When a stainless steel sink looks dull, it's often because it's been scrubbed with cleanser that contains chlorine bleach, with a bleach-loaded scrub pad, or — worst of all — fine steel wool that comes pre-loaded with detergent and bleach.
Hard water can leave streaks and stains on stainless steel. To prevent this, be sure to dry the appliances' surfaces thoroughly using a soft towel after washing. Remove hard water stains with a damp cloth and a little white vinegar.
Hard water may leave cloudy spots. A little bit of dish soap and some water take care of any greasy fingerprints or residue on stainless steel appliances: In a small bowl, mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water. Dip a microfiber cloth into the mixture.
Try stainless steel polish, whiting, talc, or baking soda. Apply one of these to a slightly damp cloth. Rub in the direction of the finish lines. Most stainless steel sinks have a brushed finish.
Try cleaning your sink with a paste of baking soda and water. You can then rinse the sink with vinegar, which will bubble and fizz. Vinegar naturally disinfects while helping remove hard water stains from your stainless steel sink. Once your sink is clean and dry, you can easily add an extra shine.
Just add a few drops of baby oil onto a paper cloth and wipe your stainless steel sink. It will add a layer of shine to your sink that you probably have not seen since you first got it.
Distilled white vinegar (in a spray bottle) Olive oil. Microfiber cloths that are gentle on stainless steel (never an abrasive like a Scotch-Brite pad)
If your sink shows mineral deposits — a white haze over the metal — soak a cloth with vinegar and leave it over the deposits for a bit (maybe 15 minutes), then wipe them away. You can repeat this treatment several times if necessary.
Conclusion: Vinegar can indeed damage your stainless steel surfaces if precautions aren't taken during its use.
Use a clean, damp sponge or soft cloth. A mild abrasive cleaner such as *Cameo Stainless Steel Cleaner, or *Soft Scrub (without bleach) can be used, remembering to always wipe with the grain. More stubborn soils can be removed using a damp *Scotch-Brite pad. Be sure to rub evenly with the grain of the stainless steel.
Dampen your microfiber cloth with vinegar and rub with the grain to remove dirt, grease, and grime. Let the vinegar dry and dampen the other microfiber cloth with olive oil. Work the oil by rubbing with the grain. This simple procedure will clean, protect and shine your stainless steel quickly and easily.
It could be stainless steel and abrasive residue created from polishing. Method for Removal: Hand wiping with alkaline cleaners, followed by hot water rinsing. May require multiple applications until wipe testing results are satisfactory.
Don't panic this is known as “tea staining”, a common cause of the deterioration of Stainless Steel surfaces. Tea staining is the discolouration of the surface of stainless steel by corrosion.
Many stainless steel appliances include cleaning instructions that advise avoiding abrasive cleaners. When using Windex to clean stainless steel, it is essential to wipe in the direction of the metal grains. In addition, you may also use oil as a type of conditioner for stainless steel after cleaning it with Windex.
Dish Soap and Baby Oil
Stainless steel appliances and counters can be cleaned with a small amount of dish soap mixed with water. Rinse their surfaces thoroughly with warm, soapy water. After the stainless steel has dried, apply a light coat of baby oil and polish it.
Final Verdict. Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish is our top choice overall because it works quickly and effectively to wipe away any residue or marks.
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.
Stainless steel kitchen sinks include protective coating.