Cleaning & Organizing Kitchen Cleaning Tips How to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink—and Prevent Future Scratches Achieve a gleaming stainless steel sink with these steps. By Madeline Buiano Madeline Buiano Madeline Buiano is an associate editor at MarthaStewart.com, sharing her knowledge on a range of topics—from gardening and cleaning to home and pets. She has five years of writing and editing experience in the digital publishing industry. Editorial Guidelines Published on August 31, 2023 In This Article View All In This Article Cleaning Benefits Cleaning Frequency Preventing Scratches Maintenance Tips Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: brizmaker / GETTY IMAGES Stainless steel is a timeless and durable material for sinks. But if it isn't maintained, it can build up with bacteria and grime, taking on a dingy appearance that's a stark contrast to its usual shine. Restore your stainless steel sink to its former glory and prevent stains and scratches by cleaning it regularly, which can be done with a few basic cleaning supplies. The Right Way to Clean Your Garbage Disposal—and Keep the Drain Fresh Importance of Cleaning a Stainless Steel Sink Cleaning your stainless steel sink doesn't just improve its appearance—it's also important for hygiene and health reasons. Your sink can be a breading ground for bacteria, germs, and other pathogens. "A clean sink reduces the risk of contamination and helps maintain a hygienic environment, especially in areas where food is prepared and dishes are washed," says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of Aspen Clean. Stainless steel sinks can be affected by harsh substances, chemicals, and prolonged exposure to moisture and food residues. "Regular cleaning prevents the build up of corrosive agents and debris that could potentially damage the sink's surface over time, helping to extend its lifespan," she says. Odors can build up in stainless steel sinks over time if they're neglected. "Regular cleaning can help cut down on unpleasant odors and give your kitchen an overall feeling of being clean," says Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company. Certain foods, beverages, and cleaning products can leave behind stains or cause discoloration on stainless steel sinks. "Regular cleaning helps prevent these substances from sitting on the sink's surface too long, reducing the likelihood of stains and discoloration," says Sokolowski. How Often to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink You should wipe your sink down after each use to prevent the accumulation of food particles, water spots, and soap residue. In addition to daily cleaning, you should perform a more thorough cleaning of your stainless-steel sink once a week and conduct a deep clean every two to three weeks. What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Microfiber cloth(s) Materials Water Baking soda Distilled white vinegar Lemon Instructions Remove debris: Start by removing any dishes, utensils, or debris from the sink. Dispose of any food scraps and rinse away loose dirt with warm water. Sprinkle baking soda into the sink: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire surface of the sink. "Baking soda is a mild and natural abrasive that helps to scrub away stains and residues without scratching the stainless steel," says Sokolowski. Scrub the sink: Dampen a microfiber cloth or sponge and use it to scrub the baking soda around the sink, focusing on areas with stains or buildup. "The baking soda will form a paste as you scrub, which helps to clean and polish the stainless steel," says Sokolowski. Rinse and wipe: Rinse the sink thoroughly with warm water to remove any leftover baking soda. Use a microfiber cloth or sponge to wipe away remaining residue. Scrub with lemon: Cut a lemon in half and rub the cut side all over the sink's surface. (Lemon juice works, too if you don't have a fresh lemon). "The natural acids in the lemon help to break down stains and add a fresh scent," says Sokolowski. Pour vinegar into the sink: Pour a small amount of white vinegar onto a microfiber cloth or sponge. Gently scrub the sink's surface with the vinegar-soaked cloth. "The vinegar will react with any remaining baking soda and help remove mineral deposits," says Sokolowski. Rinse and wipe again: Rinse one more time with warm water to remove the vinegar and lemon juice. If there are any remaining spots or stains, you can repeat the steps as needed. How to Prevent Scratches on a Stainless Steel Sink Although it's a durable material, stainless steel is susceptible to scratching. You can prevent these marks by taking a few preventative measures. To avoid scratching the sink, never use steel wool or a scouring pad on stainless steel. "Use a microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge or rag", says Mock.Try to avoid leaving metal utensils, pots, pans, or other items in the sink for prolonged periods. "Metal-on-metal contact can cause scratches," says Sokolowski.Don't use acidic or harsh chemicals or cleaners that contain chlorine bleach, as they can damage the stainless-steel finish, says Sokolowski. How to Maintain a Stainless Steel Sink These maintenance tips will keep your sink looking its best in between deep cleans. Wipe down your sink daily and mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap on your microfiber cloth in between more thorough cleans, says Mock.Use natural cleaners or natural cleaning solutions when cleaning your sink and avoid any harsh chemicals or cleaners, says Sokolowski.Don't use polishers in place of cleaners. "They do a great job of polishing and leaving shine, but not actually cleaning off the surfaces of these appliances," says Mock.