Stainless steel is often the material of choice for sinks. If your kitchen has a stainless steel sink, you should clean it at least once a week. It's actually not that hard to clean stainless steel, you just need the right product. However, there are some special considerations to take into account when cleaning it. Make sure you are using the right cleaning products. If there are stains or scratches, treat them properly. Use only certain products to clean the sink so that the stainless steel surface remains clean and scratch-free.
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Part 1 of 3: Cleaning the Sink
Step 1. Prepare the right equipment
After selecting the product, prepare the right equipment. To scrub the sink, you'll need a soft to medium nylon brush. More abrasive materials can scratch the steel surface. Don't forget to wear rubber gloves when cleaning the sink.
- Read the manufacturer's instructions for choosing the right cleaning product. All stainless steel sinks have a slightly different material composition. These materials will respond differently to different cleaning products. To make sure you choose the right product for cleaning your sink, consult the manual provided by the manufacturer for instructions for care, cleaning, and general maintenance.
- If you don't have a manual, try to use your best judgment and choose a cleaning product that is recommended by the manufacturer's customer service for dishwasher care.
- Cleaning products frequently recommended for the maintenance of stainless steel sinks include Windex, 3M, Cif, Astonish Pro Steel, and other stainless steel cleaners and polishes.
Step 2. Rinse the sink to remove any food particles
Open the faucet and let the food particles out through the drain. You can use a sponge to push it into the hole. If food particles stick to the surface of the tub, pour a small amount of liquid dish soap into the sink, then rinse with warm water.
Step 3. Rinse the sink with warm water and a sponge
Pour the cleaner onto the brush or rag. Scrub the surface of the tub following the direction of the steel "fiber". Don't forget to clean the faucet and tub handle because dirt often accumulates in this area.
Step 4. Rinse the sink thoroughly
Many cleaners contain bleach or other chemicals that can be corrosive if left on stainless steel surfaces for too long. Open the faucet and rinse the cleaner thoroughly. Do this until you don't find any residue or bubbles left by the cleaning product.
Make sure you also rinse hard-to-reach areas. Use a damp cloth, then wipe the faucet, handles, and other parts. Do this until there is no more residue left
Step 5. Dry the sink
Use a paper towel or dry cloth to dry the sink. Stainless steel can rust if water evaporates on its surface. To prevent this problem, you should scrub the sink until it is completely dry after cleaning.
Use a soft cloth and paper towel to dry the sink. Using a cloth that is too abrasive can cause scratches
Part 2 of 3: Dealing with Stains and Scratches
Step 1. Allow some of the strokes to blend in
Daily use tends to cause small scratches on steel surfaces even with proper care. If the scratches aren't too big or aren't an eyesore, you may want to let them blend in. Over time, small scratches will create a unique coating on the surface of the sink.
Step 2. Decide how to remove scratches
Minor scratches are a common problem that usually occurs on the surface of the sink. The method you can use to handle it will depend on the type of sink. If you have a manual, follow the instructions provided. If you live in a rented house, ask the owner how to handle it.
- Fine steel brushes are relatively common for sinks. Scratches may be difficult to remove, but not impossible. You may not be able to use chemicals on steel surfaces with a finish of fine lines or brush strokes. However, you can use an abrasive sponge or sandpaper to treat scratches on a surface like this.
- Refer to the instructions listed in the manual if you still have it. Use the product recommended for your sink type according to the instructions.
Step 3. Use sandpaper or an abrasive sponge to remove scratches
Sandpaper or an abrasive sponge with a grit between 80-120 can be used to remove scratches on steel surfaces with a brush stroke cover layer. You can buy sandpaper at a home supply store. Rub the sandpaper in the direction of the scratch until it's no longer visible.
- Make sure you know the type of finish for stainless steel before using sandpaper. Stainless steel with a brushless finish may not be suitable for this method.
- If you live in a rented house, ask the landlord to fix the sink. If the damage becomes more severe, you may have to pay a fine. Homeowners may have professional workers who can properly repair the sink.
Step 4. Look for a commercial stain and rust remover to deal with scratch problems
You can use commercial cleaning products to remove rust, stains, and fade scratches so they are less visible. Autosol is one product that can deal with the problem of rust and is recommended by several manufacturers of stainless steel goods.
Follow the directions for use on the packaging. Some products may ask you to pour it into the sink and then rinse. Some other products may require you to wait until the liquid applied to the stain or scratch dries before continuing with the stain removal process
Step 5. Try a homemade cleaning solution
Some people recommend certain homemade solutions for stains. While there's no guarantee of success with this solution, it's worth trying if you're having trouble with some stubborn stains on the surface of the sink.
- Mix lemon juice and baking soda in equal proportions until it forms a paste. Apply the paste to the stain using a damp sponge. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then wipe it clean.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of cream of tartar with a few drops of lemon juice. Use the resulting paste to scrub the rust or stain clean.
Part 3 of 3: Keeping the Sink Clean
Step 1. Do not use steel wool
Steel coir is highly abrasive. If you have a stainless steel sink, steel wool can easily scratch the surface of the sink. We recommend that you use a soft, non-abrasive brush and sponge to clean the stainless steel sink.
Step 2. Avoid rubber mats
Do not place a rubber mat on the bottom of a stainless steel sink as it can trap water and over time it will cause discoloration.
If you want to use a rubber mat when washing dishes, put it on while you work. When you're done, remove the rubber mat and dry it in a separate area
Step 3. Do not leave a wet cloth on the surface of the sink
You may have put a damp cloth somewhere on the surface of the sink after you've finished washing the dishes or wiping the countertop. While practical, it's best not to leave a wet rag or sponge in the sink. Store wet rags and sponges elsewhere in the kitchen.
Step 4. Do not leave cast iron cookware on the surface of the stainless steel sink
Cast iron cookware can wear out steel surfaces. Leaving cookware like this on the surface of the sink can cause rust and stains. Also, it is not good to leave cast iron cookware wet for long periods of time as it can corrode.
