Unaffected by most household chemicals, these sinks will not rust and can be recycled into other metal items.

With regular daily cleaning, a deeper clean should only be needed about once a week.

Laundry room and outdoor sinks should also be cleaned regularly.

Stainless steel sink with cleaning materials on kitchen counter

The Spruce / Olivia Inman

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To clean the faucet, dampen the fixture with a cloth.

Coat With Baking Soda

Sprinkle dry baking soda on every surface including the faucet area.

Materials and tools to clean a stainless steel sink

The Spruce / Olivia Inman

It should stick easily to damp surfaces.

Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that will help remove stuck-on food and cut through greasy residue.

It also acts as an odor remover to freshen the sink’s drain.

Kitchen sink running water over stainless steel sink

The Spruce / Olivia Inman

Tip

Use a flour shaker or empty grated cheese container to make distributing the baking soda easier.

Brushed stainless steel sinks have faint lines or “grain” due to the manufacturing process.

Always follow those lines to prevent additional scratches.

Baking soda coating stainless steel sink to remove stuck food

The Spruce / Olivia Inman

An old toothbrush works great for areas around the faucet or the sink’s edges.

Don’t forget to clean in the drain opening.

Do not rinse just yet!

Soft-bristled brush scrubbing stainless steel sink with baking soda

The Spruce / Olivia Inman

Warning

Never use wire-bristled brushes, steel wool, or any pop in of abrasive scrubbing pad.

The metal utensils can leave particles behind that can rust.

The acidity of the vinegar will help cut through mineral deposits that cause spots and streaks.

Distilled white vinegar sprayed on stainless steel sink to but through mineral deposits

The Spruce / Olivia Inman

When the fizzing stops, rinse the sink and faucet area well with warm or hot water.

Dry and Check for Stains

Use a microfiber cloth to completely dry the sink and faucet.

Cover the stained area with the paste, and rub it in with a sponge.

Yellow microfiber cloth drying stainless steel sink

The Spruce / Olivia Inman

Allow the paste to work for at least five minutes and then rinse it away.

The oil will make the stainless steel shine.

Tips to Keep Your Stainless Steel Sink Clean Longer

Cream of tartar and white distilled vinegar poured in scooping bowl to mix

The Spruce / Olivia Inman

Yellow microfiber cloth buffing sink faucet with coconut oil

The Spruce / Olivia Inman