Unless you wipe your sink dry after every use, water left behind will eventually evaporate. When water evaporates, minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and lime are left behind, bonding to the surface. These spots are called mineral deposits.
The scale buildup - that can look like either powdery white buildup or 'rust' like spots in your kitchen sink, bathroom fixtures etc. is generally caused from water sitting on a surface until it evaporates. The water disappears, leaving behind all of those minerals.
Hard water and minerals in the water can leave white stains on your sink. These can be tough to remove. Best way to remove these stains is using a hard water stain remover such as Lime-Away or CLR. You can do this once every 1 or 2 months.
Water spots are caused by hard mineral-rich water that is left on your stainless steel sink and then evaporates leaving behind a dirty residue on the surface. These hard water deposits are mostly magnesium and calcium that leave white-colored spots on the stainless steel when water evaporates.
Problem: Chalky White Spots
Solution: The unsightly spots on a gleaming pan are typically caused by a buildup of the calcium found in water. Remove them by boiling a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. Let it cool completely, then wash and dry the pan as usual.
White Stains/Water Stains/Calcium Deposits
After you have used your stainless steel cookware for cooking in water and washed it out, you may see cloud-like white spots forming across the surface of your pot or pan.
A 50% mix of water and white vinegar can be used to remove limescale deposits, ensure to rinse thoroughly after use, do not leave the vinegar in contact with the surface. A nylon scratch pad or toothbrush can be used on difficult areas.
Iron plus moisture on top of stainless can lead to surface rust and staining. Rubber dish mats, wet sponges and cleaning pads are a no-no for a lengthy stay in your sink. Since they trap water, discoloration and staining can result.
Hard water stains are known by many names – limescale, mineral deposits, mineral buildup, hard water deposits – but the meaning is the same. Hard water stains appear as chalky white residue that results from buildup of excess minerals present in hard water.
For white porcelain only, bleach can be used to remove stains; never use chlorine bleach in colored or vintage porcelain, as it can damage the finish. For both white and colored porcelain, liquid oxygen bleach (such as hydrogen peroxide) is a good alternative.
Get some white vinegar, put it in a spray bottle with water (50:50 should do it) and give that sink a good spraying, all over. Then wipe down with a microfibre cloth. You should find that vinegar will keep your sink looking sensational.
Generally, with black kitchen sinks, you'll want to avoid any sort of abrasive products because they can damage the finish. As long as you clean it regularly with a mild liquid washing detergent, your sink will be just fine.
Hard Water Stains Look Like White Scale Buildup
If you have ever seen calcium or magnesium in their solid states, you will know that they are white. This white color can be left behind after the water evaporates, causing the white scale to form.
Use Vinegar & Baking Soda
White vinegar is a natural solution that can be utilized to dissolve calcium buildup. Sitting overnight, you will be able to remove lime buildup from the drain while avoiding the harsh chemicals in traditional drain cleaners.
When hard water evaporates, a mineral residue is left behind, causing a stain. While these stains can require a considerable amount of elbow grease, they're not permanent. In fact, there are several methods for removing them.
Those unsightly hard water stains are caused when hard water droplets dry and leave behind mineral deposits. Usually, these stains are chalky white but can also be brown or rust-colored depending on which minerals are in the water.
These hard water stains are not permanent; however, if they're allowed to build up over time, you could end up with layers of scale in your bathroom plumbing or around the valves of your dishwasher which could lead to costly repairs down the line.
In nearly all cases, the white residue is from calcium and magnesium-containing minerals that are found in tap water. The minerals build up on pans when water boils, evaporates, and leaves them behind.
While resistant to the effects of saltwater, environmental fallout, and UV damage, stainless steel will eventually succumb and start to oxidize. The material will start to look hazy, maybe even slightly brown from a light dusting or rust.
This type of sink is easy to clean
Using a non-abrasive cleaner will keep it clean. Taking care of it properly will preserve its color for many years. Keeping it clean is also important. You can use a magic eraser sponge to remove stains and a 50/50 water-bleach solution for cleaning.