How to Clean a Stainless-Steel Sink

A stainless-steel sink is a popular choice for many homeowners due to its sleek, modern look and durability. However, like any sink, stainless steel requires regular cleaning to keep it looking shiny and new. With the right techniques and products, cleaning a stainless steel sink can be simple and easy.

Why Clean Stainless Steel Sinks Regularly?

There are several benefits to cleaning your stainless steel sink on a regular basis:

Prevents Buildup of Grime, Soap Scum, & Mineral Deposits: Allowing debris, soap scum, hard water stains, and mineral deposits to accumulate will make your sink appear dull and dirty over time. Regular cleaning prevents buildup.
Maintains Shine & Luster: Stainless steel sinks have a beautiful, reflective shine when properly cared for. Regular cleaning maintains the original shine.
Sanitizes: A clean sink minimizes the spread of bacteria that can cause illness.
Prolongs Sink Lifespan: Regular cleaning and polishing keeps the steel from corroding or becoming damaged. A well-maintained sink will last for many years.
Improves Drainage: Buildup in the sink can clog drains, leading to slow drainage. Prevent clogs by keeping the sink clean.

By taking the time to regularly clean your stainless steel sink, you’ll keep it looking like new for long-lasting beauty and enjoyment.

Supplies Needed for Cleaning Stainless Steel Sinks

Cleaning stainless steel is simple with just a few supplies:

Mild Detergent: Look for a gentle liquid dish soap or other mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners.
Soft Sponge or Dishcloth: Use a soft, non-abrasive sponge or cloth to avoid scratching the steel.
Microfiber Cloths: These cloths safely remove grime without damaging the sink’s finish.
Stainless Steel Cleaner/Polish: Special cleaners help remove stubborn stains while polishes protect the shine.
White Vinegar: The mild acid in vinegar dissolves hard water deposits and stains.
Baking Soda: Works with vinegar to lift dirt and scum off the steel. Also gently polishes.
Rubber Gloves: Protects hands from harsh cleaners.
Old Toothbrush: Helpful for scrubbing in crevices and corners.

With these basic supplies on hand, you’ll be ready to tackle any cleaning task.

Cleaning a Regularly Used Stainless Steel Sink

For sinks that are used daily, follow this routine cleaning:

Daily Sink Cleaning

Every evening, wipe down the sink with a soft sponge or cloth using warm water and a small amount of mild detergent. This removes any debris, grease, and soap scum that accumulated during the day.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a clean towel to prevent mineral deposits from tap water.
Make this quick cleaning part of your regular kitchen cleanup routine to prevent heavy buildup.

Weekly Deep Cleaning

Once a week, do a more thorough cleaning. Start by mixing a paste of equal parts baking soda and white vinegar.
Spread the paste over the surface of the sink using a soft cloth or sponge. Let it set for 5-10 minutes.
Scrub the paste over the surface with a sponge or old toothbrush, getting into tough stains and corners. The baking soda will gently polish while the vinegar dissolves gunk.
Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
Apply a stainless steel cleaner or polish and buff the sink by rubbing in the direction of the grain to restore shine.
Clean the drain area thoroughly. Place a drain stopper and fill with 1 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup vinegar. Let foam and bubble for 10 minutes then rinse down thoroughly with hot water.

Regular weekly cleaning keeps your stainless steel sink spotless.

Deep Cleaning a Neglected Stainless Steel Sink

Over time, lack of regular cleaning can lead to stubborn stains on stainless steel. Here is how to deep clean a neglected sink:

Remove Heavy Soap Scum & Grime

Mix a solution of 1⁄4 cup dish soap and 1⁄4 cup baking soda in a spray bottle filled with warm water.
Liberally spray the solution over the sink surface, getting it into the corners and along the drain area. Allow it to set for 10-15 minutes.
Use a sponge or soft cloth to scrub the solution over the sink, wiping in the direction of the grain.
Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel. Repeat if needed for heavy buildup.

Remove Rust Stains

Make a paste with lemon juice and baking soda or salt. Apply to rust stains and allow to set for 15 minutes.
Scrub with a sponge or toothbrush then rinse. For stubborn rust, use a rust removal chemical and follow product directions.

Remove Hard Water Stains

Cover stains with undiluted white vinegar and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes. This dissolves mineral deposits.
Scrub with a sponge or toothbrush then rinse. For heavy hard water stains, use a scale remover chemical.

Polish Away Dullness

Once gunk is removed, apply a stainless steel cleaner using a microfiber cloth. Rub in the direction of the grain.
Rinse and dry thoroughly. Finish by rubbing stainless steel polish onto the surface to restore its mirror-like shine.

With some scrubbing and the right products, you can get a neglected stainless steel sink looking brand new again.

