Cleaning Stainless Steel Sinks

Stainless steel is a steel alloy with 11% chromium. The chromium in stainless steel forms a film of chromium oxide over the surface of the metal and prevents exposure to air and water, which triggers corrosion. This alloy is used for manufacturing various products, especially cutlery. Stainless steel sinks are one among the most commonly used products of this alloy. One of the main reasons for its popularity is its durability, as compared to other materials like porcelain and cast iron. Stainless steel is rust-resistant and retains its luster for a longer period. It is the perfect material for making deeper sinks, as it is strong enough to hold more utensils and can match any interior decor.

Above all, the most important advantage of stainless steel sink is that it is easier to clean. Even though, the name of this alloy is 'stainless', it does not imply that its products are stain-proof. Hence, a stainless steel sink can get stained and lose its shine and needs regular cleaning to retain its beauty. Let us go through some easy ways of cleaning a stainless steel sink:

• If your kitchen sink is lightly stained, clean it with soap water and allow to drain. Then apply white vinegar, using a clean cloth and scrub the sink. Instead of vinegar, you can also use baking soda. Sprinkle it over the surface of the sink and scrub with a damp sponge. Wipe and dry the surface with a paper towel. You can use some oil to bring back the lost sheen. Pour some drops of oil on a clean cloth and polish the surface with it.
• In case of a highly-stained kitchen sink, you can use a stainless steel cleanser for cleaning. First, rinse the sink with hot water and then scrub it with a sponge containing the cleanser. Use a soft brush (or toothbrush) to clean the faucet and the areas around it. After scrubbing, wipe the sink and rinse it with water. Make sure that the cleanser is removed completely, otherwise it can leave spots. Use a clean cloth or towel to wipe and dry the sink.
• You can make a cleaning mixture by mixing one part hot water, one part vinegar and half-part baking soda. Scrub the sink with this mixture, using a clean cloth. Once it is dry, you can wipe it off. Another homemade cleanser consists of three parts of cream of tartar, and one part of hydrogen peroxide. Apply this mixture on the surface of the sink and scrub with a clean cloth. Let it dry and use a damp cloth to remove it.
• Sometimes, you may notice fingerprint marks on your kitchen sink. It can be removed by spraying glass cleaner on it and wiping with a paper towel or clean cloth. In case of tough stains like paint, use commercial polishers, specially made for stainless steel products. Normally, rust spots appear very rarely on stainless steel sinks. If there are such spots, apply a paste of a tablespoon of tartar and a few drops of lemon juice and leave it for one hour. Then scrub it with a clean cloth and rinse and dry the area.
• Another method of cleaning a stainless steel sink is by using hot water and bleach. First, close the drain of the sink and fill it with hot water. After ten minutes, add one cap full of bleach to the water. Keep the water for one or two hours, so as to allow the stains and dirt to soften. Drain the water and scrub the sink using a soft brush or toothbrush. Use cold water to rinse and wipe dry with paper towel.

Always make it a point to rinse the kitchen sink after use and wipe dry with clean cloth. Thorough cleaning should be done once a week. Don't use a steel wool pad or any abrasive scrubbers to clean the sink, as they can cause scratches on the surface of your sink. A little care and regular cleaning can keep your stainless steel sink sparkling.