
How to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink
- Empty and Rinse the Sink First, empty the sink entirely (including any rubber mats or metal sink grids). ...
- Sprinkle Baking Soda Sprinkle the damp sink with baking soda. ...
- Scrub the Sink Using a wet sponge or cleaning cloth, scrub the sink with the baking soda. ...
- Using a Lemon, Scrub Again ...
- Rinse ...
- Vinegar for Water Spots ...
- Dry and Shine with Olive Oil
Full Answer
How do you clean a stainless steel sink?
For full instructions on how to clean a stainless sink, continue reading below. STEP 1: Rinse the sink with faucet water. Rinse the sink basin to remove any food particles. Be sure to wet the faucet and the surrounding countertop too. If stubborn, stuck-on food persists, squirt a little dish soap on it and rinse with hot water.
How do you clean the inside of a kitchen faucet?
Using the faucet's spray arm or a cup and hot water, start at the top of the sink and rinse away any residue on the sides and bottom of the sink. To clean the faucet, dampen the fixture with a cloth. Sprinkle dry baking soda on every surface including the faucet area. It should stick easily to damp surfaces.
How do you remove limescale from a stainless steel sink?
Remove limescale from a stainless steel sink If you live in a hard water area, limescale deposits can build up on a stainless steel sink, compromising its appearance. Look to pantry ingredients to get rid of it: a stainless steel sink is one of the things you can clean with vinegar.
How do you clean a dirty kitchen sink with baking soda?
After scrubbing with baking soda, spray the sink with distilled white vinegar (apple cider vinegar can also be used). You'll begin to see some foaming action as the baking soda and vinegar react, so don't worry.

How do you clean a Moen sink?
A damp cloth and mild liquid dishwashing soap may be used, followed by rinsing with water and drying with a soft cloth. Most common household cleaners (including mild abrasives for Brushed Chrome and Platinum) can be used, when used in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions for use.
How can I make my stainless steel sink look new again?
Using Baking Soda This is probably the most common method of cleaning your stainless steel sink and getting it to shine again. To achieve this you simply mix a baking soda and water into a paste and spread it over the sink. Baking soda is fantastic because it is great at removing food stains, grease and water deposits.
What's the best thing to clean stainless steel sink with?
Cleaners such as Bon-Ami, Bar Keepers Friend or other typical household cleaners are recommended. These cleaners can easily be used with warm water, sponges or clean cloths. Remember to always scrub in the direction of the polish lines so that your efforts blend with the surface of your sink.
Will vinegar ruin stainless steel sink?
Never leave stainless steel to soak in solutions that contain chlorine, vinegar, or table salt, as long-term exposure to these can damage it.
What should you not use on stainless steel?
7 Cleaning Products You Should Never Use on Stainless SteelHarsh abrasives.Scouring powders.Steel wool.Bleach and other chlorine products.Glass cleaners that contain ammonia, such as Windex.Tap water, especially if yours tends to be hard water (use clean distilled or filtered H2O instead)Oven cleaners.
Can you use Bar Keepers Friend on a stainless steel sink?
Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser, Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser, and Bar Keepers Friend MORE Spray+Foam are perfect for regularly cleaning stainless steel sinks and cookware. Each of these products is non-abrasive and won't harm the chrome oxide barrier when used properly.
Can you use Dawn soap on stainless steel?
Avoid cleaners that can damage steel and finishes. Instead, clean your stainless steel appliances with a dish soap like Dawn® Platinum. Its unique formula is tough enough to break up grease and grime while staying gentle on stainless steel surfaces.
Can you use Windex on stainless steel sink?
If all you're dealing with are those smudgy fingerprints, you can give your stainless steel appliances a quick touch-up using glass cleaner. Brands like Windex will do just fine, here. Once again, spray the solution onto your cleaning rag and apply it to the smudgy areas on your appliances using a circular motion.
Can you use magic eraser on stainless steel?
Stainless Steel Even with as durable as stainless steel can be, using a Magic Eraser to clean it will likely end up leaving small scratches on the surface. While some people are fine with scratches and scuffs on their stainless steel, other people may want to protect that super shiny finish for as long as possible.
Can you use Dawn and vinegar on stainless steel?
How do you clean without getting streaks on stainless steel appliances? Streaks are a bummer. If you wipe the surface of your stainless steel with dish soap or baking soda, rinse thoroughly afterwards. If you use vinegar and still have streaks, fingerprints, or smudges, give your appliance another go with it.
Can vinegar and baking soda ruin stainless steel?
Concentrated vinegar can damage stainless steel if it's left to soak on the appliance for several minutes. But, diluted vinegar is perfectly safe to use on stainless steel. Most cleaners out there dilute the vinegar with either water or baking soda to make it more friendly to the stainless steel finish.
Does vinegar tarnish stainless steel?
The plastic and glass surfaces on most small kitchen appliances, such as blenders, coffee makers, and toasters, are safe to clean with vinegar, but you want to avoid any rubber parts or metal that vinegar can corrode. This includes stainless steel.
How do you revive dull stainless steel?
Start by washing the surface with an all-purpose spray cleaner. Next, wet a microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe down the appliance. And for that final perfect finish, buff the surface with an oil based product like mineral oil. Note: If your stainless finish has a “grain,” buff in that direction.
How do you rejuvenate stainless steel?
0:001:05Rejuvenate Stainless Steel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd wipe down the surface going with the grain for heavy soil or grease multiple applications may beMoreAnd wipe down the surface going with the grain for heavy soil or grease multiple applications may be needed. Now buff your surface to a high-gloss shine with the included microfiber.
How do you shine dulled stainless steel?
Dampen your microfiber cloth with vinegar and rub with the grain to remove dirt, grease and grime. Let the vinegar dry and dampen the other microfiber cloth with olive oil. Work the oil by rubbing with the grain. This simple procedure will clean, protect and shine your stainless steel quickly and easily.
How do you restore stainless steel coating?
Mix 2 tbsp. of baking soda with four to five drops of water, or enough to form a thick paste.Apply the baking soda paste to the scratch. ... Examine the scratch after rubbing four to five times with the baking soda. ... Wipe the stainless steel with a damp rag.
How to prevent stains on sink?
AVOID: Avoid leaving rubber mats, wet sponges, cloths and cleaning pads to sit in the sink. Food particles and deposits can cause discoloration. Avoid leaving liquid soap to dry on the sink surface. Many detergents contain chemicals that can dull the finish, cause pitting or staining. Avoid using bleach in your sink. Bleach, even diluted, can cause corrosion if left in your sink for extended periods of time. If bleach comes in contact with your sink, rinse thoroughly.
What does a brown stain on a sink look like?
NOTE: Water quality can also affect the appearance of your sink. Where hard water or water with high iron content is present, a brown stain, looking like rust, may appear. In areas with water of a high concentration of minerals or over softened water, a white film may appear on the sink. If either condition exists, we recommend drying the sink with a soft towel after each use.
How to clean a stainless steel sink?
Use a non-abrasive sponge or soft-bristled scrub brush to clean the sink in the direction of the metal grain. Brushed stainless steel sinks have faint lines or "grain" due to the manufacturing process. Always follow those lines to prevent additional scratches. An old toothbrush works great for areas around the faucet or the sink's edges.
How to make stainless steel sink shine?
Once the sink is clean and dry, put a few drops of olive or coconut oil on a microfiber cloth and buff the sink and fix tures. The oil will make the stainless steel shine!
How to clean a sink that is stuck on food?
Do a Quick Clean. Place a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid on a damp non-abrasive sponge or dishcloth. Use the soapy sponge to clean away stubborn bits of stuck-on food. If the sink is an under-the-counter installation, be sure to wipe under the rim of the counter to remove splattered bits. Rinse the sink surfaces one more time.