Daily Stainless Steel Sink Cleaning Tips

These quick tips make daily stainless steel sink cleaning fast and easy:

Rinse Dishes First – Don’t let food particles and sauces dry on the sink. Rinse dishes before washing.
Use a Sink Strainer – Place strainers in the sink to catch food scraps during prep and cleanup.
Wipe Spills Quickly – Immediately wipe any spills or drips to prevent staining.
Air Dry – Allowing the sink to air dry prevents water spots. Wipe with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.
Clean With the Grain – Always scrub or wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid damaging the finish.
Rinse & Dry After Cleaning – Prevent soap scum buildup or mineral deposits from tap water by rinsing and drying thoroughly after washing.
Polish Weekly – Apply a stainless steel polish weekly when cleaning to maintain the sink’s shine.

By incorporating these tips into your regular routine, keeping a stainless steel sink clean becomes quick, easy, and effective.

Best Cleaners for Stainless Steel Sinks

Using the right cleaners is key to keeping a stainless sink looking its best. Here are the top cleaners to use:

Dish Soap

What It Does: Cutting grease, mild soap removes daily grime
Tip for Use: Dilute with warm water for regular cleaning

Baking Soda

What It Does: Dissolves gunk, gently scrubs, and polishes
Tip for Use: Mix with water to form paste or with vinegar for extra cleaning power

White Vinegar

What It Does: Removes hard water stains, disinfects
Tip for Use: Dilute for regular cleaning; full strength for heavy stains

Hydrogen Peroxide

What It Does: Disinfects and removes stains
Tip for Use: Dilute 1 part peroxide to 3 parts water

Ammonia

What It Does: Cuts through stubborn grease and soap scum
Tip for Use: Dilute 1⁄2 cup in 1 gallon water. Works best with hot water

Stainless Steel Cleaner/Polish

What It Does: Cleans, polishes, and protects the finish
Tip for Use: Use weekly to maintain the shine. Rub in direction of grain.

Using the right cleaners keeps stainless steel sinks spotless. Avoid abrasive cleaners or pads that could scratch the finish.

How to Clean a Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink Faucet

Don’t forget to clean your stainless steel sink’s faucet during regular sink cleaning sessions. Here’s how:

Rinse the faucet to remove any loose dirt and debris.
Apply a small amount of dish soap to a soft cloth or sponge. Clean the faucet by wiping down all surfaces.
Rinse soap off thoroughly with clean water.
Dry completely with a clean towel. Don’t allow water spots.
Apply a small amount of stainless steel polish to a microfiber cloth. Buff the faucet by rubbing in the direction of the grain.
Pay special attention to frequently handled spots like the handle and spout opening.
Rinse away excess polish and wipe any splatters from the sink.

Regular faucet cleaning removes dirt, soap scum, and water spots for a flawlessly clean stainless sink area.

How Often to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink

Here are general guidelines on how often to clean a stainless steel sink:

Daily – Quick daily wipe downs keep the sink clean in between deeper cleans.
Weekly – Do a thorough cleaning and polishing weekly for a regularly used sink.
Monthly – Deep clean neglected sinks at least once a month.
Before/After Holidays or Parties – Clean before and after hosting events and gatherings.
When Visibly Dirty – Don’t allow grease, grime, or stains to build up. Clean as needed.
Before Going on Vacation – Come home to a spotless sink by cleaning before extended trips.
When Installing – Polish and clean a brand new sink before its first use.

Adjust the frequency according to use to keep your stainless steel sink looking like new. Consistent care prevents stubborn stains.

How to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink with Baking Soda

Baking soda is an effective and affordable cleaner for stainless steel sinks. Here’s how to use it:

For Light Grime:

Wet the sink and sprinkle baking soda over the surface. Use about 1⁄4 cup.
Rub the baking soda over the sink with a damp sponge or cloth. It will form a mildly abrasive paste.
Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel.

For Heavy Grime and Stains:

Mix 1⁄4 cup baking soda with enough water to form a paste.
Apply the paste to stained or dirty areas and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
Scrub the paste with a sponge, toothbrush, or plastic scrubbing pad.
Rinse thoroughly and dry. Repeat if needed for stubborn stains.

For Polish:

After cleaning, rub a small amount of dry baking soda over the surface with a dry cloth.
Rinse and dry for a gently polished finish.

The fine abrasiveness of baking soda dissolved gunk while the alkaline composition cleans and deodorizes. Always rub gently to avoid scratches.

How Long Does it Take to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink?

Here is an estimate of time needed for cleaning stainless steel sinks:

Daily wipe down – 5 minutes
Weekly clean – 10-15 minutes
Monthly deep clean – 20-30 minutes
Twice-yearly super scrub – 1 hour or more

Times can vary based on:

Sink size – Larger sinks take longer.
Messes – Heavy staining or clogs lengthen cleaning.
Tools used – Cleaners that require soaking add more time.
Level of grunge – Neglected sinks need more work.

