How to Clean
Stainless Steel
Sinks
Cleaning Stainless
Steel
Introduction:
Stainless steel is
a steel alloy that
contains
approximately 11%
chromium. The
chromium in
stainless steel
forms a film of
chromium oxide on
the surface of the
metal and prevents
exposure to air and
water that triggers
corrosion. This
alloy is used for
manufacturing many
household products
such as stainless
steel sinks and
cutlery. Cleaning
stainless steel
sinks can be a
challenge.
In most homes,
kitchen sinks are
the most commonly
made of this alloy.
The main reason for
its popularity is
its durability as
compared to other
materials such as
porcelain sinks and
cast iron sinks.
Stainless steel is
rust-resistant and
retains its luster
for long periods.
It is the perfect
material for making
deep kitchen sinks,
as it is strong
enough to hold more
weight than any
other material used
to make kitchen
sinks.
The most important
advantage of
stainless steel
sinks is that they
are easier to
clean. Even though,
the name of this
alloy is
“stainless”, it
does not imply that
its products are
stain-proof.
Therefore a
stainless steel
sink can get
stained and lose
its shine and
requires regular
cleaning to retain
its beauty.
Tips on how to
clean stainless
steel sinks:
1.
If
your kitchen sink
is lightly stained,
clean it with soap
water and allow to
drain. Then apply
white vinegar,
using a clean cloth
and scrub the sink.
Baking soda is a
good substitute for
vinegar. Sprinkle
it over the surface
of the sink and
scrub with a damp
sponge. Wipe and
dry the surface
with a towel. Oil
will bring back the
original luster.
Pour a few drops of
oil on a clean
cloth and polish
the surface with
it.
2.
For a highly
stained sink, you
may need to use a
stainless steel
cleanser for
cleaning. First,
rinse the sink with
hot water and then
scrub it with a
sponge containing
the steel cleanser.
Use a soft brush
(or toothbrush) to
clean the faucet
and the areas
around it. After
scrubbing, wipe the
sink and rinse it
with water. Make
sure that all the
cleanser is removed
completely,
otherwise it can
leave spots. Use a
clean cloth or
towel to wipe and
dry the sink.
3.
To
make a homemade
cleaning mixture
mix one part hot
water, one part
vinegar and
half-part baking
soda. Scrub the
sink with this
mixture, using a
clean cloth. Once
it is dry, wipe it
off.
4.
Another homemade
cleanser consists
of three parts of
cream of tartar,
and one part of
hydrogen peroxide.
Apply this mixture
on the surface of
the sink and scrub
with a clean cloth.
Let it dry and use
a damp cloth to
remove it.
5.
Another method for
cleaning a
stainless steel
sink is by using
hot water and
bleach. First,
close the drain of
the sink and fill
it with hot water.
After approximately
ten minutes, add
one cap full of
bleach to the
water. Let the
water stand in the
sink for one or two
hours to allow the
stains and dirt to
soften. Drain the
water and scrub the
sink using a soft
brush or
toothbrush. Use
cold water to rinse
and wipe dry with
paper towel.
Always make it a
point to rinse the
kitchen sink after
each use and wipe
dry with clean
cloth. A thorough
cleaning should be
done once a week.
Never use steel
wool pad or any
abrasive scrubbers
to clean the sink.
They can cause
scratches on the
surface of the
sink. A little care
and regular
cleaning can keep
your stainless
steel sink
sparkling.
See related
articles:
Hardware for
Kitchen Cabinets
Having a
High Quality Kitchen
How to Build a
Garage Pantry Closet
How to Chose
Kitchen Colors
