How to Remove Rust and Food Stains From Stainless Steel

Although it is called "stainless" steel, this workhorse material for kitchen appliances, cookware, and surfaces can stain from time to time. On a stainless steel kitchen sink, for example, you may have had a cleaning mishap that left brown corrosion or rust stains on the metal. Stains can also sometimes result when a spray cleaner is applied to the metal but is not rinsed away properly. Another mistake you can make with stainless steel includes exposure to chlorine bleach or the chemicals in oven cleaners, which can cause stains. These stains can be stubborn, but there are ways to remove them. 

Here are three do-it-yourself methods you can try. Go in order. The solutions that are least likely to damage the stainless steel are first.

• Working Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Stainless steel is a steel alloy that contains a minimum of 10.5 percent chromium. Chromium gives the steel its corrosion resistance. Rather than oxidizing and discoloring when exposed to air or water, chromium reacts to form a thin protective coating on stainless steel. Although this protective layer can be scrubbed away, the protective film quickly reforms, which is why stainless steel surfaces seem indestructible in a kitchen.

This shiny material can be scratched fairly easily. This is less problematic with a matte-finish surface, like that found on some sinks, but shiny stainless steel requires some care to remove stains without scratching the finish.

Examine your stainless steel surface and determine if it has a grain pattern. While the metal itself is solid, the process by which the manufacturer polished the surface may leave it with faint directional scratches. Whenever you scrub a stainless steel surface—even if using so-called "non-scratch" pads—try to gently rub the stains in the same direction as the grain already present on the surface.

• Boiling water

• Kettle
• Paper or microfiber towel

Many stains will be lifted from stainless steel by the action of steam vapor. 

Once the surface has cooled, rub the surface with the paper towel, moving with the direction of the grain. If this does not remove the stain, try the next solution. 

Baking soda mixed with liquid dish soap can make a good paste to gently rub out stains. Baking soda is a very fine abrasive that is unlikely to seriously scratch the stainless steel surface.

• Baking soda
• Liquid dishwashing detergent

• Paper towel or soft microfiber cloth

After rubbing, rinse the stainless steel surface thoroughly and towel it dry. Examine the surface. If this has not removed the stain, try the next technique.

• White or apple cider vinegar

• Soft towel or cloth

Rinse thoroughly and dry the surface with a clean towel. Examine the stained area; if discoloration still is present, you should consider a commercial product.

As a last resort, if the stains still do not budge, try a stainless steel cleaner and polisher. Barkeeper's Friend is one such powder formula that can clean without excessive scratching. Follow the directions, rinse thoroughly, and towel dry.