How to Polish a Stainless Steel Sink to Look Brand New

Stainless steel sinks are one of the most popular options on the market these days. Thanks to their sleek look and easy maintenance.

Over time, however, they can lose their shine and even begin to look slightly rusty.

How do you ensure that the sink maintains its spark over the years? The following article will show you how to polish your stainless steel sink to make it look brand new.

How frequently should a stainless steel sink be cleaned?

Luxury kitchen sinks are a great addition to any kitchen. What better way to amplify your kitchen aesthetics than by getting the stainless ones?

Nevertheless, they require consistent cleaning for aesthetic purposes and to maintain shine. How frequently you clean your sink depends on its use level.

If your sink is used for cooking, you should clean it daily. If it’s mainly used for handwashing, you can get away with cleaning it every other day or once a week.

The best thing about stainless steel is that it can never wear out from too much cleaning.

What cleaning equipment do I need for a stainless steel sink?

Cleaning supplies

Are you wondering how to clean stainless steel sink? What can you use to clean stainless steel? You will need a stainless steel cleaner, a soft cloth, and warm water.

The first step is to spray the stainless steel cleaner on the sink’s surface. You can either use a cloth to apply it or spray it right on the sink.

Next, take the soft cloth and begin rubbing the stainless steel in a circular motion. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. You can also use a toothbrush to get into tight spaces.

Finally, rinse the sink with warm water and dry it with a towel. Clean hot water leaves the sink sparkling and germ-free.

When you don’t try with a towel, the water will dry up and leave spots in the sink.  Regularly drying the sink plays a huge role in preventing surface rust marks.

Various tips for cleaning a stainless steel appliance

There are a few tried and tested methods for polishing a stainless steel sink to make it look new. The best way to clean stainless steel sink varies from person to person.

Here are a few tips to help you out get the best sparkle.

  • Make a paste of baking soda and water, then scrub the appliance with a brush or cloth. Baking soda is abrasive and excellent in scrubbing,  sucking on food and grease,  and light hard water deposits.
  • It doesn’t scratch shiny stainless features like faucets. It also acts as an odor remover and leaves the drainage smelling fresh.
  • Club soda does the trick as well. It is one of the best cleaner for stainless steel sink.  Place a stopper in your sink, pour club soda, and a run-in with a soft cloth.
  • Always dry the sink afterward to prevent water spots and surface rust.
  • Use a vinegar and water solution, which you can put in a spray bottle and then spritz onto the sink before wiping off. Vinegar is a great disinfectant.
  • Use a commercial stainless steel cleaner. These come in liquid or spray form, and you simply need to follow the instructions on the bottle.
  • Use tartar to remove stubborn stains.   Mix a quarter cup of cream tartar with a cup of white vinegar and cover the stain with the mixture.
  • Next, rub it in with a sponge. Leave it to work for a few minutes before rinsing it off.  Repeat the procedure when needed. You can always find this cream in the baking section of the market.
  • After the sink is clean and dry, add a few drops of olive oil to a piece of cloth and buff it until it sparkles.

Always ensure you wear gloves when working with cleaners to protect your hands. You should also work in a well-ventilated area.

Using disposable nitrile gloves when working with cleaners is recommended as they provide good resistance against chemicals and oils.

The don’ts when cleaning a stainless steel sink

There are other things you should avoid when doing the cleaning. Some are:

  • Don’t let sponges, soaps, towels, or rags dry on the sink surface. They can easily harbor bacteria and dull the surface beneath them.
  • Don’t use steel wool pads on stainless steel sinks.  The iron particles left behind can lead to corrosion and rust.
  • Don’t leave cast iron cookware on your sink for extended periods. Iron and moisture on top of stainless steel can lead to staining and rust.
  • Never mix cleaners. Some products react when mixed and can create a poisonous gas.

In conclusion

So, if your sink looks a little worse for wear, don’t panic.  Using the steps mentioned above, you can make your sink shine like new again.

Always rinse the sink after you are done with the cleaning. Most detergents and soaps contain chloride, which can lead to corrosion when left there.

What other tips do you use to polish your stainless steel sink? Let us know in the comments.

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