The stainless steel sink is a popular choice because it is durable and relatively low maintenance. Their non-porous surface prevents the accumulation of dirt, bacteria and microorganisms. It has a natural resistance to common household acids and stains caused by certain fruits and vegetables. However, you should clean the kitchen sink properly to keep it sparkling for years and reduce the risk of damage. In this article you will learn how to properly clean your stainless steel sink.
Do you have to clean the stainless steel sink every day?
Your kitchen sink will best retain its brilliance if it is cleaned immediately after use. You will need dish soap, a soft sponge and a cleaning cloth and should follow these 3 steps every day:
- Add a few drops of dishwashing detergent to a damp, soft sponge.
- Remove stubborn food residue with the sponge.
- Then rinse with clean water and dry with a microfiber cloth.
How to clean your stainless steel sink thoroughly with home remedies
With regular daily cleaning, more thorough cleaning is only needed about once a week. In just 5 steps you will have a shiny, good-smelling and bacteria-free sink. The best part? All you need is little more than a few home remedies you may already have at home.
Your props:
- sponge
- Dishwashing liquid
- toothpaste
- Baking powder/baking soda
- White vinegar
- Alcohol
- Lemon or orange juice
- olive oil
Wash the sink first
First, rinse the sink with water. Remove food particles or obvious debris from the drain. You can scrub the stainless steel sink with soapy water at this point. Don't forget the faucet, spray nozzle and drain strainer. Use an old toothbrush for the hard-to-reach areas (you can also soak the drain strainer in a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar to disinfect it a little). Rinse everything off andwipe the faucetto avoid annoying water stains.
Remove scratches
Now the scratches should go away too! Sprinkle a layer of baking powder or baking soda into the wet stainless steel sink. Use the soft part of the sponge to work the soda in a circular motion, following the grain of the steel. The baking soda and water create a delicate but abrasive paste to polish all those scratches.
More practical home remedies for more surprising results
- Very fine stainless steel scratches can be treated with high-percentage alcohol. You simply dip a kitchen towel in alcohol and use it to remove the scratches.
- For deeper scratches: Apply toothpaste to an old toothbrush and scrub back and forth over the scratches in the direction of the grain. Wipe off the toothpaste with a clean, damp cloth and see if the scratches are gone. Repeat the process until you are satisfied with the result.
- An even more effective way to remove scratches is the home remedy chalk, which you can buy at the pharmacy or drugstore. Simply mix with liquid soap to get rid of everything.
Clean the stainless steel sink with vinegar
When you're done scrubbing, rinse the entire stainless steel sink with white vinegar, which will cause the baking soda to fizz - let it fizz. Once you're done, run the water to wash everything off. Let everything dry.
Add a unique citrus scent
Take a pieceLemon or orange peeland rub it over the entire surface of the sink to deodorize it. There's nothing better than leaving the kitchen sink smelling fresh for the next morning.
Finally polish the stainless steel surface
Final step: Drizzle a little olive or baby oil onto a cloth and buff the inside to give your sink an extra shine for a week. Wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth.
Sink with trash shredder? Here's how to clean it
- First, plug the drain and fill the sink with hot, soapy water, then open the drain and start the waste disposer.
- If you want to scrub the chamber, remember to turn off the circuit breaker before doing so. Turn it back on when you're done.
- Next, add ½ cup of baking soda to the food processor and pour in a bit of vinegar. Let it bubble for about 10 minutes.
- Now turn on the cold water tap and start the chopper again. For an extra dose of freshness, add a lemon wedge while the tap is running.
For a shiny stainless steel sink – avoid these cleaning products!
The most important thing when cleaning a stainless steel sink is to avoid using chlorine-containing products and harsh abrasives or tools. Avoid glass cleaners that contain ammonia, oven cleaners, and tap water, especially if your water is on the hard side (use clean, distilled or filtered water instead).
Be careful not to use hydrochloric acid-based descaling agents in the sink as they will cause dark spots if the descaling agent is not immediately thoroughly rinsed from the surface with water.
Also be careful of foods that could stain the sink, such as blueberries, beets, coffee, and tea. Do not leave them in the sink for a long time and it is best to clean the kitchen sink immediately afterwards.
