Stainless steel is a popular feature in kitchens. The dazzle and shine of stainless steel make any space look more sophisticated and can make appliances look more expensive. The best part is that stainless steel sinks are virtually maintenance-free—until you make a mistake with cleaning them. If you want to avoid mistakes, hiring a deep clean service is one way to keep a sink looking great if you’re worried about doing it yourself. But, if you want to keep your sink looking amazing for years to come, then you need to know the right way to make a stainless steel sink shine.
Have The Right Cleaning Supplies
Caring for your stainless steel sink requires the correct tools. If you use something too abrasive, you may end up scratching the patina and dulling the sink. So make sure you have the following:
- Non-abrasive scrubbers and sponges
- Paper towels
- Dusting cloth
- Old toothbrush
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Lemon wedges
- Gloves
Before we get into some steps for cleaning a stainless steel sink, you should know some basic care tips that will extend the sink’s life and prevent any damage from occurring. Most of the stains and dings in a sink are the result of one habit: leaving dishes in the sink overnight.
You should always wipe down your stainless steel sink once you have finished using it to eliminate mineral buildup and watermarking. Soaps and other objects, like eating utensils, sponges, wands, and towels should never be left to dry in the sink, since they can leave marks.
Objects that stain, such as coffee grounds, shouldn’t be left for a long period in the sink either, because, yes, it can cause discoloration.
Rinse The Sink
Before you begin a kitchen cleaning for your sink, empty it, remove all dirty dishes and utensils and scraps of food. Quickly rinse the sink with hot water. You don’t want any dirt or debris left behind when you start scrubbing, because it can abrade the metal, leaving scratches.
Baking Soda
Do you have hard water deposits or grease marks that refuse to budge? Sprinkle some baking soda. Put the powder around the rim of the sink and the faucet. Make sure the coat is even. Wait around 10 minutes before moving onto the next step.
Scrub Thoroughly
Once you see the baking soda start to take effect, it is time to grab your scrubber. Do not scrub back and forth but in the direction of the stainless steel finish. If there is a stubborn mark that isn’t going away, scrub in a circular motion.
Use a Toothbrush
Next, grab the toothbrush, wet it, and apply some baking soda. You can use the toothbrush to work into those areas that are difficult to reach with a sponge. Also, use the toothbrush on the drain as well. Once you finish scrubbing with the toothbrush, wash the sink out with hot water. Be thorough.
Disinfect with Vinegar and Lemon
After the scrubbing, you might think you’re done—but not yet! Cover the drain with a plug or stopper then pours some distilled white vinegar into the basin. You will notice some bubbling and fizzing. Let the vinegar sit for around 15 minutes. This gives it time to disinfect and remove stains.
From there, you can use a medium-bristled brush to gently rub the sides of the sink. Use some hot water to rinse the sink.
The last part of disinfecting and adding shine involves the lemon wedges. If you don’t have a lemon, you can use orange wedges or even peel. Rub the entire basin with the lemon to deodorize and add some sparkle.
Wipe the basin dry to prevent water spots.
Takeaway
Easy, right? Using these tips and tricks, you can bring some shine back to your stainless steel sink. Remember, you can prevent markings and discoloration by simply wiping the sink dry after use. These steps, however, are very easy and use things you already have, so your sink will always look great.
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