How to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink

How to Clean Your Stainless Steel Sink Daily

1. Rinse Well

   After preparing food, rinsing, or washing dishes, rinse down the sink well with hot water. Use the faucet's spray attachment or fill a cup with hot water to move all the food bits and dishwashing residue to the sink drain.

   If you have an in-sink garbage disposal, turn it on during the rinsing process to make sure that the drain does not become clogged.

2. 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.

3. Dry With a Microfiber Cloth

   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.

How to Give Your Stainless Steel Sink a Deeper Clean Weekly

1. Rinse Well

   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.

2. Coat With Baking Soda

   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.

   Tip

   Use a flour shaker or empty grated cheese container to make distributing the baking soda easier.

3. Scrub the 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. Don't forget to clean in the drain opening. Do not rinse just yet!

   Warning

   Never use wire-bristled brushes, steel wool, or any type of abrasive scrubbing pad. The metal utensils can leave particles behind that can rust.

4. Spray With Vinegar and Rinse

   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.

   When the fizzing stops, rinse the sink and faucet area well with warm or hot water.

5. Dry and Check for Stains

   Use a microfiber cloth to completely dry the sink and faucet. If stubborn stains remain like discoloration from water or food or rust from a utensil, they should be treated immediately.

6. Treat Tough Stains

   To remove rust and other stains, create a paste of one-fourth cup cream of tartar (potassium bitartrate) and one cup of distilled white vinegar. Cream of tartar can be found in the baking section of the market and is used as a leavening agent and stabilizer. Cover the stained area with the paste, and rub it in with a sponge. Allow the paste to work for at least five minutes and then rinse it away. Repeat if needed.

7. Buff to a 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 fixtures. The oil will make the stainless steel shine.

Tips to Keep Your Stainless Steel Sink Clean Longer

• Avoid using a dish mat in the sink. Debris gets trapped beneath the mat, making the sink harder to keep clean. Choose an open grid instead to protect delicate glassware.
• Always rinse away residual soap after cleaning dishes.
• Rinse and wipe down your sink after each use as a preventative measure.