Stainless steel sinks are popular in kitchens for their sleek appearance and resilience. Yet, maintaining their cleanliness and shine can pose a challenge. In this blog post, we’ll provide a detailed guide on how to clean your stainless steel sink effectively, restoring its sparkle effortlessly. This method is simple, utilizing readily available household items, and will rejuvenate your kitchen sink with minimal effort.

First step as always is to clear the sink and get it ready for cleaning.

To start, make sure your sink is empty by removing any dishes, utensils, or clutter, including items like a Scrub Daddy sponge. Then, give the sink a good rinse with water to get rid of any big crumbs or residue, setting the stage for a deeper clean.

It’s time to degrease using dish soap.

Now, grab a powerful degreaser like Dawn Powerwash. Spray it generously across the sink’s surface, concentrating on areas prone to food particles and grease buildup. Utilize a non-scratch scrub sponge, such as a Scrub Daddy, to vigorously scrub the entire sink. Pay extra attention to spots like the garbage disposal area where grime tends to accumulate.

Scrub and clean stainless steel sinks with Bar Keeper Friends

Once you’ve completed the initial degreasing, it’s time to address tougher stains and water buildup with Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) Soft Cleanser. Whether you opt for the soft cleanser or the powdered version, apply it to the sink and thoroughly scrub with a sponge. BKF’s oxalic acid is highly effective in breaking down hard water stains and restoring the shine of stainless steel, including fixtures.

Don’t Forget the Details

When cleaning, don’t forget to focus on often-overlooked areas like the backside of the sink and the faucet. Hard water tends to accumulate around these spots, so give them a thorough scrub. For non-removable rubber splash guards on garbage disposals, use a toothbrush to clean all the nooks and crannies, lifting the guard to clean underneath.

Rinse the sink thoroughly

Once you’ve finished scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the sink to remove any remaining cleaning products. Use a damp towel to ensure no residue is left behind. If there’s hard water buildup on the faucet head, CLR can be incredibly helpful. Soak the faucet head in CLR, scrub it with a toothbrush, and then rinse it for a like-new appearance.

Time to Shine!

The final touch, crucial for achieving that professional shine, is to buff the sink with a dry microfiber towel. This step eliminates any water streaks and enhances the natural luster of stainless steel. Consistent cleaning, which typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes, will keep your sink looking impeccable.

By following these steps, your stainless steel sink will not only be clean but will also maintain its shine and durability for years to come. Remember, a clean sink can completely transform the appearance of your kitchen, making it a space you’re proud to show off.