TidyLife.net is reader supported. This page uses affiliate links and when you click on an affiliate link, and make a purchase, we receive a small compensation at no cost to you. See our disclosure policy for more information.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how to clean a sink like a pro and work to restore its shine just like it was freshly installed. Kitchen and bathroom areas require constant upkeep and maintenance to keep things running smoothly and safely, so let’s take a closer look at some of the necessary basics.
How to clean and maintain a sink like a pro
Understanding how to properly clean a sink is essential for a tidy, clean home. A dirty sink is not only an eyesore, but it can also be an indication of other problems and should be addressed immediately. Cleaning a sink may seem like a simple task, but improper cleaning can damage the finish and cause problems down the road. Below are some tips and tactics on how to clean and maintain a sink like a pro:
- Cleaning Your Sink Like a Pro
- Stains and Scratches
- Maintaining a Clean Sink
Part 1: Cleaning your sink like a pro
Step 1: Wash your sink with the proper supplies. Soft nylon scrub brushes for the dishes are perfect for gently cleaning sinks. For tougher stains, gloves are a must.
Which cleaning agent should you use for your stainless steel kitchen sink? It’s a good idea to defer to the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and care. Each stainless steel sink type is made of different materials and reacts differently to cleaners. Your best bet is to read the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you choose the right product.
Without instructions, you should use the best judgment when deciding what to use on your stainless steel sink. The best and safest option is a cleaning product recommended by manufacturers or manufacturer’s agencies for stainless steel sinks.
Step 2: Fantastik Antibacterial Heavy Duty and Formula 409 Antibacterial All-Purpose are two of the most popular brands of stainless steel cleaners. With these, you will also need dishwashing liquid and a scrubber. Windex is also a popular option, but it contains ammonia and lemon, which can be toxic to the hands. Olive oil is an organic alternative, but you must be careful not to get it on your clothes or other fabrics!
Step 3: Rinse the sink, turn on the water and let it run. If food particles are stuck in the sink, you can use either a sponge or dish soap to guide the particles down. Dish soap will also come in handy if food residue is still on the sink after rinsing.
Use warm water and a sponge to remove soap scum and other dirt. You should apply cleaner to a rag or brush before scrubbing the surface of your sink. Remember to clean off the faucet and sink handles, as these are often neglected places that can accumulate grime and build up bacteria.
Stainless steel sinks can become corroded over time, and the best way to prevent this from happening is by not using the wrong cleaning products and being sure to rinse your sink thoroughly. Use the recommended amounts of cleaner to clean it thoroughly. Rinse until you no longer see any residue or bubbles from the products being used.
To ensure that your kitchen and bathroom are clean, it’s essential to wash the hard-to-reach places thoroughly. To remove soap scum, wet a rag and wipe the faucet, handles, and other places. Keep wiping until the surface is completely clean.
Step 4: This is the most important step in cleaning a sink. Dry it completely with paper towels or a dry rag. Stainless steel can rust if water evaporates on its surface, so make sure the sink is dry after cleaning to avoid this issue. When you’re drying the sink, use a soft cloth or paper towel. A rough rag can cause scratching.
Part 2: Stains and scratches
Stainless steel sinks scratch over time. This is a normal occurrence, even when they’re taken care of properly. It’s a good idea to let them blend since large and unsightly scratches can be a problem.
Here’s how to remove a scratch on your stainless steel sink: get the correct info. If you’re renting, ask your landlord. But if you own your home and you have the manufacturer’s instructions, refer here. You can also ask the store where you bought your sink.
Stainless steel surfaces come in many varieties, including a number 3 or 4 finish. Scratches on these surfaces can often be dealt with fairly well. However, the hairline finish may not respond as well, and you may need abrasive pads or sandpaper for removal.
The best way to clean your sink is to follow the instructions that come with it. If you have a specific type of sink, use a product recommended for that type.
Scratches in stainless steel are not always permanent. Sandpaper or abrasive pads with a sufficient grip can remove scratches on brushed stainless steel. Unlike other materials, stainless steel is not scratched by a specific type of scratch but rather by the high-grit material itself. Rub the sandpaper along the length of the scratch until it is removed.
When repairing your stainless steel sink, make sure you know what type of stainless steel it is. You can easily sand down Non-brush stainless steel.
If you encounter a problem with your sink, the first thing to do is to contact your landlord. They are likely to be able to help you with any issues. If you cause further damage yourself, you may be fined by the rental company. Either way, your landlord may have a maintenance worker who will know how to fix your sink.
There are store-bought products to remove rust and stains. It’s also possible to use liquid cleaners to remove any rust, stains, or scratches (with the help of a little know-how).
Autosol is another example of a product that stainless steel manufacturers recommend for removing rust. Some products need to be placed on the sink and rinsed off before you can remove the stain. Other products may require letting the liquid dry first.
Sometimes, all you need to do is give your sink a good scrub with a bit of dish soap and water. You can also try some homemade remedies for stains – it’s worth a shot if you’re struggling with a set stain on your sink.
Mix 1 part lemon juice to 1 part baking soda into a paste. Rub it in the stain with a damp sponge. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then carefully wipe the area clean. Or you can mix a tablespoon of cream of tartar with a couple of drops of lemon juice until it’s a paste. Rub this paste on the rust until it comes off.
Part 3: Maintaining a clean sink
Don’t use steel wool on your stainless steel sink. Steel wool is so abrasive that it can easily cause scratches. Instead, use softer, non-abrasive brushes or sponges to keep your sink looking shiny and new.
To prolong the look of your stainless steel sink, do not place a rubber dish mat under it. Rubber mats can trap water and discolor over time, and they also often don’t fit well in stainless steel sinks. If you want to use a rubber dish mat when washing dishes, leave the mat in the sink as you wash. Afterward, dry off the area underneath.
Make sure to store your wet rags in a place other than the sink. You may use a damp rag to clean up the counter or the dishes. But then, you should be sure to store it somewhere that is not the sink. This is because if the water stays on the sink and doesn’t dry up, there will be rust spots and water stains.
Cast iron cookware and stainless steel sinks don’t mix. Cast iron is coated with mineral oil which can wear down the sink’s surface, making it rust and stain. Leaving cast iron cookware in a stainless steel sink for long periods can cause both the cookware and the sink to corrode.
Frequently asked questions about cleaning a sink
A: For the process to go quickly and easily, you need to make sure you have all of your supplies in one spot, so ideally, all you’ll have to do is run a hot water tap.
First, fill up your sink with hot water. Next, use a cleaning agent that is designed specifically for porcelain sinks. Place the agent into a spray bottle and spray the sink’s surface down. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes, then use a sponge to scrub the sink’s surface until it shines.
Start by taking an inventory of your kitchen. Do you have any empty sponges sitting around? If so, bust those out and get to work! Using warm water, wash the entire surface of the sink basin with a sponge.
Using a new sponge and warm water, scrub the inside of the basin to remove all of that gunk that’s built up there. Rinse off all residue and dirt, then dry with a cloth.