Between rinsing fresh fruits and veggies, washing your hands, and scrubbing pans, your kitchen sink handles a lot of mess every day. Wear and tear can leave even the shiniest stainless steel sink looking dull and marked with water spots, and leftover grime can trap bacteria and create unpleasant odors and sanitary concerns.
You can keep your stainless steel sink clean and streak-free with a few environmentally responsible supplies you already have at home. Follow this step-by-step guide to bring back your sink's shine.
Supplies You’ll Need to Clean the Kitchen Sink
Gather everything you need to clean your kitchen sink so it's easily accessible. Collect these cleaning supplies from your cupboards:
Baking soda
Distilled white vinegar
Olive oil
Unscented dish soap
Microfiber cloths or soft sponges
Old toothbrush
Spray bottle
Lemon slices (optional)
If you feel inspired to tackle the rest of your kitchen after cleaning your sink, check out our Ultimate Kitchen Cleaning Guide for a step-by-step walkthrough.
Step-by-Step: How to Deep Clean a Stainless Steel Sink
Eliminating bacteria and buildup from your stainless steel sink without scratching the metal is easy with the right method. Follow these simple steps for a gleaming kitchen sink.
Step 1: Rinse and Prep
Start by clearing the sink of dishes, utensils, and food scraps. Rinse loose debris from the basin with warm water to prep your sink for deeper cleaning.
Step 2: Sprinkle and Scrub with Baking Soda
Baking soda’s fine texture helps lift residue and stains without scratching stainless steel surfaces. Dust a generous layer of baking soda across the damp sink. Apply a few drops of dish soap to a damp sponge or microfiber cloth, then gently scrub with the grain of the stainless steel to remove grease, food, and water marks.
Pro tip: Use an old toothbrush to scrub tight spaces around the faucet base and drain.
Step 3: Deodorize with Vinegar
Pour equal parts white vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Spritz the entire sink surface, including the handles and faucet, allowing the vinegar to fizz as it reacts with leftover baking soda. This natural reaction helps cut through mineral deposits and eliminates odors. Let it sit for five minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Optional: After rinsing away the vinegar, take a fresh lemon half and rub it directly over the sink surface, then rinse it away. The citric acid helps cut lingering water spots and leaves a fresh scent.
Step 4: Polish with Olive Oil
Dry the sink with a clean microfiber cloth. To bring out a brilliant shine and create a water-repellent barrier against water spots, apply a few drops of olive oil to a soft cloth and buff the surface in small, circular motions.
Step 5: Clean the Drain and Garbage Disposal
The sink drain is a common source of odors from food scraps and grease. Sprinkle half a cup of baking soda down the drain, then pour in one cup of vinegar. Let the mixture bubble for 10 minutes, then rinse with hot water to remove the grime. Repeat this step to clean the garbage disposal.
Daily and Weekly Kitchen Sink Maintenance Tips
A few small habits make a big difference in keeping your stainless steel sink clean. Here’s how to keep your sink consistently fresh and shiny:
Daily Care
Incorporate these brief tasks into your everyday cleaning routine:
Toss food scraps: Avoid scraping leftover food from dishes into the sink, and toss them in the compost or trash instead. Only rinse dishes lightly before loading them into the dishwasher.
Rinse and dry after use: At the end of the day, rinse the sink thoroughly with warm water to remove leftover food or soap. Dry it with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots and streaks.
Check the drain: Clear the drain of any leftover scraps to avoid odors and clogs.
Store sponges and dishcloths: Don’t leave sponges or dishcloths in the sink. Moisture can cause stainless steel surfaces to rust where they're scratched or damaged.
Weekly Care
Try these tips for a slightly deeper weekly clean:
Scrub with baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda in the sink, then gently scrub with a damp microfiber cloth or sponge, following the grain of the steel. Rinse and dry to keep your sink sparkling.
Faucet and handles: Wipe down the faucet and handles with a spray made of equal parts vinegar and water. This removes fingerprints, water spots, and bacteria. Dry with a soft cloth.
Monthly Deep Clean
Follow the step-by-step guide above for a monthly stainless steel sink deep clean. Focus on scrubbing around the drain and faucet base where grime tends to build up. Clean your dishwasher and any other stainless steel surfaces in your kitchen at the same time for an efficient monthly refresh.
When to Call a Kitchen Sink Pro
Even with regular cleaning and maintenance, some sink problems require the expertise of a professional plumber. If you notice these warning signs, call in the pros:
Persistent clogs: If water drains slowly or backs up despite DIY drain cleaning, there may be a deeper blockage in the pipes that needs professional tools to resolve.
Leaking faucets or pipes: A steady drip or water pooling under the sink can waste water, drive up water bills, and cause water damage.
Rust or corrosion: While stainless steel is resistant to rust, scratches or prolonged exposure to moisture can sometimes cause discoloration that may require repair or replacement.
Low water pressure: If the water flow from your faucet has weakened, it may have problems related to mineral deposit buildup or the supply line.
Mold or mildew around the sink base: Persistent moisture around the sink's base can seep into nearby areas, creating hidden mold growth that’s difficult to remove from countertops or cabinets.
When in doubt, let the experts handle it. Ben Franklin Plumbing, part of the Authority Brands family, specializes in kitchen plumbing services to keep your sink, faucet, and drains working properly. Their licensed professionals can diagnose issues, make repairs, and replace worn-out fixtures. Find a trusted plumber near you at Ben Franklin Plumbing.
The Cleaning Authority is Here to Help
A spotless kitchen sink is just one part of a fresh, inviting home. Let The Cleaning Authority help you with the rest. Our professional house cleaners use environmentally responsible products to give your home the perfect clean for the best price.
Request your free estimate today or call us at (888) 658-0659.