What is the most popular sink?
Stainless steel sinks are the most popular type of sink thanks to its affordability and durability. Long used in commercial kitchens for sinks and countertops, the steel contains chromium that provides the corrosion-resistance and nickel that adds the brightness pure steel lacks. Residential stainless steel sinks are offered in a variety ...
What to use to clean a sink with a streak?
After scrubbing with baking soda, spray the sink with distilled white vinegar (apple cider vinegar can also be used). You'll begin to see some foaming action as the baking soda and vinegar react, so don't worry. The acidity of the vinegar will help cut through mineral deposits that cause spots and streaks.
How to keep a sink shiny?
One way to keep the sink looking shiny and to prevent water spots from minerals is to dry the sink thoroughly after each cleaning. Use a microfiber cloth because it is lint-free, absorbs water well, and dries quickly. The Spruce / Olivia Inman.
How to get rid of greasy residue on sink?
Sprinkle dry baking soda on every surface including the faucet area. It should stick easily to damp surfaces. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that will help remove stuck-on food and cut through greasy residue. It also acts as an odor remover to freshen the sink's drain.
How to clean a steel sink?
Rinse the sink with faucet water. Coat the sink with baking soda. Scrub in the direction of the steel grain. Spray on undiluted vinegar. If necessary, apply a paste of vinegar and cream of tartar. Rinse again. Buff with a few drops of olive oil.
How to remove stains from kitchen sink?
If stubborn stains still persist, mix one cup of distilled white vinegar with ¼ cup of cream of tartar. (The acidic properties of the latter, as well as its mildly abrasive texture, make cream of tartar an essential ingredient in many homemade stain removers .) Apply a dollop of the vinegar-tartar paste directly to the stain. Then, rub it in gently with a cloth, and allow the paste to sit on the stain for five minutes. Use this mixture as a secondary measure only if necessary; the vinegar alone should be strong enough to clean most spots. Once the stains are gone, rinse the areas with warm water and wipe the sink dry.
What is the best way to clean hairline scratches on a sink?
A toothbrush works well for tighter spaces and tricky turns around the fixture, countertop, and drain. As you rub in the baking soda, the tiny hairline scratches on your sink will become less noticeable. Advertisement.
How to get rid of water spots on sink?
The acidity of vinegar effectively dissolves the calcium deposits that cause water spots, plus it’s an equally effective natural disinfectant. Wait several minutes for the chemical reaction to fizzle out, then rinse thoroughly. Immediately dry the sink to avoid water spots.
How to get stuck food off of countertop?
STEP 1: Rinse the sink with faucet water. Rinse the sink basin to remove any food particles. Be sure to wet the faucet and the surrounding countertop too. If stubborn, stuck-on food persists, squirt a little dish soap on it and rinse with hot water.
How to get rid of odors in kitchen sink?
Next, coat the sink with a sprinkling of baking soda. This powdery substance is gentle enough that it won’t scratch the finish while still tough enough to tackle light hard water deposits and grease. Moreover, it removes odors without leaving behind the toxic chemical residue that some commercial cleaners might. For better control and a more even distribution when spreading the baking soda, consider pouring it first into an empty (and cleaned out) Parmesan cheese dispenser, and then lightly shaking the powder onto all sides of the sink.
Can you polish stainless steel sinks?
Admit it: You invest a great deal of time and energy in keeping your stainless steel appliances fingerprint-free, shiny, and clean, but your stainless steel sink—obscured by a pile of dishes—often gets overlooked. Well, not anymore. Say goodbye to stuck-on food, streaks, and stains! Using just a few products pulled from your pantry, you can polish your sink with minimal effort and even less expense. Just follow these five stress-free steps and, before you know it, your humble sink will outshine your stylish appliances.
How to clean a stainless steel sink?
