Asked on Nov 15, 2016

A way to clean and shine my stainless steel sink

Christine AL-Khoury Sarweh
by Christine AL-Khoury Sarweh
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Hi dear ...I need your help. Can I have your help for a way to clean my stainless steel sink in my kitchen? And how to make it shine as new without scratches?

a way to clean and shine my stainless steel sink
  104 answers
  • Leah Squires Leah Squires on Nov 15, 2016
    With a microfiber cloth or another soft cloth, use white vinegar to first clean the product. Try to go with the "grain" you should be able to feel the difference if you wipe in the wrong direction. then use a wee bit of oil (essential oils are too expensive for this) olive oil is fine, good even. wipe with the grain to shine the product. but not too much oil, we don't want it to end up just oily. So many cleaning products have a slight abrasive in them, even products marketed to clean stainless steel, but they'll just wear the product down. good luck, this is my first *answer.
  • Shevy.gale Shevy.gale on Nov 15, 2016
    there are many posts with great ideas here: https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=...
  • K. K. on Nov 15, 2016
    use "BAR KEEPERS FRIEND" it's a powder and it's made for stainless steel (including sinks)
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Nov 15, 2016
    Here is a post for you. www.hometalk.com/diy/clean/house/how-to-clean-stainless-steel-sinks-and-make-them-shine-2534786...-
    how to clean stainless steel sinks and make them shine, cleaning tips, kitchen design, After
    How to Clean Stainless Steel Sinks and Make Them Shine
  • Dia6900791 Dia6900791 on Nov 15, 2016
    I use VIM on my sink and it brings it up like new!!!
  • Terri Terri on Nov 15, 2016
    Fill sink with warm water and add 1/4 cup or less of bleach. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Use a cloth soaked in the water (and rubber gloves) to wipe any areas that are not covered by water. Drain and your sink will be like shiny new.
  • Petra Schwarz Chism Petra Schwarz Chism on Nov 15, 2016
    I use plain old white vinegar and I have no issues with any of my stainless steel items they all shine like day dayi bought them
  • Lu-Anne Marsh Lu-Anne Marsh on Nov 15, 2016
    I wet the sink inside and then use hydrogen peroxide on a wet micro fibre cloth to clean all around. Makes it really shiny and is very cheap to use.
  • Golschneider Golschneider on Nov 15, 2016
    Scrub with a baking soda paste made with water , rinse well and then spray and wipe down with Scott's liquid gold. Yes, I know it's for wood, but if you read the back it's great for stainless steel. Helps to repel watermarks after you've used your sink and it dries. My sink is over 40 years old and it sparkles and shines after I do this.
  • Eileen Eileen on Nov 15, 2016
    I have an old, beatup sink in the basement. I scoured it with stainless steel sponge--like brillo only thicker without soap--going WITH THE GRAIN & then washed it with powedered cleanser (ajax, comet) & polished it with the stainless polish i use for my appliances. This gets rid of surface scratches & it looks almost new!
  • Moi @ Nuggets of Nourishment Moi @ Nuggets of Nourishment on Nov 15, 2016
    Windex!!!
  • DJ DJ on Nov 15, 2016
    I use dish soap and vinegar on stainless and porcelain. Pour one cup of dish soap in a spray bottle. Add one cup of fairly warm vinegar to the bottle. Shake a little to mix them together. Spray your sink thoroughly. Let sit for about 20 minutes. Then, just a gentle scrub is all it takes to clean it. Rinse and dry. Makes my sink look as clean and shiny as when it was first put in. I always use blue Dawn. But I've read where others use whatever soap they have. Does a great job on my tub and bathroom sink too. If you don't need two cups just use one half cup of each.
  • Caz Caz on Nov 15, 2016
    i use a black sanding sponge and go with the grain gets rid of water marks and only need warm water! no nasty chemicals
  • Susan David Jacobs Susan David Jacobs on Nov 15, 2016
    hydrogen peroxide and soda work well, I have a lot a lot o stainless. I use this or Mister Clean eraser. Go over your sink and then dry it with a cloth. Does a great job.
  • Pamela Rasha Pamela Rasha on Nov 15, 2016
    use "Bar Keepers Friend " Now comes in cream form not just powder. Love - Love - Love IT !!! Can find at Target the cheapest .
    • Karen Karen on Nov 15, 2016
      I LOVE Bar Keepers Friend. It's the best. Did not know about the cream. Will definitely give it a try. Thank you, Pamela.
