How do you clean a sink without scratching it?

Author: Jennie Stracke  |  Last update: Saturday, October 25, 2025

Ensure the cleaner is rubbed in the direction of the sink grain lines and the sink completely dried when finished. We suggest the use of mild liquid dishwashing detergent to clean the sink; rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. DO NOT use an abrasive cleanser or cloth, as it will permanently scratch the finish.

How to clean a sink without scratching?

Sprinkle baking soda into the sink:

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire surface of the sink. "Baking soda is a mild and natural abrasive that helps to scrub away stains and residues without scratching the stainless steel," says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean.

How do I keep my sink from scratching?

A silicone sink mat not only prevents scratches but also helps maintain a cleaner sink. These mats are designed with drainage holes that allow water to flow freely, preventing stagnant water from accumulating at the bottom of the sink.

Will magic eraser scratch a stainless steel sink?

Magic Erasers and Bar Keepers Friend do contain abrasive components that can dull or scratch stainless steel if used too aggressively or against the grain. However, when used gently (with a soft cloth or sponge) and in the same direction as the metal's grain, its quite safe.

Will an SOS pad scratch a stainless steel sink?

SOS pads won't harm your sink. In fact they will scrub and brighten you sink. Don't worry about bits being left behind because when you rinse it after scrubbing alllll those little pieces if their are any will get washed away.

The Secret to Cleaning Stainless Steel Sinks Like a Pro

What is the best sink to avoid scratches?

Composite quartz sinks are some of the most solid and robust sinks available with a superior resistance to heat and scratches. Combining their hardwearing build with a stylish design, they offer fantastic value for money and superior resistance.

What not to use SOS pads on?

7 Things You Shouldn't Clean with SOS Pads
  • Wooden Furniture and floor. ...
  • Kitchen Countertop. ...
  • Non-Stick Pans. ...
  • Costly Carpets. ...
  • Stainless Steel Appliances. ...
  • Window Glass. ...
  • Leather Couch. ...
  • Conclusion.

What is the best thing to clean a stainless steel sink with?

Perform a thorough cleaning of your stainless steel sink once a week: Use baking soda or a specialized stainless steel cleaner for a deep clean. Scrub gently in the direction of the grain using a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.

Why does my stainless steel sink scratch so easily?

When the material is new, it is more sensitive to scratches because of the protective coating applied by our manufacturer. So although you may see scratches in your new stainless steel sink, they will also disappear over time as the material gets more used and takes on a more matte nuance.

Where not to use magic eraser?

Don't Use Them On Your Car

Or any other delicate surface, for that matter, like silverware, glass, or metal surfaces. Dry erasers have the abrasiveness of a 3000 grit sandpaper – very fine, but can still mar shiny surfaces – like your stainless steel appliances!

What kind of sink won't scratch?

Porcelain sinks are also stain, heat, and scratch-resistant.

Does paper towel scratch stainless steel?

As you will read above and below, to avoid scratches on your stainless steel, you should never use anything rough or bristled, and definitely do not use steel wool. You should also never use paper towels. Paper towels leave behind lint and depending on the brand of paper towel you use – it can also leave scratches.

How to get rid of scratches on sink?

Let's begin!
  1. Sprinkle on a layer of baking soda to fix light scratches. Buff it in with a wet sponge for about three minutes. ...
  2. Use an abrasive cleanser to remove scratches and stains. ...
  3. Remove deeper scratches and scuffs using a fine pore pumice stone. ...
  4. Fix deep scratches with a porcelain repair kit.

How can I make my stainless steel sink look new again?

Using Baking Soda

All you have to do is simply mix baking soda and water into a paste and spread it over the sink. Then add in a small amount of vinegar which will cause the paste to fizz. After it fizzes up, clean the paste away. The stainless steel sink will look a lot cleaner once you have done this.

What should you not put on a stainless steel sink?

Keep chlorine bleach away from stainless steel surfaces. Inspect each soap, detergent & cleanser & make sure chlorine bleach is not present. Scouring powders shouldn't be used as it is an abrasive. Glass cleaners containing ammonia may never be used.

What is the best cleaner for stainless steel?

You can clean stainless steel naturally with various nonabrasive techniques like microfiber cloths, sponges, and cleaning solutions like baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, mild soaps, and more.

How do you clean stainless steel without scratching it?

Just use your regular stainless steel polish and a plastic bristled brush and go to town. Wipe with a cloth and presto, scratch free shine.

How do I keep my stainless steel sink scratch free?

So if you want to avoid little marks on your stainless steel sink, rub it dry after each use. You don't need to scrub it vigorously. After rinsing, simply wipe it with a soft cloth and a mild cleaner, then dry it – all done!

Does Bar Keepers Friend remove scratches from stainless steel?

Non-abrasive Cleaners

Some examples of non-abrasive cleaners are Bar Keepers Friend and Method Stainless Steel Clean + Polish. If you're using a powder cleaner, you'll want to mix it with some water to create a paste. From there, take a damp cloth and rub toward the direction of the grain.

Can you use Dawn to clean stainless steel sink?

Avoid cleaners that can damage steel and finishes. Instead, clean your stainless steel appliances with a dish soap like Dawn® Platinum. Its unique formula is tough enough to break up grease and grime while staying gentle on stainless steel surfaces.

Will SOS pads scratch a stainless steel sink?

After each use, rinse thoroughly. To minimize mineral deposits or water spotting, wipe the sink dry with a clean, soft cloth. Avoid any abrasive cleaners such as steel wool or scrub pads, as this will dull the finish. Avoid having household cleaning agents such as bleach sit in the sink, as this may damage the finish.

Which is better, brillo or SOS pads?

What happens when you compare S.O.S® Soap Pads to Brillo® Soap Pads? Lab testing shows that S.O.S® Soap Pads last longer, have more soap, and clean faster!

What happened to Tuffy scrubbers?

Distribution of Tuffy® has been discontinued. HOWEVER, the good news is that we have a terrific new non-scratch product that used as directed is built to clean most any surface safely!

Is it safe to use brillo on stainless steel?

Never use brillo pads to clean stainless steel pans. They can permanently damage the finish.

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