How to Properly Clean a Stainless Steel Sink

Stainless Steel is a very durable material, but not completely maintenance free. Stainless steel is a metal alloy created from a combination of metal, including nickel and chromium. Chromium creates a protective film of chromium oxide over the surface when exposed to air. If the sink’s surface is left wet or coated with food or other contaminates, the metals in the sink cannot form this protective layer and can become susceptible to stains and discoloration. If properly maintained, your sink will last a lifetime and continue to add charm and beauty to any décor.

Step 1: Step One:

Make sure to rinse the stainless steel sink after each use. Rinsing away residue from food, cleaners and hard water will prolong the life of the sink. Using a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe the surface will help grab any residue that water won't remove alone.

Step 2: Step Two:

Once the sink is rinsed and dried, use a mild detergent or ultra-mild abrasive cleaner to scrub the surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instruction on the bottle, and always scrub in the direction of the sink grain. These types of cleaners are usually available in most grocery and hardware stores.

Step 3: Step Three:

Rinse the sink again. No matter how clean your rinse water is, there will inevitably be dissolved minerals and salts in your rinse water. When the water evaporates, these minerals/salts are left behind causing unsightly water spots which will dull the appearance of the sink. Drying your sink after rinsing will prevent these water spots.

Step 4: Step Four:

To touch up smudged areas, olive oil can help remove streaks and add shine to your stainless steel sink. Dry your sink thoroughly and add a few drops of olive oil to a paper towel. Wipe the towel over the streaked areas and rinse away with a wet cloth and running water.
Undiluted white vinegar will help remove fingerprints or hard water deposits. Simply pour the vinegar onto a soft cloth and rub over the spots and surrounding area. Rinse thoroughly and dry.

Step 5: Step Five:

To remove fine scratches, use a mild-abrasive cleaner to scrub with the grain of the sink. Follow the manufactures instructions for any store bought product. Remember, steel wool will damage a sink, so use a nylon brush or other synthetic cleaning pads to scour the stainless steel surface.