  • Shirley Weagle Shirley Weagle on Nov 15, 2016
    Dishwashing detergent and a cloth/sponge. Rinse when done
  • Ang12073655 Ang12073655 on Nov 15, 2016
    I fill a squirt bottle with distilled vinegar and when I'm done washing give the sink a few squirts and wipe with a paper towel :)
  • Mel13765484 Mel13765484 on Nov 16, 2016
    mix baking soda and vinegar,apply it to d surface.leave it for awhile then scrub it with a brush or sponge
  • Sandy Mahar Sandy Mahar on Nov 16, 2016
    I have cleaned lots of nasty stainless sinks and always use sea salt and half a lemon and use the lemon like a scrubby and U only need about two tablespoons of sea salt. Always works for me.
  • Jac11170084 Jac11170084 on Nov 16, 2016
    SOS pad!! Rinse.
  • Wendy Miller Wendy Miller on Nov 16, 2016
    Barkeeper's Friend (powder). Clean with the grain of the stainless.
  • Hay14588772 Hay14588772 on Nov 16, 2016
    Squirt on Soft Scrub. Let sit a minute. Wipe with paper towel or sponge. Rinse well. Will shine like new.
  • Maggie Maggie on Nov 16, 2016
    I wet down the sink sprinkle baking soda on a brush, adding more to brush as I need it brush down the sink and rinse with hot water shines.
  • Ste2630268 Ste2630268 on Nov 16, 2016
    Baking soda and vinegar ist the Best and then little oil
  • Heidi Hendrickson Heidi Hendrickson on Nov 16, 2016
    To keep the shine after cleaning. A little olive oil on a paper towel and rub it all over the sink and faucet. No water spots and keeps the sink cleaner looking longer.
  • Carmen Carmen on Nov 16, 2016
    Dip half a lemon into bicarbonat of soda and rub gently. finish with baby oil if you're fussy about shine but hey, it's a sink!
  • Gayle Gayle on Nov 16, 2016
    It all depends on how beat up the sink is, but I find, when all else fails, Bar Keeper's Friend Cleaner and Polish works like a charm. I discovered it when nothing else would get old stains out of a stainless sink. You can find it where they sell Comet/Ajax type products.
  • Barbara McKenzie Barbara McKenzie on Nov 16, 2016
    Yes, Barkeeper's Friend is great! Then polish it with car wax.
  • Lje13535693 Lje13535693 on Nov 16, 2016
    I agree with Barbara.. Bar Keepers Friend is fantastic, easy to use, fast and results are amazing. And, not expensive.
  • Joyce Joyce on Nov 16, 2016
    Once I clean my sink, I don't like the oil rubdowns, so I run a little water and then put in just a little Jet Dry rinse aid for the dishwasher, Then I take a dishrag and make sure all the sides and top have been rinsed, then pull the plug, don't re-rinse. It leaves it shining without the oily effect.
  • Frances Wolfe Frances Wolfe on Nov 17, 2016
    After cleaning the sink,spray a little wd40,&polish it up. The smell goes away.
  • Christine AL-Khoury Sarweh Christine AL-Khoury Sarweh on Nov 17, 2016
    Thanks alllll ... do any one have natural way ??
  • Robin Czaikowski Robin Czaikowski on Nov 17, 2016
    I use a paste of baking soda and vinegar with just a pinch of salt and clean the metal sink. Works for me.
  • Eloise Eloise on Nov 17, 2016
    Saw this on Hometalk some time ago: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/clean/kitchen/cleaning-a-stainless-steel-sink-with-baking-soda-and-vinegar-6824890...
    cleaning a stainless steel sink with baking soda and vinegar, cleaning tips, homesteading, how to
    Cleaning a Stainless Steel Sink
  • Mellie Ange Mellie Ange on Nov 17, 2016
    Use a paste of cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide I use it in stainless steal carafe it took the coffee stain
  • Blu7775322 Blu7775322 on Nov 17, 2016
    I purchase Earth Brite from QVC . It's in a little tub and you will be amazed. It's a white clay that you apply with it's own sponge. It not only cleans and polishes your stainless sink but water runs right off it and it doesn't allow mineral deposits to cling..I love it.....
    • B. Enne B. Enne on Nov 19, 2016
      Universal Sponge works too, and is a similar type product.
  • CharLee Williams CharLee Williams on Nov 17, 2016
    I agree Earth Brite, and it's all natural
  • Sandra Sandra on Nov 17, 2016
    Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
  • Hei12625205 Hei12625205 on Nov 17, 2016
    diluted bleach
  • Jan Aldorasi Jan Aldorasi on Nov 17, 2016
    Bar Keepers Friend- purchase at Walmart or any grocery store
    • Bonnie Paul Bonnie Paul on Nov 17, 2016
      Yes, bar keepers friend is my favorte for all my sinks and works wonders on my stainless frying pans too!
