When was the last time you really cleaned your kitchen sink?
We spend so much time thinking about how to clean the dishes that we stack high in the sink, but we spend very little time thinking about how to clean the sink itself. Mastering this very basic kitchen chore can leave your kitchen looking shiny and new. However, you need to know a handful of basic tips about how to clean your sink properly and what to clean a stainless steel sink with.
Whether you prefer to use natural products or store-bought cleaners, you have a lot of options for making your sink look new again. Find a method that works well for your kitchen in this list of the top ways to clean a stainless steel sink.
Table of Contents
Products For Cleaning A Stainless Steel Sink
Bar Keeper’s Friend
When it comes to learning what to clean stainless steel sinks with, many people are already familiar with the famous Bar Keeper’s Friend. It comes in two varieties: one is a multipurpose cleaner (on Amazon) suitable for many surfaces including stainless steel and one is designed specifically for stainless steel surfaces. While both of them will be suitable for learning how to clean a stainless steel sink with Bar Keeper’s Friend, it would be best to purchase the stainless steel variety because of the unique formula.
The application of Bar Keeper’s Friend is a little more straightforward than the natural methods. It comes in a large spray bottle that you simply spritz all around the sink. Be sure to apply it generously to the bowl of the sink. When you finish spraying everything down, all you have to do is buff the cleaner away. Not only does this bottle of cleaner get your sink clean, but it also polishes the metal when you finish.
This cleaner is ideal for removing fingerprints, light residue, smudges, watermarks, and grease marks. After use, it is also helpful for repelling fingerprints and light traces of residue.
This is also one of the ideal options for cleaning a stainless steel sink because it comes with everything you need. You get a full bottle of cleaner, a dual-sided scrub sponge, and a professional-grade microfiber cloth for buffing the sink until it shines.
This multipurpose cleaner is also a great option if you prefer to minimize the number of cleaners in your cabinet. It is known for cleaning:
- Chrome
- Stainless steel
- Porcelain
- Tile
- Ceramic
- Fiberglass
It is a safe alternative to chlorine bleach, but it works just as effectively to eliminate hard water stains, rust, lime, and other residues from the inside of your stainless steel sink. No matter which Bar Keeper’s Friend option you choose, your kitchen sink will ultimately thank you in the end.
Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish
Are you looking for a great bargain that still gives you an effective clean? The Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish is the perfect companion for every kitchen that has a stainless steel sink.
Weiman uses a pH-neutral formula that is ideal for kitchen applications. It can be applied to all of your stainless steel appliances, including your sink. This cleaner easily wipes away fingerprints, haze, grease, streaks, and residue with just a few sprays. Better yet, it creates a protective barrier that keeps further fingerprints, dirt, and smudges at bay. All you have to do is gently buff the excess spray away with a microfiber cloth. Using this cleaner may keep stains and buildup from occurring, allowing you to extend the length of time between cleanings.
Of course, there is also an even easier alternative. Weiman also creates easy disposable wipes with this same pH-neutral cleaner. You don’t have to worry about buffing your appliances or your sink. Simply wipe down the surface with one of these wipes and let it dry!
Keep in mind that these wipes are more expensive, but the bottles should last you for some time. Most people only need to clean their kitchen sinks weekly. This means that the three bottles should last you almost two years. That might not be a bad investment after all!
Therapy Premium Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish
Do you hesitate to use harsh chemicals to clean your home? If so, you aren’t alone. Many people are turning to more natural ingredients to improve their lives. The same applies to the cleaners they use to take care of their homes. Using healthier cleaners that don’t contain harsh chemicals can put your mind at ease.
The Therapy Premium Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish is a plant-based alternative to some of the other cleaners listed here. Each bottle is a bit more expensive than the Weiman option, but it does come with a 16-ounce bottle and a large microfiber cloth.
This is another excellent option for how to clean your stainless steel sink without scratching it. Simply spray this cleaner onto the surface and give it a few minutes to work its magic. Either rinse it with water first or simply buff it away with the accompanying microfiber pad.
It can easily polish all of the stainless steel surfaces in your kitchen, including the refrigerator, range hood, and microwave. As a bonus, this cleaner is also great for use on stainless steel grills and other outdoor appliances.
This type of cleaner is an excellent balance for those who prefer to use natural products but love the convenience of a store-bought cleaner. You can rest assured that your home is only using safe and green ingredients without having to mix your own baking soda paste. This could be a win-win for your kitchen!
What to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink With – The Natural Method
If you don’t want to head out to the store to purchase a specially-formulated cleaner, you may consider trying a natural alternative. Baking soda and vinegar can create a powerful duo that leaves your stainless steel sink sparkling. Baking soda is gritty enough to scrub away the buildup on the metal of your sink but gentle enough not to scratch the surface.
Mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with warm water. This should produce a thick paste that you will apply to the interior of your sink. Massage it into the metal until you feel that all of the debris has come loose.
