How to Clean Your Stainless Steel Sink

Step by step instructions on how to clean stainless steel sinks, including tips, tricks, and best cleaning products.

Stainless steel is constructed of a tough iron alloy that contains more than 10% chromium. Stainless steel is an incredibly strong and durable material, making it perfect for kitchens that get a lot of traffic and use. Keeping stainless steel sinks clean and spotless is easy if you know how.

To keep stainless steel sinks as shiny and sparkling as the day they were installed, start by preventing stains, scratches, and other problems from happening in the first place. Then use the correct cleaners and cleaning methods regularly, and remember a few simple tips and tricks for solving common problems without damaging the steel.

Preventing Scratches and Stains
Stainless steel sinks are tough but over time are prone to scratches, smudges, and even dents. To prevent these common issues from marring the beauty of your sink, the following preventative measures are helpful:
•Use a clear plastic mat or pad when you wash dishes to cushion your stainless steel sink against dents or scratches from dropped pans or other kitchenware.
•Choose the heaviest gauge of stainless steel you can afford if you are installing the sink yourself. The thinner the steel, the noisier and more prone to damage the sink will be when you use it and clean it.
•Never use abrasive cleaners or any all-purpose cleaner containing chlorine on your stainless steel sink. Chlorine, a common ingredient in kitchen cleansers, can severely damage stainless steel. Try ordinary vinegar or baking soda instead.
•Never use steel wool to scrub stainless steel kitchen sinks.
•Never leave sponges, pans, clothes, or food items sitting for long periods in the bottom of your stainless steel sink. Stainless steel technically does not stain, but it can rust and discolor from prolonged exposure to damp materials.

Cleaning Methods and Cleaners for Stainless Steel
•Use a simple solution of vinegar and warm water to clean your stainless steel sink and avoid all-purpose kitchen cleaners or abrasive cleaners.
•After wiping the inside of the sink with the mild cleaning solution, wipe it dry with a paper towel or soft cloth. You an air-dry the sink, but it is more likely to show water spots than if you wipe it dry.
•Never scour stainless steel sinks. If you do find a few scratches or smudges, use a special stainless steel polisher and read the instructions carefully.
•To restore shine to a dull stainless steel sink, try a wiping it with a light coating of olive oil after each cleaning.

Tips and Tricks for Problem Stainless Steel Sinks
•If you notice a lot of spots after your rinse your sink with plain water, try rinsing with vinegar mixed with warm water instead. Over time, hard water deposits can leave spots on stainless steel that are easily dissolved by a warm vinegar rinse.
•To remove rust spots on stainless steel sinks, make a paste of Cream of Tartar and lemon juice, and then scrub gently. NEVER USE STEEL WOOL on stainless steel and never use all-purpose chlorine kitchen cleansers.
•Use Club Soda to remove stubborn streaks or spots on stainless steel. Buff your steel sink dry with a soft cloth or paper towel afterwards to make it shine.
•Stainless steel becomes prone to minor smudging and fingerprints after a few years. If this bothers you, buff them out with a baking soda and water (or lemon juice) paste, and then wipe the sink down with a little olive oil after cleaning it in the normal way to restore the glossy finish.
•If you do end up with scratches on the surface of your sink, don’t try to sand them out or scrub them out with cleanser. Buy a specialty product designed specifically for removing scratches from stainless steel and follow the instructions carefully.

Regular proper cleaning of stainless steel, along with sensible prevention of scratches and marks before they happen can keep your stainless steel sink gleaming for years.

With stainless steel, less is definitely more. Although steel is tough and last for years, regular gentle care pays off handsomely by keeping your sink glossy and attractive too.

About the Author:
Scott Gray is currently a homeowner, handyman enthusiast who enjoys providing tips to consumers and homeowners. For more information about do it yourself home improvements, kitchen and copper sinks be sure to visit everydayhandyman.com.

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