  • LibraryKAT LibraryKAT on Nov 17, 2016
    Read Fly Lady's tutorial: http://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/flyi... My house is not always perfect, but my stainless sink shines!
  • Doris Doris on Nov 17, 2016
    Lime away does a wonderful job. No scrubbing, just wipe down the sink.
  • ANITA ANITA on Nov 17, 2016
    windex
  • Dedra Parnell Tomashot Dedra Parnell Tomashot on Nov 17, 2016
    Soft&Scrub
  • Florida Beachpotato Florida Beachpotato on Nov 17, 2016
    Clean with safe Simple Green and then apply light coat of WD40, wipe down with paper towel. Brand new!
  • Eri9750891 Eri9750891 on Nov 17, 2016
    hi, ive always used baby oil, everything looks brand new and shiney
  • Jod12881438 Jod12881438 on Nov 17, 2016
    Bar Keepers Friend is the best will shine like new.
  • Helen Helen on Nov 17, 2016
    It isn't done with a light hand. But, I scrubbed my son's with crumpled up aluminum foil. Then with a soft cloth I washed them with Dawn. Afterwards I dried them nicely with a soft cloth. Cloth I used is flour sack material such as baby diapers. With no fabric softners. You can then polish them with a drop of baby oil wiped on and wiped well afterward. They were beautiful.
  • Marilyn Marilyn on Nov 17, 2016
    I put a tablespoon of bleach in warm water, put any mugs with stains.from coffee and tea. Let it sit for 10 - minutes then rub the whole sink and rinse!
  • Ell14591361 Ell14591361 on Nov 17, 2016
    I like using Baking soda. Comes out really shiny
  • Lynn Murphy-Picker Lynn Murphy-Picker on Nov 17, 2016
    I finally discovered an all natural clay based product that is absolutely AMAZING. It is called Bio Cleaner. It comes in a jar and looks like white wax. We live in the country so hard water stains are horrid even with a softner. This product makes my sinks look brand new. Also works great on the outside of pots& pans, cookie sheets, ovens, stove tops (glass or regular style), grills, shower doors, tubs, or even the bumpers on your vehicles (chrome ). One container lasts me about 3 months so it is cost efficient. I have only been able to find it online at www.biocleaner.com. I have an interior cleaning business so I use mine on a regular basis. My clients have also been thrilled with the results. Easy to apply with the sponge that is provided. The 1st time I used really thick coating. Let it sit for a few minutes then rinse. Wipe dry with a soft cloth. I found it was better to buy 2 containers at a time because you do not want to run out. Actually, we keep one in the cleaning supplies and one in the garage for hubby to use on his toys. I DO NOT WORK FOR THIS COMPANY, I ONLY BRAG ABOUT HOW GREAT THEIR PRODUCT IS.
  • Joyce Joyce on Nov 18, 2016
    Baking Soda & Salt scrub with a damp cloth, rinse good then rinse with Jet Dry, let it air dry
  • Barbara Stoklosa Barbara Stoklosa on Nov 18, 2016
    Comet is doing very good job
  • Lisa Lisa on Nov 18, 2016
    Have you tried Barkeeper's Friend? I've also used Comet, Soft Scrub, baking soda, Dawn, and then sometimes have ended with a glass cleaner (e.g., Windex, Glass Plus) for added shine. I most often just use Dawn on a dish rag that has a mesh/net scrubby side.
  • Viola Rodriguez-Vidal Viola Rodriguez-Vidal on Nov 18, 2016
    1200 grade sanding paper used very lightly. I followed up with Brasso.
  • Bonnie Weaver Bonnie Weaver on Nov 18, 2016
    Spray with WD-40, and wipe with a paper towel
  • Tracy Fulford Cassie Tracy Fulford Cassie on Nov 18, 2016
    I use Comet and then use baby oil to shine it! Looks brand new!
  • Lynleeben Lynleeben on Nov 18, 2016
    Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Cleans & Shines stainless steel sinks.
  • Scd14376982 Scd14376982 on Nov 18, 2016
    WD-40 is the best
  • Linda Linda on Nov 18, 2016
    Take a wet rag pour some bleach on it and wipe.
  • Hope Williams Hope Williams on Nov 18, 2016
    Hi! I use my glass top stove cleaner. It works wonders.
  • Dho9163477 Dho9163477 on Nov 18, 2016
    I use a powder called Bartenders Helper, works great
  • Carol Carol on Nov 18, 2016
    Try some Windex for more shine because it works great on more than windows.