Tips for faster cleaning:

Stay on top of daily wipe downs.
Have all supplies ready beforehand.
Use bottom rack of dishwasher to clean sink accessories.
Soak heavily soiled areas first.
Use powerful cleaners for stubborn gunk.
Set a timer to stay on schedule.

Consistent, regular cleaning is the best way to keep stainless steel sink cleaning fast and easy.

Common Problems Cleaning a Stainless Steel Sink & Solutions

Here are some common stainless steel sink cleaning challenges and how to solve them:

Problem: Stubborn stains that don’t come out with regular cleaning.

Solution: Use a stainless steel cleaner and scrub with a plastic scrub pad. Soak tough stains in undiluted vinegar.

Problem: Cloudy film develops even after cleaning & polishing.

Solution: Hard water likely the culprit. Remove film with white vinegar rinse or prevent with water softener.

Problem: Sink stains immediately after cleaning.

Solution: Leaving sink wet after cleaning allows water spots. Always dry sink thoroughly.

Problem: Draining slows over time.

Solution: Remove built-up gunk by pouring baking soda and vinegar down drain. Use a zip-it drain cleaner regularly.

Problem: Rust stains around drain area.

Solution: Use a rust remover and scrub with toothbrush. Keep drain area dry.

Problem: Scratches on the surface.

Solution: Use non-abrasive cleaners and scrub pads. Fine scratches can be buffed out.

With the right techniques and products, you can overcome any stainless steel sink cleaning challenge.

Stainless Steel Sink Cleaning FAQs

Cleaning stainless steel sinks brings up many questions for homeowners. Here are answers to some frequently asked queries:

What is the easiest way to clean a stainless steel sink?
The simplest method is a paste of baking soda and water for light cleaning. For tougher jobs, use hot water and dish soap with a plastic scrub pad.

How do you get rust stains out of a stainless steel sink?
Make a paste with lemon juice and baking soda or salt. Apply to rust spots and allow to sit before scrubbing and rinsing. For tough rust, use a commercial rust remover.

Why does my stainless steel sink stain so easily?
Over time, minerals in water can lead to buildup. Be sure to rinse & dry thoroughly after each use. Clean with vinegar weekly to combat hard water stains.

What should you not clean a stainless steel sink with?
Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, abrasive pads, and steel wool that could scratch the finish. Chlorine bleach and ammonia are too aggressive for sinks.

Can I use clr on my stainless steel sink?
CLR or other harsh chemical cleaners are not recommended because they can damage the sink’s finish. Try gentler vinegar and baking soda approach first.

What removes hard water stains from stainless steel?
White vinegar or a scale remover chemical work best to dissolve stubborn hard water stains on stainless steel. Soak spots then scrub.

Why is there rust in my stainless steel sink?
If the sink’s chrome finish gets scratched, iron particles under the surface can oxidize and cause rust spots around scratches. A rust remover can help remove them.

Proper regular cleaning and care makes stainless steel sinks stain-resistant and able to stay beautiful for years.

Stainless Steel Sink Cleaning Checklist

Follow this checklist to keep your stainless steel sink spotless:

[ ] Rinse sink after each use to prevent stain buildup
[ ] Wash with mild dish soap & soft sponge daily
[ ] Dry sink thoroughly after each wash to prevent water spots
[ ] Deep clean weekly with baking soda paste
[ ] Remove stains with vinegar soak & scrub
[ ] Use plastic scrub pad for stuck-on gunk
[ ] Disinfect with hydrogen peroxide or ammonia solution
[ ] Polish dry sink weekly with stainless steel cleaner
[ ] Prevent scratching by using non-abrasive pads
[ ] Keep sink & sink area dry between uses
[ ] Clean sink drain thoroughly monthly
[ ] Deep clean neglected sink with degreaser

By regularly following these tips, you’ll keep your stainless steel sink spotless and shining like new! Let this checklist guide your cleaning regimen.

Bottom Line

With its sleek modern look and durable finish, a stainless steel sink can be a beautiful addition to any kitchen. But maintaining its shine and preventing grime buildup requires regular cleaning. Use mild dish soap, baking soda, vinegar and water for daily tasks. For stubborn stains or neglected sinks, break out specialty sink cleaners and plastic scrub pads. By cleaning your stainless steel sink a few times a week and thoroughly disinfecting the drain monthly, you’ll prevent gross gunk and keep the sink’s finish spotless for years to come. Check your sinks regularly and clean whenever you notice grime or stains starting to develop. With the proper cleaning methods, you can enjoy the functionality and bright allure of a stainless steel sink.