How to Clean a Dull Stainless Steel Sink

Co-authored by NW Maids

Last Updated: August 14, 2024 Approved

Long gone are the days when your stainless steel reflected your smiling face. But stop frowning at the dull, discolored surface: the right remedy can make a big improvement in just a few minutes. Once the sink is restored, a little upkeep every day or two should stop it sliding back.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Thorough Restoration

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Abrasives can scratch your sink's finish, so use them only for an occasional restoration project, or to remove stubborn stains. Try stainless steel polish, whiting, talc, or baking soda. Apply one of these to a slightly damp cloth. ^{[1]
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2
Rub in the direction of the finish lines. Most stainless steel sinks have a brushed finish. ^{[2]
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Research source} Wipe parallel to the brush lines to reduce the chance of a visible scratch.
- Use a toothbrush with a bit of the cleanser to clean the tight areas around the faucet, and the area around the drain.
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Wash the cleanser off of everywhere you used it. If your sink's shine is restored, dry the sink completely with a clean towel, dabbing instead of rubbing to avoid streak marks. If your sink still looks dull, browse through the steps below for additional solutions to specific problems.
If your sink is clean but covered in dull white spots, dip a soft cloth in white vinegar and wipe them away. ^{[3]
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Research source} This also works on rust spots. ^{[4]
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5
Buff with flour if the sink is still grimy. Flour is a cheap, very mild abrasive, which makes it a good choice for cleaning a large area. If your sink still looks dirty and you have some spare time, follow these steps: ^{[5]
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- Dry the sink thoroughly. Any water left on the surface will turn the flour into glue.
- Sprinkle a light dusting of flour over the sink. Use about ¼ cup (60mL) flour for an average kitchen sink. ^{[6]
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- Buff the sink in a circular motion with a soft cloth, focusing on the rim and drain where food might get stuck.
- Once grime is removed, brush the flour into a container and throw it in the kitchen trash. Too much flour can block the drain. ^{[7]
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Olive oil can boost the shine and remove streaks from your sink, but overdoing it can leave the stainless steel sticky or eventually make the appearance duller than before. If you try it, put just two or three drops of olive oil onto a soft cloth. Wipe the dry sink evenly until the entire surface is coated very lightly. Buff in small circles with the same oiled cloth for a couple minutes until you've achieved an even shine. ^{[8]
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A major clean can leave the surface of your sink temporarily damaged, especially if there was rust on the surface. Give the steel a day to restore its protective anti-rust layer, or at least dry it thoroughly after each use during this time. ^{[9]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Regular Upkeep

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1
Clear out the sink. Wash and remove any dishes. Dispose of solid food debris.
- Wash steel and cast iron cookware promptly. These materials may cause rust if left in the sink too long.
2
Choose a non-abrasive cleaning tool. Sponges, soft cleaning pads, cloths, or bristle brushes are the best tools for scrubbing stainless steel. Abrasive pads and wire brushes may scratch the finish, especially if your sink has a shiny, reflective finish. ^{[10]
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- Never use steel wool or carbon steel brushes. These materials can leave behind small metal particles that cause rust.
For everyday cleaning, mild soap or dish detergent is enough to prevent discoloration or dulling. ^{[11]
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Research source} Scrub until you've removed all debris and stains from the sink surface.
4
Disinfect the surface occasionally. Kitchen sanitizer products with quaternary ammonia are among the most effective disinfectants for stainless steel, and should not damage your sink's finish. ^{[12]
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Research source} However, they may irritate skin or cause asthma, and in some cases can damage aquatic life when washed down the drain. ^{[13]
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Research source} White vinegar is a fairly effective alternative if you are concerned with these issues. ^{[14]
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Research source} In either case, use a spray bottle to coat the surface of the sink.
- Most kitchen sanitizers that are not bleach-based contain quaternary ammonia. To confirm this, check the ingredients list for a chemical name ending in "ammonium chloride," or for an abbreviation such as BAC, BZK, BKC, or ADBAC.
- Bleach-based cleaners are not recommended, as they can corrode your sink if not rinsed off thoroughly. ^{[15]
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  Research source} Never let bleach come into contact with residue from other cleaners, as the reaction can produce dangerous gas.
For best results, let the disinfectant sit for a least ten minutes before rinsing it off with hot water.
Water that evaporates on the sink surface can leave behind white spots, especially if you live in a hard water area. Wipe away moisture with a soft, dry cloth to preserve the sink's shine. ^{[16]
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Wet sponges, clothes, or dish mats can trap water on the sink surface. This can cause stains or dull spots. Squeeze out excess water, then place them on a windowsill or waterproof counter to dry instead.

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How do you make stainless steel shine again?

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NW Maids is a House Cleaning Service based in Seattle, Washington. NW Maids has been active since 2013 with a mission to improve the house cleaning experience. The team offers recurring main services, home and apartment cleaning, deep cleaning, and move-in-and-out cleaning services.

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Expert Answer

I suggest using the cleaning methods above. If you're in a pinch and don't have the appropriate cleaners, window cleaner, like Windex, will work. Just make sure to clean the stainless steel with warm water and soap afterwards!

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I have a new stainless steel sink in my apartment that is cheap and the finish on the "rim" where the faucets are is rough and has a whitish film. Is there any treatment to fix this?

Community Answer

Wrap a paper towel around the faucet and pour vinegar onto it and let it set for an hour, the take a toothbrush and scrub it off. It should be easy. Then rinse with water and dry with a clean cloth.

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How can I keep stainless steel shiny?

Community Answer

You could use lemon oil, which is used to polish furniture. Rub It in going with the grain of the metal. Not only will it make your sink shiny, but it will help it repel water spots.

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Tips

If you're also cleaning the counters or other kitchen surfaces, clean them first. Remember that any crumbs or debris from cleaning other surfaces are likely to end up in the sink.

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Put your dirty dishes in the dishwasher or a dishpan—not in your sink.

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To keep your sink looking fabulous, do a quick, light cleaning each time you use it. Clean up food residue before it dries and don't let liquids sit for long. If you need to, use a bit of dish soap (washing-up liquid) to clean anything sticky or greasy off the surface. Then, wipe it down with a towel each time you use it. This will keep water spots from forming.

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Warnings

Wear rubber gloves when working with cleanser to protect your hands.

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Never mix household cleansers. Some products react to create dangerous gases.

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Some food pathogens can survive for hours or days on dry stainless steel surfaces. ^{[17]
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Science Direct
Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics
Go to source} Keeping your sink dry and free of debris reduces risk, but does not make it a sanitary surface for food preparation.

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How to Clean a Dull Stainless Steel Sink

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Regular Upkeep

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