Cleaning Tips for Stainless Steel Sinks

Everyone I know (except for my kids) gets a little crazy when there is dirt or fingerprints on their stainless steel appliances.

I know that the smudges and streaks bother me, so I wipe down my stainless steel every night to keep it clean and shiny.

Our sinks take a beating every day. We toss silverware in the sink, we put hot pans in the sink to soak, and food gets dried and stuck on the surface and that’s something I don’t care to look at.

A dirty sink can really make the entire kitchen look dingy. This is never a place to neglect when cleaning especially when the kitchen can be the gathering place when you have family gatherings or company over.

How to Naturally Clean a Stainless Steel Sink on a Regular Basis

You probably bought a stainless steel sink because it is popular, durable, and goes with most home decors – so on that note – don’t neglect it.

Cleaning it each night can help keep it looking great for a long time. And you really don’t need to use a commercial product when you most likely have natural cleaning products in your home already.

When we’re done cleaning the dinner dishes, we give the sink a quick clean each night. All you need is a little baking soda and water.

Baking soda is abrasive enough to clean water spots, stuck on food particles, and it’s a natural deodorizer.

1. While the sink is still wet, sprinkle a little baking soda in the sink.
2. Use a soft, nylon brush, or if you don’t have that a dish rag will work, and scrub the whole sink. If the baking soda is a little too dry and clumping, add more water to make a paste.
3. When you’re finished cleaning, rinse clean with water.
4. To disinfect, pour white vinegar on some paper towel and wipe down. Or if you’re like me and keep a bottle of vinegar and water under the sink, spray the sink and wipe down.
5. Dry with another piece of paper towel.

You’re done! And it only takes a few extra minutes.

Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Sink Cleaning

1. In a container, mix 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt with 1/4 cup baking soda.
2. Add 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide. Stir well (it will make a bubbly paste).
3. Use a sponge or dish rag to apply the paste to the sink area. Be sure to get in the crevices and don’t forget to clean the sink strainers.
4. Allow the mixture to remain on the surface for 3-5 minutes.
5. Using a toothbrush or soft scrub brush, make small, circular movements with the brush to remove dirt, grime, grease and stains.
6. It can take some time to clean the sink if it has not been done regularly.
7. Rinse the entire area with clean water.
8. Dry using paper towels.

Shining Your Stainless Steel Sink

To give your stainless steel sink a nice shine follow up with this stainless steel cleaning tip.

1. Apply a small amount of olive oil to a soft cloth.
2. Rub the entire surface of the sink and faucet. Don’t use too much oil or the sink will look and feel oily and will attract dust and dirt.
3. Fill a spray bottle with warm water and spray the sink area.
4. Polish the sink with a Sham-Wow or other cloth until it shines. Now it will look like it was just installed in your kitchen.

Keeping Your Stainless Steel Sink Looking New

• To help keep your sink clean use a perforated rubber mat in the sink. This will cut down on scratching and marks that can be left by pans and tableware.
• Keep a small container in the sink where silverware, knives, rags or sponges can be deposited. I use an old Tupperware container. Before meals I add a couple drops of liquid dishwashing soap and some warm water to the bowl. By the time the dishes are put in the dishwasher, any stuck on food, rinses right off.
• Never use steel wool or harsh, abrasive cleaners as it can scratch the sinks surface.
• Don’t scrub against the grain lines, this will damage the original finish and could cause permanent scratching.
• You shouldn’t leave steel or cast iron cookware or implements on the surfaces for extended periods of time. This can cause corrosion and staining.