Stainless steel sinks have many qualities that make them a good option, but the minerals from hard water and improper cleaning can leave the sink with spots and streaks. With just a little time and effort, though, your sink can have the same shine you want in your stainless steel appliances.
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 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 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.
Polishing With Olive Oil And Flour
Apply the mixture to the surface of your stainless steel appliance or fixture using circular motions until you get an even coat over the entire area. Let it sit for several minutes before buffing off with a clean cloth or sponge until you achieve your desired level of shine.
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.
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)
Conclusion: Vinegar can indeed damage your stainless steel surfaces if precautions aren't taken during its use.
You may be tempted to use a paper towel but paper towels may scratch the surface of your stainless steel appliances. A microfiber cloth is softer and will produce a better result.
Best Sheet Metal recommends rinsing the sink after every use, cleaning the sink every week with a mild detergent, and maintenance cleaning every 6 months with a 3M Scotch Brite Pad. Daily rinsing: It is highly recommended the stainless steel sink is rinsed after every use.
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.
Using a high quality, waterproof sealant prevents water and debris from entering the gaps. If you want to avoid mould and water damage, sealing kitchen sinks (or bathroom sinks) is a must.
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.
Dish soap: The surfactants in dish soap lift oil and grease, making it ideal for cleaning stainless steel. We used Dawn Ultra and Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Dish Soap. Warm water: A small bowl of warm water—or a sink nearby—works.
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.
If you have rust on your flatware, place a rag into some regular vinegar and rub the spots vigorously until the spots have disappeared, then put some olive oil on another clean rag and rub it gently into your stainless steel flatware.
Common causes of stainless steel corrosion include chlorides, hydrochloric acids, sulfuric acids, iron or carbon steel contact, and high temperatures.
Your stainless steel sink can be restored. Surface Specialists can repair stainless sink damage and return it to an attractive uniform finish. Removal of stainless steel scratches can also enhance the overall beauty of your kitchen and save you money by extending the life of your sink.