  • Sandra Sandra on Nov 18, 2016
    wad up brown paper sack and use baking powder. the paper bag doesn't scratch.
  • Ruby Ruby on Nov 18, 2016
    Use bar keep
  • Marcia Marcia on Nov 18, 2016
    Gaming soda scrubby pad rinse then wipe down
  • Lynn Murphy-Picker Lynn Murphy-Picker on Nov 18, 2016
    Sorry..I listed the wrong site for the Bio Cleaner. Go to www.QVC. Com to purchase. So sorry for any confusion.
  • Nancy Gramm Nancy Gramm on Nov 18, 2016
    After I cleaning with baking soda and vinegar, I spray lightly with Citrus Magic air freshener and shine with a rag. Good luck in your efforts!
  • Diane Johnson Diane Johnson on Nov 18, 2016
    I use a clay, all natural cleaner from QVC, not only cleans it but polishes it too and it will repel water. Awesome product!
  • Valerie Valerie on Nov 19, 2016
    This Hometalk person did a fantastic job on hers: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/clean/house/how-to-make-your-stainless-steel-sink-shine-11000383...
    how to make your stainless steel sink shine, cleaning tips, how to, kitchen design
    How To Make Your Stainless Steel Sink Shine!
  • Ann West Ann West on Nov 19, 2016
    Bar Keepers Friend, or Bon Ami Powder Cleanser, which starts with vegan, plant-based cleaning agents made from coconut and corn oils, then adds feldspar and the even softer abrasive, limestone. We add a little bit of soda ash and a touch of baking soda. The result is a natural, effective cleaner for modern surfaces. Both products can be found at your local grocery store.
    • Stevemar2 Stevemar2 on Nov 19, 2016
      I used Bar Keepers Friend on my stainless steel sink and it was awful! It left a film for days, no matter how much I rinsed. It works great on bathtubs though.
  • Ang4989179 Ang4989179 on Nov 19, 2016
    Depois de usar a mistura de bicarbonato com vinagre branco, lave sua pia com sabão em barra Vanish branco. Seu inox ficará brilhando como se fosse novo. Boa sorte.
  • Kimberley Mouser Kimberley Mouser on Nov 19, 2016
    I only use apple vinegar (normal household white vinegar works just as well) dilute 1 cup vinegar to 4 cups water put in a spray bottle and cover all of the surface then wipe over whith a soft scrub brush rinse dry then spray it with some oil spray (the same one you might spray cake tins with prior to baking) then dry with a soft lint free cloth. Thats it simple and cheap you now have a clean and shiny sink, enjoy
  • Adele Adele on Nov 19, 2016
    Vinegar and dish soap
  • Tracy Tracy on Nov 19, 2016
    Bleach
  • Debbie Cook Debbie Cook on Nov 19, 2016
    I use Barkeepers friend and it comes out looking brand new!
  • JOYCE JENKINS JOYCE JENKINS on Nov 19, 2016
    The lady is right about plain what vinegar. Dip clean cloth in vinegar whip sink well and shine it with dry cloth , will shine like new.
  • Penny Penny on Nov 19, 2016
    i moved into an apartment with an old beat up stainless steel sink, and i found the only thing that works is plain old baking soda...does a great job....
  • Jan Jan on Nov 19, 2016
    I agree with Debbie, Barkeepers Friend is my go to product for most of my clean and shine projects. I also use it to clean my copper pans.
  • Wen12005986 Wen12005986 on Nov 19, 2016
    Mr. Clean Eraser or generic one works great! No odor or mess either.
  • K9411686734 K9411686734 on Nov 20, 2016
    bars keeper awsome stuff
  • Susanne Johnson-Cruey Susanne Johnson-Cruey on Nov 20, 2016
    How strange. I've used it for years on all stainless steel materials. I did have a polished stainless steel lid from All-Clad cookware that did something similar. But I left the residue on the lid for over 30 mins after I had a ''senior'' moment, & forgot it. I owned a house cleaning business for 20+ yrs & used both Bar Keepers Friend, & Bon Ami on every sink, both stainless & enamel without problems. I even used it on a new sink made from a composite material, in one of the rental properties I own. The method I use is to take a gentle scouring pad, & scrub the cleaner into the sink, then rinse with the hottest water I have, & then dry the sink with a terry towel. On older more worn sinks I also use Windex glass cleaner as the last step to make the sink really shine. I live in an area with very hard water and wonder if that could make a difference?? I've noticed when I've traveled to area's that don't have hard water, like the beaches on the east coast, that it seems to take forever to rinse the soap & shampoo out during a shower.
