Care & Cleaning

An Ounce of Prevention

Stainless steel sinks are easily cleaned using many different methods. They actually thrive with frequent cleaning, and unlike some other materials, it is impossible to “wear out” stainless steel sinks by excessive cleaning. Since most soaps and detergents contain chlorides, we recommend rinsing your stainless steel sink after each use.

• Combine a simple daily treatment with weekly cleansing using a soft, abrasive cleaner. Cleaners such as Bon-Ami®, Bar Keepers Friend® or other typical household cleaners are recommended; these cleaners can be used with warm water and sponges or clean cloths
• Remember to always scrub in the direction of the polish grain lines so that your efforts blend with the surface of your sink
• Since most soaps and detergents contain chlorides, once cleaning is complete, rinse the surface immediately to prevent corrosion; rinsing in clean, hot water leaves stainless steel shiny and ready for the next use
• For hard-to-clean projects try a ScotchBrite® type scouring pad when the job at hand requires a little extra effort; gently scrub in the direction of the grain
• Ordinary carbon steel brushes or steel wool should be avoided as iron particles that are left behind can lead to rust and corrosion
• After washing, dry the surface completely with a clean, dry towel; drying your sink can prevent water spots and surface rust marks
   

Looking for That Extra Sparkle?

• Pour in some club soda and gently rub with a soft cloth in the direction of the grain, then wipe dry with a clean, soft cloth to prevent water spots and surface rust
• Baking soda makes a great stainless steel sink cleaner because it is abrasive enough to scrub away light hard water deposits and stuck-on grease and food, but not so abrasive as to scratch shiny stainless steel fixtures like faucets; try cleaning your sink with a paste of baking soda and water; then rinse the sink with vinegar, which will bubble and fizz; vinegar naturally disinfects while helping remove hard water stains from your stainless steel sink
• Once your sink is clean and dry, add a few drops of olive oil to a lint-free cloth to buff the sink and fixture until they sparkle
• Rinse regularly to keep the chlorides found in most cleansers from affecting the natural luster of stainless
   

A few DONT’s for Stainless Steel Care

• Don’t let soap cleansers, sponges, towels or rags dry on the sink’s surface; they can dull the surface beneath them and harbor bacteria or other unwanted items
• Avoid leaving steel and cast iron cookware in your sink for extended periods of time; iron and moisture on top of stainless can lead to surface rust and staining
• Don’t leave rubber dish mats, wet sponges and cleaning pads in the sink for any length of time since they trap water that can lead to discoloration and possible staining
• Don’t use your sink as a cutting board; knives and other sharp kitchen instruments can naturally damage the surface of your sink
   

General Tips

• Wear rubber gloves when working with cleaners to protect your hands
• Never mix cleaners as some products react to create dangerous gases
• Before using blended or compound cleaners, contact suppliers of solvents for information on their applications on stainless steel
• Do not use solvents in closed spaces or while smoking