Once you feel that the sink is sufficiently clean, you can disinfect the bowl of your sink by washing the baking soda paste away with distilled white vinegar. This will cause the baking soda to fizz and bubble, helping to reduce unsightly hard water stains. You can allow the sink to air dry after this or buff the metal dry with a clean microfiber cloth for additional shine.
If you need to learn how to clean a stainless steel sink with rust, this is also the ideal method. The baking soda solution can be applied to the rust stain. Instead of simply massaging with the fingers, you may need to use a heavier-duty scrub brush or a toothbrush. The grit of the baking soda should be enough to gradually reduce the rust stain from the sink. However, you may have to perform this cleaning ritual several times to achieve the desired results.
How to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink with Lemon
Citrus fruits also offer an effective solution for cleaning your kitchen sink and the drain. When used in tandem with baking soda, you can really begin to chip away at the residue that built up over the years. Make sure that you have a few fresh lemons on hand. Larger sinks will require more lemon juice than smaller sinks, so plan accordingly.
Begin by sprinkling a generous layer of baking soda all over the bottom and sides of your stainless steel sink. Cut the lemon in half and use the fruit as a scrub brush to massage the baking soda into the metal. You may want to squeeze the lemon slightly as you go to ensure that you are creating a juice that can mix well with the baking soda. Allow this mixture to rest in the sink for a few minutes before you move on.
Pour distilled white vinegar over the paste so that it begins to fizz and bubble. If the drain becomes clogged, heat a few cups of vinegar in the microwave and then try again. The vinegar should be almost to the boiling point. This can help to prevent drain clogs.
The lemon can also be great for those who want to know how to clean a stainless steel sink drain. If you have a garbage disposal, you can simply run the lemon rinds and the remaining pulp through the disposal. Rinse the sink out for a few minutes using hot water.
Once all of these steps have been finished, you may want to consider buffing the stainless steel to truly make it shine. Now that you know what to clean a stainless steel sink with, maintenance should be easy. Cleaning with these natural methods may require weekly upkeep to prevent your sink from developing built-up residue or hard water stains.
How to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink with Hard Water Stains
Encountering hard water stains on your stainless steel sink can pose an additional problem for you. You may have to follow a different set of directions for specifically eliminating these tough-to-clean areas. While regular maintenance can easily be done with the above methods, it’s time to really pull out the big guns for this type of situation.
When it comes to what you should clean your sink with, you need something that will be both powerful enough to remove the stains and gentle enough not to abrade the metal. Distilled white vinegar is a natural choice for tackling this problem head-on. It is capable of breaking down the scale deposits that have accumulated on your sink over time.
Here are the steps you will want to follow to clean your hard water stains away:
- Prepare your cloth. Get together a few different microfiber cloths. Ideally, you will have three microfiber cloths at your disposal, but you could also make it work with just two. Saturate the first cloth with distilled white vinegar.
- Begin cleaning the sink. Use circular motions and vigorously scrub the hard water stains that you see. Continue to dampen the cloth with more vinegar every time you feel it run dry. Continue rubbing over all of the spots until you can tell that the hard water stains have all disappeared.
- Rinse with the second cloth. Saturate the second cloth with warm water and begin to rinse away the vinegar. If you do not have three microfiber cloths, you may choose to rinse the sink out using a cup filled with warm water.
- Buff the sink. To prevent hard water stains from reforming on your freshly cleaned surface, be sure to buff the stainless steel dry with the final microfiber cloth.
Scrubbing Your Sink
Maybe you want to sample one of the leading brands. Perhaps you prefer a more natural approach to cleaning your kitchen. No matter what method appeals to you, there are plenty of ways to figure out what to clean a stainless steel sink with. Be sure to take stock of what items you might already have on hand or which ones you can afford for your next Amazon purchase. Selecting the right cleaner can make a world of difference in your home.
Scrubbing your sink is a relatively simple chore that should take no more than ten or fifteen minutes. However, the payoff for taking these few moments is significant. Not only will the sink gleam, but you will also be preventing rust, scratches, and hard water stains that can make it unattractive in the future. Take steps today to preserve your kitchen sink for the long haul by learning how to clean it properly!
FAQ
What is the best cleaner for stainless steel?
The key to cleaning your sink well is knowing what to clean a stainless steel sink with. The best cleaner for stainless steel is baking soda and vinegar. There are also a variety of store-bought products, such as Bar Keeper’s Friend, that are specifically formulated for cleaning stainless steel.
How do I get hard water stains off my stainless steel sink?
Hard water stains can be removed by buffing the area with distilled white vinegar. Once the stains are gone, be sure to rinse the sink with warm water. Finally, buff it dry with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent new hard water stains from forming.
How do you make a stainless steel sink shine?
Cleaning the stainless steel sink with baking soda and vinegar or a store-bought cleaner can help your sink to shine. To really make it sparkle, be sure to polish it after you finish cleaning.
What can I use to clean my kitchen sink?
You can use a variety of things to clean your kitchen sink including baking soda, distilled white vinegar, lemons, or store-bought cleaners made specifically for stainless steel. You may have to experiment to find the products that work best for you and your sink.
Last update on 2024-04-03 at 05:03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
