The Dual-Action Coffee Cleaning Spray That May Leave Appliances Glistening

Are you tired of fingerprints and smudges making your stainless steel appliances look dingy? There are plenty of cleaning products on the market that claim to keep this type of steel clean, but some contain chemicals that can be hazardous when used improperly, like in an area with poor ventilation. But what if you could achieve a sleek finish while also killing germs and leaving behind a pleasant, all-natural scent? It sounds too good to be true, yet some have found a mixture of ground coffee and rubbing alcohol to be an effective cleaner for stainless steel appliances. 

While there is minimal evidence to back whether or not these ingredients together work as a cleaner, there are substantial findings that look at each individual component. For example, coffee grounds on their own are often used to break down built-up grime on surfaces while also leaving behind a scent that can deter pesky insects like fruit flies that tend to hang around kitchens. There's also evidence showing that 70% isopropyl alcohol is an effective stainless cleaner and disinfectant. It's ideal for steel surfaces due to its fast evaporation time, meaning it doesn't stick around to leave those annoying streaks.

All you have to do for this mixture is combine one tablespoon of coffee grounds with roughly ½ cup of warm water. Stir to make sure the two are fully incorporated. Add this to one cup of 70% isopropyl alcohol and mix. Use a funnel to pour the solution into a spray bottle. This will help to control the amount and direction when applying the mixture, preventing spillage and unintentional squirts. After spraying it on the steel, use a paper towel or clean cloth to wipe the surface clean. 

Some people add extra ingredients like cloves to the mixture for an added scent boost and antibacterial properties. You add these at the same time as the alcohol and then strain the liquid as you run it through the funnel. However, there are some ingredients you should never combine with rubbing alcohol. For instance, bleach is a chemical that, when mixed with alcohol, turns into a deadly liquid called chloroform. Be sure to always work in a well-ventilated area when creating any DIY cleaning spray, and always research before mixing any chemicals to make sure it's safe to do so.