Stainless steel sinks are not the easiest to clean as they are prone to water spots, stains, and mineral deposits. However, this can easily be solved with a routine cleaning operation the natural way, without using harsh chemicals. This makes cleaning easier for busy households or offices as you can use things you already have in your cupboard.
Washing up liquid and water
This is the easiest and most basic way to clean your stainless steel sink which is ideal if your sink is relatively new and doesn’t have a lot of staining. Simply apply a small amount of washing-up liquid to the soft side of a sponge or cloth and clean the surface.
When you are finished rinse the sink with warm water and dry with a clean cloth or a microfibre towel.
White Vinegar
This tested method has become one of the best ways to clean your sink. White vinegar is one of the most popular cleaning products and is ideal for use on sinks that have been neglected for a while. It’s also cost-effective and easy to use.
White vinegar is acidic which means it can dissolve water stains and mineral deposits. It’s also the ideal cleaning product for reducing germs and bacteria.
Before you begin cleaning your sink, mix the baking soda and vinegar. You could reuse an empty spray bottle that you already have and fill it with vinegar and some baking soda.
Simply spray it on the stainless steel sink, paying particular attention to the areas where there are stains. Leave this for 10-15 minutes as the vinegar will get to work on any marks and stains. After 15 minutes, scrub the sink, then rinse off any excess vinegar.
Lemon and Baking Soda
An acid like lemon juice is ideal for cutting through grease and grime. You simply slice the lemon in half, sprinkle on some baking soda, and start scrubbing. No cloth or scourer sponge is needed as you can use the lemon as the cloth.
The lemon and baking soda work together to create a successful cleaning product that can clean away stains and the baking soda acts by giving your stainless steel sink a vigorous clean without leaving any marks. The acid in the lemon breaks down the mineral deposits and immediately brightens the surface of the sink, making it appear new and spotless.
The lemon and baking soda combined will leave your sink smelling fresh and you have the added benefit of using natural products.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste is an excellent tool if you don’t have any of the other ingredients available in your cupboard.
The key is not to use too much at a time. It’s always a good idea to test this on a small area of the sink first to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage.
To clean the sink, simply apply a small amount of non-gel white toothpaste to an old toothbrush or a cotton cloth. Then scrub at the areas that have the stains. When you have finished this, rinse with warm water and dry with a clean cloth.
The best way to maintain your stainless steel sink
The main culprits that cause your stainless steel sink to look dull and dirty include tea, coffee, and food which stay on the sink’s surfaces. This leads to a build-up of limescale and stains.
Tips to keep your stainless steel sink looking clean:
- Wiping down your sink daily to ensure it stays sparkly clean.
- Add a little washing-up liquid to the soft side of the sponge and clean all around the sink, draining area, and taps.
- Avoid using steel wool pads on stainless steel as they can leave iron particles behind which can lead to rust. They can also leave scratches.
- Avoid using bleach as this may cause the stainless steel to discolour.
- Remove any food from the plughole as if left it can attract germs and flies.
- After cleaning rinse thoroughly with warm water and then dry with a dishtowel or clean cloth.
For more cleaning advice and tips please visit our dedicated cleaning insights & news from the Clean Space page
