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Refurbishing a stainless steel sink involves a few simple steps: cleaning, removing scratches, and restoring the shine. First, clean the sink with a mixture of warm water and dish soap, using a soft sponge or cloth. For stubborn stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner. Next, remove scratches by gently rubbing the surface with a nylon scrub pad, moving in the direction of the grain. To restore the shine, apply a stainless steel polish or a mixture of vinegar and olive oil, wiping it off with a clean cloth. Repeat these steps periodically to keep your stainless steel sink looking brand new.
Is your once shiny stainless steel kitchen sink appearing a bit dull? Stainless steel is an inexpensive and long-lasting option for kitchen sinks, but the finish is prone to scratching and losing its luster. It’s relatively simple to revitalize and refinish a stainless steel sink to bring back its shine.
Thoroughly Clean the Stainless Steel
Sometimes a dull stainless steel sink just needs a thorough cleaning to remove the buildup of grime and debris from regular use. When cleaning or scrubbing your sink, always go in the direction of the grain to prevent scratches.
Wet the sink, lightly sprinkle baking soda over all the surfaces, and then scrub the sink. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive that won’t scratch the surface. It can also help minimize small scratches.
After scrubbing, spray distilled vinegar over the baking soda. Vinegar disinfects the surfaces and helps eliminate water spots due to its acidity. The fizzing reaction between the vinegar and baking soda can also assist in removing grime. Rinse the sink thoroughly to remove all traces of vinegar and baking soda.
Tackle Stubborn Spots
If the vinegar and baking soda don’t work on certain spots, try making a paste with cream of tartar and vinegar. Rub the paste onto the spot using a soft cloth, and let it sit for at least five minutes. Rinse off the paste mixture completely.
Utilize Olive Oil
Olive oil can give your stainless steel sink a shiny finish and diminish small scratches. Rub the olive oil into the stainless steel using a soft cloth. Wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth. If some scratches are still visible, you can repeat the application of olive oil.
Club soda can also enhance the appearance of your sink, particularly if there are heat marks on the metal. Plug the drain and pour club soda into the sink. Use a soft cloth to wipe down all the surfaces of the sink.
Use a Stainless Steel Scratch Remover
Various products available on the market, such as Bar Keepers Friend, can help eliminate scratches from stainless steel surfaces. Gradually add water to the powder to create a paste with a consistency similar to toothpaste. Rub the paste into the scratches, following the grain, using a microfiber cloth to buff out the scratches. Rinse the sink thoroughly.
For major scratches, you can also find stainless steel scratch remover kits. These kits usually include a polishing product and abrasive pads with different levels of coarseness. Always read and follow the specific instructions for your kit to avoid causing more scratches. The kits typically start with a coarse pad and progress to a softer, smoother pad for polishing and restoring the finish of the stainless steel sink.
Remove Rust Spots
Leaving cast iron cookware and other metal items in your sink can lead to rusting. To remove rust, you can use a paste made of cream of tartar and lemon juice. Spread the paste onto the rusted area and then rinse it off. If the rust doesn’t come off immediately, apply more paste and let it sit for a longer period of time.
Using Gentle Products
It is important to avoid using harsh products or cleaning tools as they can harm the sink and result in the need for repairing the stainless steel sink finish once again. Bleach should be avoided as it can damage the finish. The chlorine present in bleach reacts in a harmful way with the stainless steel.
When selecting cleaning tools, it is advisable to choose soft cloths, nylon bristle brushes, or sponges. Abrasive sponges, wire brushes, and steel wool should be avoided as they are too rough for the metal surface. Metal tools can also leave behind particles that may eventually lead to rusting.
