Most of us probably rinse out, and maybe wipe out, our kitchen sink regularly enough. But if you have stainless steel sinks, it can really boost the aesthetic (and hygiene) to give it a good cleaning. While stainless steel is known for its durability and resistance to stains, it can lose its shine over time due to water spots, food residue, and general wear and tear. Here are some easy tips to keep your stainless steel sink looking great.

Materials Needed

  • Mild dish soap or store-bought cleaner and polish products
  • Olive oil or mineral oil
  • Soft sponge or cloth
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Old toothbrush
  • Spray bottle

Important Notes

A stainless sink might be durable, but it's easier than you think to make mistakes while cleaning. Connor Epstein, Research & Development Chemist at Weiman made these suggestions to prevent damage over time:

  • Avoid harsh abrasives: Avoid steel wool or gritty scrubbing pads, as they can scratch the surface and dull the finish.
  • Avoid chlorine bleach or cleaners containing chloride: These can cause corrosion and damage the protective layer of stainless steel.
  • Don't leave wet sponges or cloths in the sink: This can lead to water spots or even rust spots over time.
  • Using hard water without rinsing: Minerals can build up and leave cloudy deposits if not rinsed away.
  • Ignoring the grain: Always clean along the grain of the steel to maintain its natural shine and prevent streaks.
A sponge and two dishcloths in the bottom of a Kohler sink.
Don't let your sponges and cloths sit on the bottom of your sink. (A rack helps keep ours elevated.) Credit: Emily Fazio

How to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink

  1. Rinse the sink with warm water. This removes any loose debris or food particles.
  2. Apply mild dish soap. Use a damp, non-abrasive sponge or cleaning cloth with a few drops of dish soap or a bit of to scrub the entire sink. Pay extra attention to any stained or greasy areas.
  3. Rinse thoroughly. After this initial cleaning, rinse all soap residue down the drain.
  4. Use a deep cleaner if necessary. Treat stains with a gentle abrasive to help lift stains and acts as an odor remover. Baking soda (as a paste, not a powder) works hard, and a store-bought stainless steel cleaner can also help reduce scratches and shine surfaces.
  5. Wipe with a soft sponge. Using a damp soft sponge, gently rub the sink in the direction of the stainless steel grain to avoid scratches.
  6. Clean the faucet and fixtures. Avoid harsh chemicals and polish the faucet and fixtures with a cleaner and polish spray. Let it sit for a few minutes before treating water spots or soap scum.
  7. Rinse and dry the sink. Rinse the entire sink and fixtures with hot water and dry with a clean cloth to prevent water spots and a grimy appearance.
  8. Polish with olive oil, mineral oil, or a polishing cloth. Whether you use oils or cloths, buffing the clean sink will give an extra shine.
Washing carrots in a sink under water.
Properly clean soil and pesticides off your vegetables. Credit: Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash

FAQ

Can you do anything to prevent hard water spots and stains?

Of course, but it takes extra work or a diligent cleaning schedule to remain spot-free!

  • Wipe the sink after each use
  • Avoid leaving food scraps or residual soap for extended periods.
  • Remember that water quality matters. Use a water softener if you have hard water.
  • Avoid leaving standing water and dirty dishes in the sink. This will minimize mineral deposits and water marks. Also, replace your kitchen sponge regularly!

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Is it safe to use vinegar to clean stainless steel sinks?

Generally, yes, but only sparingly and if you rinse it off thoroughly. We'd avoid leaving distilled white vinegar (or lemon juice, or anything acidic) on the stainless steel appliances, sinks, or surfaces for extended periods because it could dull the finish. 

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What’s the best way to keep kitchen sponges and cloths hygienic?

Pretty gross, right? Rinse them completely after each use and wring them out so they don’t stay soggy. 

We also microwave our sponges and Swedish cloths clean by microwaving them damp for 1 minute every week, and occasionally soak them in a small bowl of one cup water and one tablespoon of bleach if they are embedded with stains. 

I know with certainty that this helps us extend the life of our products, but if you aren't making extra efforts to disinfect them, plan on replacing them every 1-2 weeks.