Stainless steel can be tough to keep sparkling, particularly the kitchen sink. Stainless steel can be prone to scratching, and hard water can leave behind marks. Further, very hot items that come into contact with a stainless steel sink can cause it to become discolored, known as “blueing.”
So, how do you keep your stainless steel sink shining during showings? Houzz, a home remodeling website, interviewed designers to find out, and the best approach may be simply using soap and water. Here are a few of its tips:
- Wash the sink regularly with mild dish soap and a soft rag or sponge.
- Avoid using steel wool, wire brushes, or abrasive sponge pads. You could scratch the material.
- Avoid using cleaners that contain bleach. They can corrode the sink.
- To remove hard water marks, use a mixture of vinegar and water. Also, wipe the sink dry after use to avoid further water stains.
- To prevent “blueing,” add water to the sink before placing in a hot pan. The hotness of the pan can cause the sink to discolor.
Stainless steel sinks that do get scratched up can often be buffed out using steel wool. That will smooth the sink’s surface. But the scratch will still be evident, albeit blended in more if done on a satin or brushed finish. Houzz notes that a buffed area will be more prominent on higher-end stainless sinks that have a shiny finish.
Source: “How to Keep Your Kitchen Sink Looking Great,” Houzz (Jan. 11, 2020)