  • Cinvisible Kguys Cinvisible Kguys on Nov 20, 2016
    comet works great
  • Lynn Lynn on Nov 20, 2016
    Acetone,fingernail polish
  • Jart57 Jart57 on Nov 20, 2016
    I concur the use of Bartenders Keep as well. Use this after about once a week. The Original Gel -Gloss Kitchen & Bath Cleaner & Polish,16oz
  • Diana Diana on Nov 20, 2016
    Baking soda and dishwashing liquid (Dawn) works well and you can use it more often.
  • Maria Maria on Nov 20, 2016
    I sure. need the solution too. Mistakenly I used a spray-Lysol kitchen bleach cleaner - It left my sink surface with dull blotches.
  • Linda Lane Linda Lane on Nov 20, 2016
    My mom used car polish. Nothing stuck to it after that.
  • Denise Bendickson Denise Bendickson on Nov 20, 2016
    I use Orange Glow. Works beautifully. Make sure you distribute it evenly and then buff it up. Use your clean houses for a living also works on Stainless steel Refrigerator and dish washer.
  • Helen Helen on Nov 20, 2016
    FOR INSTANT SHINE DAB A BIT OF BABY OIL ON A SOFT RAG AND POLISH THE SINK. FOR DEEP SHINE CRUMPLE ALUM FOIL INTO SHAPE AND SCRUB SINK, RINSE AND SHINE WITH BABY OIL.
  • Pamela S Alexander Pamela S Alexander on Nov 20, 2016
    I have a stainless sink also and have always used Bon Ami and a teflon scouring pad (for scrubbing nonstick cookware-they are usually green in color and can be purchased at any Dollar tree store). It shines up just like new and the sink is over 50 yrs old... and NO scratches ever!
  • Lindaannepike Lindaannepike on Nov 20, 2016
    Dry the sink thoroughly then rub with plain (all purpose) flour.
  • Barbara C Barbara C on Nov 20, 2016
    Lemon Oil works great on Stainless and smells good,too.
  • Janet Branch Janet Branch on Nov 20, 2016
    The absolute best stuff to use on stainless steel is Wymans Stainless Steel cleaner. It is in a spray can like Pledge and can be bought at Walmart. Just spray it on and let it sit a minute and wipe off and buff with a paper towel. no need to clean before you spray...it cuts water spots and leaves a shine like new. the more you use it the better stainless sinks, appliances will look. a can last a long time. I promise...you will love it!
  • Jmr7352721 Jmr7352721 on Nov 20, 2016
    Wipe down with white vinegar.
  • Mon2913831 Mon2913831 on Nov 20, 2016
    Use a magic eraser to hit tough stains. Can also use baking soda/water paste and lightly wipe with olive oil I always use soft cloths and dry my stainless to avoid water stains
  • Sam Sam on Nov 20, 2016
    vinegar and baking soda, spread all over (it will foam) rinse well, wipe dry. polish w pledge or other furniture wax.
  • Deb Johnson Deb Johnson on Nov 20, 2016
    Fill your sink with hot water and add a cup of bleach.
  • RichandTammy Whiteside RichandTammy Whiteside on Nov 21, 2016
    One of the coolest ideas I've seen on doing something like this is to clean your sink with the cleanser of your choice and then dry it. Then with very fine steel wool, you can "re-shine" your sink. When you're finished, apply a good coat or two of Rain-X to protect your work. Another really good product out there is called "Scratch-B-Gone". The theory behind it is amazingly simple. You can check it out at http://www.restoreityourselfproducts.com/prod.... Hope that this helps!
  • Linda Linda on Nov 21, 2016
    I bought BioCleaner on QVC. Follow instructions I wipe dry. All the new water will just bead up. Love it.
  • UpLATEagain UpLATEagain on Nov 21, 2016
    Bar Keeper's Friend powder in a can! Restaurant supply, it's even stocked at Dollar General and Wal Mart these days! Rinse well, wipe dry. Follow the Fly Lady to learn and do to have a clean home. http://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/
  • Taffetal Taffetal on Nov 22, 2016
    Lagostina Professional Cleaner for Stainless Steel - sold near high grade cooking pans. It takes only a little to keep your stainless steel sink and pots and pans like new.
  • Chas' Crazy Creations Chas' Crazy Creations on Aug 01, 2022

    I have several cleaning tutorials that might help you https://chascrazycreations.com/diys/how-tos/cleaning/
  • Chas' Crazy Creations Chas' Crazy Creations on Jan 02, 2023

    Here's a post that might help https://chascrazycreations.com/homemade-cleaner-for-stainless-steel/
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