Cleaning a Stainless Steel Sink

Stainless steel is durable and resistant to many types of blemishes, discoloration, and corrosion, but that doesn’t mean it is completely resistant to stains and scratches. Cleaning a stainless steel sink correctly can help keep it clean, bright, and looking its best while minimizing wear over time.

Like most surfaces, stainless steel can become scratched, stained, dull, or covered with water spots. Food spills and other messes should be wiped up as soon as possible and not left sitting on the surface. Fortunately, with regular cleaning and the right products, it is possible to minimize wear and tear and keep your stainless steel sink looking great.

Follow these stainless steel sink cleaning tips to learn how to clean your sink, remove buildup and stains, reduce the appearance of light scratches, and maintain its shine.

How NOT to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink

There are a few important rules when it comes to keeping a stainless steel sink clean and bright.

• Don’t Use Cleaners Containing Bleach: Chlorine bleach can damage stainless steel and may cause discoloration or corrosion, especially if it is left sitting on the surface. This includes cleaners that contain bleach. If you accidentally use bleach on your sink, rinse the area thoroughly with clean water.
• Don’t Use Harsh Abrasive Cleaners: Stainless steel sinks can scratch, especially when cleaned with overly abrasive or gritty products. Always use a cleaner appropriate for stainless steel and scrub gently in the direction of the grain.
• Don’t Use Steel Wool or Steel Bristle Brushes: Steel wool and steel brushes can deeply scratch the sink and may leave tiny particles behind that can eventually rust. Use a nylon brush, non-scratching scrub pad, soft sponge, or microfiber cloth instead.

How to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink Every Day

With kids and three full meals a day, our sink gets its fair share of use. At the end of the day, I like to give it a quick cleaning.

Fill the sink with hot or warm water and add a squirt or two of your favorite dishwashing liquid. I like to use Dawn dishwashing liquid because it’s inexpensive and does a great job cutting through grease.

When the sink is about 1/3 to 1/2 full, turn off the water and use a nylon brush or the scrubber side of a non-scratching sponge to clean each side of the sink. Don’t forget the bottom.

When you have scrubbed each side thoroughly, empty the water from the sink.

Get your scrubber again and clean around the drain, making sure to remove any gunky buildup trapped there. Buildup around the drain can contribute to odors and is frequently overlooked. The drain area should shine too.

Rinse the sink completely with clean water and dry it with a microfiber cloth. Drying the sink helps prevent water spots and mineral deposits from being left behind.

When cleaning a stainless steel sink, scrub in the same direction as the polished grain whenever possible. Scrubbing against the grain can make scratches more noticeable.

Make sure to rinse the sink completely to remove all cleaning products.

How to Deep Clean a Stainless Steel Sink

If food, grease, or other buildup is sticking to the sink, sprinkle a little baking soda over the damp surface and scrub gently with a soft, wet sponge.

Baking soda can help loosen stuck-on messes and absorb odors, but it is mildly abrasive, so don’t scrub aggressively. Always scrub gently and, when possible, follow the direction of the grain.

Rinse the sink thoroughly when finished and dry it with a microfiber cloth.

How to Remove Stains from a Stainless Steel Sink

For stubborn stains or discoloration, start with the baking soda cleaning method above.

If the stain remains, you can use a cleaner specifically designed for stainless steel or another cleaner that is labeled safe for your sink. Always follow the product directions and test an inconspicuous area first if you are unsure how the finish will react.

Some stainless steel cleaners can also help remove light discoloration and restore the appearance of the surface.

Never mix cleaning products together. If you try more than one cleaning product, rinse the sink thoroughly with water and remove the previous cleaner before using another one.

How to Reduce the Appearance of Scratches in a Stainless Steel Sink

Light scratches are common in stainless steel sinks and often become less noticeable over time as the surface develops a more uniform appearance.

For more noticeable scratches, a stainless steel scratch-removal or polishing product may help improve their appearance. These products generally won’t remove deep scratches completely, but they can sometimes make the sink look less worn.

Always follow the directions carefully and make sure the product is appropriate for your particular type of stainless steel sink.

Bar Keepers Friend can also be useful for cleaning some stainless steel sinks, but because different stainless steel finishes can vary, always follow the product directions and your sink manufacturer’s recommendations.

How to Keep a Stainless Steel Sink Shiny

The easiest way to keep a stainless steel sink shiny is to clean it regularly, rinse away all cleaning residue, and dry it after cleaning.

A microfiber cloth works especially well for drying and buffing the surface. Wipe in the direction of the grain to help bring out the natural shine of the stainless steel.

Avoid leaving standing water, food, acidic spills, or cleaning products sitting in the sink for long periods. Regular cleaning and drying will go a long way toward preventing water spots, stains, and buildup.

With the right cleaning methods, your stainless steel sink can stay clean, bright, and looking great for years.

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