How should I maintain my Stainless Steel sink?

As was discussed in a previous article, Stainless Steel is not impervious to stains, but it is a wonderful stain resistant material.  That being said, here are few suggestions to keep your sink looking beautiful.

Cleaning your sink

sudsy stainles steel sink
  • Clean your sink with a soft abrasive cleaner, such as baking soda*. Apply a thin layer.   And always scrub in the directions of the polish lines (grain) of your sink.
  • Lightly spray white vinegar on the baking soda. Creating a fuzzy chemical reaction.
  • Rinse with water
  • And if possible, wipe the surface dry, as this will prevent those irritating water or rust marks from appearing

Another thing to consider is frequency. Rinsing your sink after each use will limit residue build up on the surface. Which in turn increases the time between deep cleanings of your sink.

Things to avoid

But there a few things that should never be done to your stainless steel sink, all of these can no-no’s can lead to rust and corrosion of your stainless steel sink

  • Never use steel wool on your sink.
  • Avoid leaving steel or cast iron cookware in your sink.
  • Don’t leave rubber dish mats, wet sponges,  or cleaning pads for an extended time in your sink
  • Never cut your sink surface.
  • Never leave harsh cleaning chemicals (bleach) is the sink for sustained periods
  • Avoid Magic Eraser materials. They tend to remove the protective coating

* The combination of baking soda and white vinegar is a common natural cleaning duo. The chemical reaction between them produces a fizzing action. This reaction can help dissolve residue on surfaces. Thereby, making them easier to wipe away. Another benefit is once the chemicals reaction is complete, the result is water. So you do not have to worry about a harsh chemical residue. Another option to consider is Bar Keepers Friend.

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