Note: For an extra clean sparkle on stainless steel sink grids, try using a lemon wedge, vinegar, or olive oil. With the lemon, squeeze the juice over the baking soda on the sink grid. The lemon juice and baking soda will create a chemical reaction that effectively polishes and deodorizes the stainless steel.
What is the best way to remove stains from a sink?
Baking soda is excellent for various applications, including the removal of tricky stains on sink grids. Here’s what you’ll need:
What Are Sink Grids?
Kitchen sink grids, which may also be called sink racks or grates, sit in the bottom of your sink. They help protect and preserve the sink’s finish by creating a barrier between the sink itself and anything that could do damage.
How to get stains out of spray bottle?
Some stains will lift solely with the help of vinegar. However, if the stains are fixed in place, you’ll likely need to use baking soda and vinegar together. Mix baking soda and vinegar inside your bottle sprayer.
How to get rid of a stain on a grid?
Spray the entire grid with the vinegar mixture, ensuring that you thoroughly saturate the stained areas. Allow it to sit for five to ten minutes. You may need to leave it to sit for a bit longer, but this is dependent on how challenging the stains are.
How to clean a sink with olive oil?
All you need to do is pour a couple of drops of olive oil on a clean cloth and wipe it onto the sink grid. Careful not to use too much, or you’ll end up with an oily mess on your hands.
How to clean a grid?
Make sure you clean the grid on a surface that the steam won’t harm. Move the brush back and forth while lightly scrubbing the grid. The steam will do most of the work. Be careful not to touch the areas where you just cleaned, as it will be scorching. Steer clear of the steam as well.
How to clean a stainless steel sink
A kitchen cleaning checklist should always include a stainless steel sink so it remains pristine. Stainless steel’s name refers to the fact that it resists corrosion, but it can definitely become stained, and limescale can build up, too, plus like any kitchen surface, you’ll want it hygienic.
1. Rinse a stainless steel sink
A stainless steel sink is no exception to the rules for cleaning a kitchen sink and needs to be free of any food debris before you begin to clean it. Stainless steel resists the growth of bacteria and mold, but it does need to be cleaned of any food scraps for good hygiene – and it’s also worth doing because these will attract pests to the kitchen.
2. Use a sponge and dish soap
Using dish soap is an effective way to clean a stainless steel sink. You’ll also need an anti-scratch sponge. ‘Never use wire wool or an abrasive pad to clean a stainless steel sink,’ says Lucy Searle, global editor in chief of Homes & Gardens. ‘These can scratch the material.’ Apply the dish soap solution with a sponge to clean, then rinse.
3. Remove stains from a stainless steel sink
If dish soap or your chosen cleaning product hasn’t removed the stains on a stainless steel sink, baking soda can come to the rescue. Sprinkle onto a damp sink then use a non-scratch cloth or sponge to tackle the stains. Follow the grain of the stainless steel as you work, and rinse thoroughly when you’re done.
4. Remove limescale from a stainless steel sink
If you live in a hard water area, limescale deposits can build up on a stainless steel sink, compromising its appearance. Look to pantry ingredients to get rid of it: a stainless steel sink is one of the things you can clean with vinegar.
5. Alternative ways to clean a stainless steel sink
For a clean and shiny stainless steel sink, you might want to check out these tips from Jessica Samson, cleaning expert at The Maids.
What is the best cleaner for stainless steel sinks?
Dish soap is a great cleaner for stainless steel sinks, and one you’ll already have to hand. If you prefer to use a specialist product, Sara San Angelo aka The Cleaning Lady says, ‘ Bar Keeper’s Friend is the best thing I've used to clean stainless steel sinks. It is non-abrasive and will not harm the finish. And your sink will shine like new!’
How to clean a kitchen sink with a sponge?
Simply fill the sink with hot soapy water, so that the kitchen sink rack is covered. You can also flip it over so that the rubber legs are facing up, that way you won’t have to fill the sink as high. Let it soak for about 20 minutes and then take the scratchy side of a regular sink sponge and clean off the grates.
What is the best way to clean stainless steel?
Cleaning With Baking Soda. Baking soda acts as an abrasive cleaner and it will not cause the stainless steel to become scratched. This is common to already have in your house and makes a very handy cleaner.
How to clean a rack with baking soda?
Using a sponge or cloth, buff the rack, really working in the baking soda. Make sure to get into all the crevices and seams.
What will scratch the surface of a stainless steel sink?
Refrain from using any abrasive materials, such as steel wool or brushes, as these will scratch the surface of your sink. They will also make your sink and rack more susceptible to rust and staining. Their abrasiveness will leave scratches in the stainless-steel and dull the finish, leaving an unattractive result.
What is a sink grid?
Sink grids (or racks) are a great way to protect the bottom of your sink from rust and scratches. Even a stainless-steel sink isn’t impervious to abrasions, and a grid will help keep things from scraping it. This will help maintain the look of your sink and keep it looking new, longer.
Why is it important to clean a kitchen sink rack?
Cleaning your kitchen sink rack is important in maintaining its aesthetic as well as preserving its lifespan. Read below for the specifics on how to clean your sink rack and keep it in tip-top shape!
How to protect your rack from steam?
If you are using your hands to hold the rack, wear rubber kitchen gloves to protect yourself from steam burns.
How to clean a stainless steel sink with baking soda?
Sprinkle your sink with baking soda. Using a paper towel or wash cloth, scrub the sink. You’ll want to scrub WITH the grain. Rinse with water and enjoy your clean stainless steal sink!
How do you know if your sink is being cleaned?
NOTE: If you are using a paper towel or light colored rag, you’ll notice that it will turn brown. This is how you know the sink is being cleaned; it’s removing all the staining. If you notice that parts of your sink look clean while other parts still look brown, clean those brown spots again!
What to avoid when cleaning a sink?
What to Avoid. Steel wool, abrasive cleaners and undiluted bleach should be avoided, as these may damage the surface of the sink. While MoenStone is heat-resistant, pots and pans that are extremely hot should be cooled before setting inside the sink, as over time, extreme temperatures may damage the MoenStone material.
How to remove calcium buildup from hard water?
Remove such buildup by pouring vinegar over the affected area, then scrubbing with a nylon pad. If the buildup is still hard to remove, pour vinegar over it again and allow the vinegar to sink in for a few minutes.
Can you use bleach on a sink?
Steel wool, abrasive cleaners and undiluted bleach should be avoided, as these may damage the surface of the sink. While MoenStone is heat-resistant, pots and pans that are extremely hot should be cooled before setting inside the sink, as over time, extreme temperatures may damage the MoenStone material.
Does Moenstone need to be cleaned?
A MoenStone sink is designed to resist stains but still requires basic cleaning or rinsing after use to keep it looking its best. This material requires no special maintenance other than keeping it clean and avoiding prolonged exposure to extremely hot materials such as hot cookware.
How long does it take for WD-40 to penetrate stainless steel?
Using WD-40® -Use Product, coat the entire stainless-steel surface. Allow two to three minutes for the product to penetrate any remaining grease and grime left in the sink. Once this time has passed, grab a microfibre cloth and buff the product away. This will reveal a super sparkly, reflective surface free of any marks!
Does WD-40 protect stainless steel?
Using WD-40® Multi-Use Product will also protect the stainless-steel from future damage, as it forms a transparent barrier that displaces moisture. This will prevent rusting over time, as well as making cleaning easier next time around.
Is stainless steel sink reflective?
When it comes to cleaning your kitchen, your stainless-steel sink is often one of the most bothersome areas to tackle. Not only is this surface highly reflective, but it also shows up any marks, fingerprints, and grime very easily. One of the first places guests visit in your home is the kitchen, so it is important to know how to clean your stainless steel sink!
