? A mild solution of washing-up liquid and warm water removes everyday film, followed by a dry buff. For limescale halos around taps, a microfibre soaked in warm vinegar and wrapped for ten minutes often helps. On glass, finish with a separate dry cloth to avoid a faint oil veil.
Extra ideas to stretch the method
This mix works beyond appliances. Test it on stainless railings, letterboxes and barbecue lids when cold. For extractor filters, do not use oil; soak them in hot water and washing-up liquid instead, then air-dry thoroughly before refitting. If you manage a rental, keep a labelled bottle and a pair of cloths with your checkout kit to cut turnaround time.
Curious about performance over time? Set a simple schedule: a weekly five-minute pass on doors and hood fronts, plus a monthly deeper wipe for splashbacks. Track how long surfaces resist prints. Many readers report three to five days of reduced marking after a careful buff, which keeps the kitchen looking cared-for between big cleans.
