Get your stainless steel sink looking like new in just a few steps
With so many appliances in your home, it’s easy to forget about your sink. But with all of those pasta dinners and their messy clean-ups, this kitchen tool can use some TLC. Just like cleaning stainless steel appliances in your home, giving your stainless steel sink a cleaning once a week or so will keep bacteria from building up, and buffing it will make it look like new. The good news is it can all be done with products you may already have in your kitchen. Here’s how to clean and buff your stainless steel sink.
The first step in learning how to clean any kitchen sink is by removing dishes, cleaning implements, and bits of food from your sink. Start by giving it a good, thorough rinse with hot tap water to push any bits of leftover food down the drain. Don’t neglect your faucet and the edges of the sink when you’re doing your pre-rinse, and if there are any stubborn, stuck-on bits, use a little dish soap and your sponge to scrub those off. If it's time to deep clean your faucet head, start with this step before moving on to the basin of the sink.
Once your sink is all rinsed out, coat the surface with baking soda. Baking soda is the unsung hero of the kitchen and our entire house cleaning checklist. You can use it to keep things smelling fresh, when cleaning, and of course, in your baked goods. Baking soda won’t scratch the finish of your stainless steel, but it will get rid of water stains, grease, and odors.
For the next part, you’ll want to put on your gloves because baking soda can dry out your skin and make it itchy. Look at your sink—you should be able to tell which way the grain of the steel goes. The grain looks like faded lines, and it will either go horizontally or vertically. Using your nylon brush, gently scrub with the direction of the grain. You can also use an acrylic pad for this part if you don’t have a brush.
Then switch to the toothbrush, using it to really get into the corners and smaller spots that you can’t reach with the larger brush.
Remember that science experiment in school where you make a volcano erupt? It’s time to do a mini version of that with your sink. Cleaning with vinegar and baking soda is a popular alternative to store-bought cleaners. Pour some white vinegar into your spray bottle, then spray it on the baking powder residue left on your sink.
Let it sit for a few minutes and have its “volcanic” chemical reaction (i.e., bubbling a bit), and once it stops bubbling, rinse your sink thoroughly. Dry the sink immediately with a cloth to avoid leaving spots. If your sink was really dirty to begin with, or if this is your first time doing a deep clean, you may need to repeat this step.
If you’ve got rust stains on your sink or other stains that won’t budge even after the baking soda and vinegar scrub, you can use a paste made from cream of tartar and vinegar to scrub those out. Mix one cup of white vinegar with one-quarter cup of cream of tartar (or a 1:4 ratio if you don’t want to make that much). Apply the mixture to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse with warm water and dry the area.
This step is where your sink really gets to shine (pun intended). Using a little bit of olive oil and a cloth, buff your sink and fixtures until they gleam. A little olive oil goes a long way, so if you use too much, wipe it away with a dry cloth. The olive oil will not only make your sink look nice, but it will also protect your sink by forming a barrier that will keep your sink clean for longer.
“Always utilize a soft sponge and a natural abrasive cleaning solution when trying to remove buildup or residue as most materials in the home will scratch very easily," said Asya Biddle, Angi Expert Review Board member and manager of The Dustbusters, a family-owned and operated janitorial company in Williamsport, PA. “This is a mistake that many homeowners and even cleaning professionals have made.”
As is the case with all cleaning tips in your home, always make adjustments based on the sink's unique design. There are many types of kitchen sinks out there, from double-basin to farmhouse sinks, so you may need to change your cleaning products or methods based on the fixtures and small design details. Here are some stainless steel sink cleaning tips to keep in mind.
Do not use any metal scrubbing pads or brushes on your sink. They’ll scratch it up and damage the finish.
If you don’t have vinegar, you can scrub your sink with baking soda and water, then go over it with half of a lemon.
Prevent water spots from forming on your sink in between cleanings by drying the sink after using it. Water spots form from water being left in droplets to air dry.
After using the olive oil, wipe your fixtures thoroughly so they aren’t slippery.
There is no question that cleaning a stainless steel sink is a doable DIY and should be part of your regular routine. If the grime and grunge have gotten a bit out of control—and if your schedule has as well—hiring a local cleaning service is a great backup plan. House cleaners generally charge between $30 and $50 an hour while the overall cost of a house cleaner averages $170 per visit.
You may also choose to call in the cleaning pros if you're concerned about damaging stainless steel sinks and other appliances while renting an apartment. Professionals will have experience and the right products to protect tricky surfaces while taking the work out of your hands.
Clean your stainless steel sink at least once a week or after a particularly messy meal prep. Additionally, deep clean your sink twice a month to catch built-up grime, food stains, or hints of rust. Add both basic and deep cleans to your weekly kitchen cleaning checklist to stay on top of any odors, drain issues, or bacteria.
Always avoid abrasive pads and hard-wired brushes on stainless steel sinks. Metal or steel wool can permanently scratch the surface. And to be safe, it's best to avoid harsh cleaners such as bleach, ammonia, and window cleaners. In most cases, DIY cleaners such as vinegar and baking soda will do the trick.
Expect your stainless steel sink to last between 20 and 30 years on average. When well cared for, you can use your sink much longer, particularly if you protect it from rust. A new stainless steel sink costs anywhere from $200 to $1,500 including installation, so it's in your best interest to take extra care to ensure its longevity.
