Achieving a Shine: A 6-Step Guide to Keeping Your Stainless Steel Sink Immaculate and Radiant
Ready to tackle that stained stainless steel sink like a pro? Here are easy, effective steps to make your sink sparkle!
How to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink like a Pro!
Prep the Sink
- Empty the sink's contents: Remove dishes, utensils, and cleaning tools. Don't forget about the sink stopper! To ensure you reach every corner, such as around the faucet and drain, make sure the sink is completely empty.
- Rinse out with hot water: Do this to melt down any grease if you're maintaining your sink regularly. If it needs a deep clean, head to step 3.
Time for a Deep Clean
- Sprinkle baking soda: Cover the sink with baking soda, focusing on the grimier spots. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive, lifting away dirt and residue without damaging the surface.
- Apply dish soap and scrub: Mix some dish soap with water and use a non-abrasive sponge, like the ones from Walmart, to clean the sink, scrubbing in circular motions. Focus on the rim and corners, applying extra pressure on stubborn spots.
Extra Tips:
- If you have weak wrists or struggle to apply pressure, consider using an electric scrubbing brush, like the Hoto waterproof model on Amazon, for added ease.
- For tough stains, Jessica Samson, a cleaning expert from The Maids, recommends using club soda, water, and a microfiber cloth to clean and wipe in the direction of the sink's grain.
Clean the Drain and Faucet
- Tackle the drain and faucet: Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste and use an old toothbrush to scrub around the drain, faucet base, and any seams where gunk collects.
Rinse, Dry, and Polish
- Rinse thoroughly: Clear all the baking soda and loosened grime with warm water.
- Dry the sink: Remove water spots by drying with paper towels – like those from Amazon – or a microfiber cloth.
- Add shine: Give your sink a final polish by buffing with olive oil or a stainless steel polish, such as the Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish Trigger Spray from Walmart.
Alternative Cleaning Methods
For a clean and shiny sink, consider these alternative cleaning methods from Jessica Samson:
- Club soda: Fill a spray bottle with club soda, spray the sink, and wipe it dry using a microfiber cloth.
- Vinegar and oil: Mix equal parts white vinegar and olive oil and spray it onto the sink. Wipe clean and polish with a microfiber cloth.
- Dish soap and oil: Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water in your spray bottle. Spray, clean, and polish the sink with a microfiber cloth like those on Amazon. Finish with a little olive oil for an added shine.
Sink Cleaning Essentials
Stay stocked up on key cleaning items, like glass spray bottles, machine-washable microfiber cloths, and pH-neutral stainless steel cleaners like the Cif Stainless Steel Specialist Cleaner Spray available at Amazon. Happy cleaning!
- Maintaining your home-and-garden lifestyle, you can keep your home's lifestyle sparkling with a clean, polished stainless steel sink.
- To maintain your home's overall home-and-garden aesthetic, consider using club soda, vinegar, or dish soap with a microfiber cloth for additional sink cleaning methods.
