How To Clean Your Stainless Steel Sink Like A Pro
The sleek and modern look of a stainless steel kitchen sink is hard to beat. Next to other high maintenance sinks on the market, stainless steel sinks are durable and easy to clean. They’ll give your home a shiny new boost and make for a smoother experience when it comes to all of your home cooking projects. The next time you start to notice a couple of spots on any of your stainless steel kitchen appliances — whether that’s your oven racks or even your stove — it’s time to give your kitchen a little TLC. Here’s a foolproof cleaning method that’ll have your appliances looking shiny and new.
ContentsHow to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink with Cleaners
When it comes to choosing the right cleaning products for your stainless steel sink, you’ll want to think carefully before using any commercial cleaning products out there. Most generic soaps and detergents contain chlorides, which can cause corrosion to your sink or other stainless steel appliances over time. Treat your sink with tender love and care. Read the ingredient labels and if you can, always rinse the surface of your sink with hot water immediately after every use.
Popular stainless steel cleaning products come in a variety of presentations. You can purchase cleaning wipes, sprays, or powders that help you get the polishing job done in a matter of minutes. A pair of gloves and a soft microfiber cloth are all you need to tackle the task.
Remember to always scrub in the direction of your sink’s polish lines to avoid scratching or damaging your stainless steel. Once you’re done, rinse with clean hot water and dry the sink with a clean towel. Voila! Your sink will be gleaming again.
How to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink With Vinegar
Using common household products, you can give your sink a deep clean that’s effective, non-toxic, and ecological.
Pro Tip: Grab a soft cloth and some olive oil to give your sink that extra shine that stands out. A few drops of olive oil should be enough to buff the entire sink surface. This handy hack also creates a protective layer to keep the sink clean for longer periods of time. But don’t use olive oil on your sink handles, because that’ll make them slippery and greasy.
Tips for a Black Stainless Steel Sink
If you have a black stainless steel sink, you’re a pretty swanky fella. This trendy twist on the traditional stainless steel delivers a striking look and an extra layer of protection for your sink. That’s because these sinks are easier to clean and prevent corrosion better than the traditional metal finish.
A cloth and soapy water are all it takes to clean your black stainless steel sink. No abrasive cleaners, household products, or other tools are needed. In fact, baking soda and cleaners can create permanent damage to your black stainless steel sink.
Tips to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink
Avoid scratches: Prevention is part of caring for your stainless steel sink. To avoid scratches, never clean your sink with steel wool or steel brushes. These will damage its surface and leave you with unsightly scratches on the sink.
Don’t use a rubber mat: While it may seem like a good idea to protect your sink with a rubber mat, they can lead to water accumulation and unattractive discoloration. A sink grid is a better alternative that allows water to evaporate and safeguards your sink from scratches. They’re especially helpful to protect black stainless steel sinks from scratches caused by silverware or jewelry.
Polish in one direction: When cleaning your stainless steel sink, remember not to scrub against the grain. Polishing in the direction of your sink’s finish lets you clean better and keeps the steel looking great.
Everyday care: Daily maintenance such as a quick rinse after every use goes a long way. Start with a damp sponge and wipe down any leftovers on your sink. Then, use a clean dry towel to absorb water from the sink’s surface. This helps prevent stains and corrosion.
Weekly polish: Routine cleaning ensures the durability of your sink and gently eliminates hard water stains without scratching. Whether you choose a soft abrasive cleaning product or make your own blend at home, a regular polish restores the shine of your sink and keeps it looking like new.
What should you not use on stainless steel?
When cleaning your stainless steel sink, it’s best to avoid:
