The Suggested Way To Clean Stainless Steel Sinks

Who doesn’t want a clean and shiny kitchen? The dream of every housewife is having floors, kitchenware, kitchen cabinets and sink shiny at all times. But, keeping everything shiny takes a little bit of work. Especially a kitchen sink. Although very often forgotten and neglected, kitchen sink is the homeland to various bacteria.

stainless-steel-sinks

The first thing to consider when cleaning stainless steel sinks is what not to do or simply said, what to avoid. Stainless steel products cannot be cleaned with just any cleaning agent available since many contain harsh chemicals which can easily damage the finish. Despite its name, stainless steel shows stains; even a plain water can leave spots if not used properly. So, before you start scrubbing, have a look at the products and techniques that must be avoided when it comes to cleaning and care of stainless steel sinks.

  • Avoid products that contain chloride.
  • Avoid using oven cleaners.
  • Don’t use steel brush, steel wool or abrasive scrubbing pads to prevent scratches.
  • Avoid abrasive cleansers on brushed stainless steel.
  • Avoid cleaning heated stainless steel surfaces.
  • Don’t use dirty or hard water because it can leave spots or brown stains on the stainless steel surface.

It may seems impossible not to clean the dirty stains without these products, but there are some very simple things that can help you clean your stainless steel sink.

  • Stainless steel sinks, just like any other kitchen appliance, come with owner’s manual. It is best to first read the manufacturer’s manual (cover to cover) and follow the cleaning and care instructions provided. Many stainless steel sink are treated with a clear-coat finish, so be careful because some cleaning products can damage the finish.
  • One of the golden rules for cleaning a kitchen sink is to wipe it down with a damp and soapy washcloth after finished with doing dishes. Rinse the washcloth with clean water and wipe again the surface to remove any soap. Finish with a dry wipe.
  • Always wipe the sink in the direction of the stainless steel “grain”.
  • For heavier grease, use a mild detergent, nylon scrubber and hot water. After that, rinse the surface and towel dry to prevent any spots.
  • To remove extremely tough stains, make a paste of baking soda and liquid dish soap. Gently scrub with an old toothbrush or a nylon scrubber. If the paste doesn’t help, use undiluted vinegar and scrub again with the toothbrush. At the end, rinse and towel dry.
  • If you want to maintain the shiny finish, buff your sink from time to time with a stainless steel polish, silicone based spray or lemon oil. Apply the polish in the direction of the stainless steel grain. After that dry with lint-free cloth.

Besides the timeless, natural homemade vinegar/baking soda and mild dishwasher cleansers, there are numerous non-abrasive cleaners and polishes that are designed for stainless steel use only.

Aiden Jones

Aiden Jones is an Australian student and a freelance writer. When not studying, Aiden spends time reading about different industrial equipment, information technology (computers and networking) and sports. With his elegant writing, Aiden enriches readers with his personal perspective and never steers away from the hard truth.