How to clean a Stainless steel sink

Although stainless steel sinks are known for their ease of cleaning and maintenance, they still need some routine care for optimal use. Furthermore, stainless steel sinks don’t require as much attention as other materials, but they are at their best with regular cleanings. This will not only keep your stainless steel sink looking its best but it will also stretch the sinks already impressive longevity even further. Read on for a quick guide on how to clean a stainless steel sink!

Stainless and Painless

Stainless steel sinks are intended to be simple to maintain, and they are! Here are some notes on basic care:

• Stainless steel can be eroded by chlorides that are found in common soaps and detergents, so a quick rinse after each use is all that is needed for daily care, otherwise, damage to the sink could accrue over time.
• For weekly cleanings, a soft abrasive cleaner like Bon Ami is recommended. When cleaning, use warm water and a sponge or towel.
• When scrubbing, follow the grain of the steel. This will keep your sink looking at its smoothest and most sparkliest.
• When you do use soap that contains chlorides, you should rinse as soon as you are done scrubbing to prevent corrosion.
• Steel wool and other steel bristled brushes are not recommended, as they can leave iron particles that could develop into rust spots.
• When you have finished scrubbing and rinsing, it is just as important to dry the sink. Otherwise, water will evaporate and leave unwanted water spots.

After the basics sink in…

Stainless sinks really are a cinch to maintain, and after the previous list of tips, you are well on your way to being a responsible stainless sink owner. If you are looking to push your sink to its limits, then the following tips are for you:

• For an even sparklier sink, consider a sparkly drink. More specifically, club soda can be used to make your sink shine like no other. Once your sink is plugged, fill the basin with some club soda and scrub with a cloth.
• For those hard to lift water deposits, food, and grease, try baking soda. The mild abrasiveness of the kitchen staple makes scrubbing away your sinks lingering guests even easier. A more abrasive powder runs the risk of scratching the sinks stainless steel surface, and so is not recommended.
• For that final touch of dazzling shine, olive oil can be used to buff the sink for an even more profound level of glamour. Rub it in with a lint-free cloth until your sinks beauty makes you weep in its splendor.

What Not to Do!

Stainless steel sink maintenance is simple enough, but there are still some no no’s to be mindful of:

• When not in use, try to keep your sink free of sponges and rags. They will slowly dull the surface on which they lie, and become a mecca for any nasties they are hiding.
• No steel wool! This is the quickest way to degrade your sink and is not worth the time you might think it saves.
• Don’t leave steel and cast-iron pots and pans in the sink. The iron and trapped water between the sink and pan will stain and rust your sink.
• Steer away from using rubber dish mats. Like the pots and pans, the trapped moisture will eventually stain and discolor the surface of your sink.

With these tips, your sink will live a long and beautiful life, and you will never ask “How to clean a stainless steel sink?” again!