How to polish stainless steel sinks

Polishing a stainless steel sink is easier than you think. Here are detailed instructions on how to polish a stainless steel sink.

 

Sinks are one of the most used items in the home, whether in the bathroom, kitchen or laundry room. In fact, sinks can easily lose their shine and look dull due to frequent use between washing dishes, washing hands and preparing food. However, it is important to learn how to polish a stainless steel sink to achieve the desired look and keep the sink clean and odor-free.

Why should you polish stainless steel sinks?

The number one reason is to ensure it stays in tip-top condition, like new. Polishing smooths out microscopic scratches and grooves where dirt and minerals tend to accumulate. It's a quick way to ensure your bathroom or kitchen sink stays looking its best, even with regular use.

 

How to polish stainless steel sinks

There are several methods for polishing a stainless steel sink. Since you will need to do this regularly, choose the method that works best for you.

Use flour

One of the easiest ways to polish a stainless steel sink is with flour. That's right—flour is the key to a shiny, stain-free sink in your home. All you need is a soft cloth, flour, and a warm, soapy sponge.

Note that the sink needs to be clean before polishing. So you will need to remove the dishes and clean the surface as normal. Once this is done, you can begin polishing.

To do this, dust the sink with a thick layer of flour until it covers the entire sink. Then, take a cloth and buff the flour until the stain is gone.

Use olive oil or mineral oil to polish.

This method is ideal for giving a stainless steel sink a shine, says Corey Buescher, a virtual appliance repair expert at Frontdoor. After cleaning and drying the sink, apply a little olive oil or mineral oil to a soft cloth. Then, rub the oil into the sink in the direction of the wood grain until the surface is evenly shiny, then wipe off the excess oil with a dry cloth.

Using baking soda and vinegar

Buescher also recommends using baking soda and vinegar to polish stainless steel sinks. This will help to make the sink shine and remove unpleasant odors.

 

'Start by sprinkling baking soda onto the damp sink, then gently scrubbing with a soft sponge along the length of the steel.' 'Then, spray white vinegar onto the baking soda, which will start to fizz. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.'

Then, rinse with warm water and dry the sink completely with a soft cloth.

Use a specialized polish

After using this, finish cleaning the stainless steel sink with a little oil to add shine and wipe it off with a microfiber cloth. Then add a few drops of olive oil and gently rub it in with a clean cloth, and finally buff the remaining solution with a clean, dry cloth until the sink looks shiny.

How often should you polish your stainless steel sink?

There really is no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on how often you use your sink and when it needs some serious care.

' As a general rule, if you live in a small household or cook infrequently, you should polish once a month to maintain shine and cleanliness ,' says Buescher. ' On the other hand, if you live in a larger household or cook frequently, you should polish your stainless steel sink every 1-2 weeks to prevent buildup, water spots, and stains .'

In addition to polishing away odors, Buescher recommends using an odor eliminator, such as lemon or vinegar, to keep the sink smelling fresh.