Are you looking for the best way to care for your stainless steel sink and countertops?
Whether you want to know how best to clean them, which cleaners to use, or if it’s safe and effective to use stainless steel screws and fasteners with aluminum, this blog post has all the answers!
Keep reading for everything you need to know about cleaning your stainless steel sink and other related tips and tricks!
Table of Contents
How to Clean Stainless Steel Sinks

Cleaning your stainless steel sink doesn’t have to be an arduous task. With the right approach and a few simple steps, you can have your sink looking like new in no time!
Here are some easy steps for cleaning your stainless steel sink:
- Rinse it with warm water to get rid of debris and food particles
- Scrub with a nonabrasive sponge or cloth, using dish soap as needed
- Polish with a soft cloth and vinegar solution if desired
- Dry thoroughly so that no spots remain on the surface
- Apply a protective sealant (optional) to keep the finish looking good longer
Best Way to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink
Cleaning your stainless steel sink doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right approach and a few simple steps, your sink can look like new in no time! Here are some of the best ways to clean your stainless steel sink:
Cleaning Your Stainless steel sink
- Use a combination of dish soap and baking soda to scrub away stuck-on grime.
- Create a paste using water and baking soda lemon, and use it to clean tough stains.
- Wet a soft cloth or sponge with vinegar and water, then dab at tough spots until they come off easily.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water to get rid of residue, then dry off the surface with a clean towel or cloth.
- Apply protective sealant to the stainless steel surface (optional) if desired to keep the finish looking nice for longer periods of time.
Best Cleaner for a Stainless Steel Sink
Keeping Your Stainless Steel Sink Clean
If you’re looking for the best way to keep your stainless steel sink clean, look no further! With the right approach and a few simple steps, cleaning your sink can be a breeze! From using dish soap and baking soda to creating vinegar solutions, there are various ways to tackle any grime on your stainless steel sink. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best cleaners for a stainless steel sink.
Image | Product | Features | Price |
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![]() | Weiman Stainless Steel Sink and Pots & Pans Cleaner and Polish – 2 Pack |
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![]() | Weiman Stainless Steel Sink and Cookware Cleaner and Polish with Microfiber Cloth – 8 Ounce |
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![]() | Lucy’s Family Owned – Natural Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon 128oz. (Pack of 2) |
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![]() | MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 6 Pack – Premium Cloth for Glasses, Lens, Screens & More |
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Can You Use Stainless Steel Screws in Aluminum?
Stainless steel screws can be used in aluminum, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, stainless steel is much harder than aluminum and could easily strip the threads of the aluminum. Additionally, aluminum is softer and more prone to corrosion when exposed to water or other liquids. It’s best to use a non-stainless steel screw made from a material such as brass or bronze for best results when using the screws in aluminum.
Stainless Steel Sink Cleaner Homemade
Here is a step by step list of how to make your own homemade stainless steel sink cleaner:
- Gather the ingredients needed to make the all-purpose cleaner: 2 tablespoons baking soda, ½ cup white vinegar, ¼ cup lemon juice and 2 cups hot water.
- Mix together the baking soda and vinegar in a small bowl until it forms a paste.
- Add in the lemon juice and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and add the hot water. Stir or shake gently to combine all ingredients uniformly.
- Spray directly onto your stainless steel sink and let sit for about 10 minutes before wiping away with a microfiber cloth or clean rag.
Here are some additional tips for cleaning your stainless steel sink:
- Rinse the sink with hot water after every use, to ensure that no food or dirt particles remain.
- Use a soft cloth or a non-scratch scouring pad to remove tough stains and debris.
- Dry the sink with a soft cloth immediately after using it. This will help prevent water spots and leave the sink looking shiny and clean.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners such as bleach, ammonia, or vinegar on your stainless steel sink as these can damage the finish over time.
What Do You Use to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink?
Here is a list of items and products you can use to clean your stainless steel sink:
- Mild detergent
- Warm water
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Microfiber cloth or an old t-shirt
In addition to the items and products listed above, you can also use other cleaning agents that are safe for stainless steel. Commonly used cleaners include:
- Mild ammonia solution
- Non-abrasive scrubbing pad
- Soft cloths (e.g. cotton rags)
- Commercially available stainless steel cleaners
Can You Use Stainless Steel Bolts and Fasteners in Aluminum?
Using stainless steel bolts and fasteners in aluminum is possible, but there are a few considerations to make. As stainless steel is much harder than aluminum, it can easily strip the threads of the aluminum when being installed.
Additionally, aluminum is softer so it’s important to use a corrosion-resistant thread locker or sealant when assembling with stainless steel bolts and fasteners. Using a non-stainless steel bolt such as brass or bronze would work better for assembly with aluminum.
Using Vinegar to Clean Your Stainless Steel Sinks
Vinegar is a natural cleaning product that is effective in removing bacteria and other debris from your stainless steel sink. However, it should be used sparingly and with caution as it can damage the finish of your sink over time if used too frequently or in high concentrations.
To clean your stainless steel sink without damaging it, you should use a mild soap or cleaner specifically designed for cleaning stainless steel, then rinse with warm water. For tough stains, you can dilute white vinegar with water and use it as needed. Be sure to dry the sink immediately after cleaning to avoid water spots.
FAQ’s
What is the best thing to clean a stainless steel sink with?
The best way to clean your stainless steel sink is with a mild soap or cleaner specifically designed for cleaning stainless steel. These specialized cleaners are formulated to remove bacteria and other debris while preserving the finish of your sink.
For tough stains, you can use a combination of warm water and white vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. Once the sink has been cleaned, it should be dried thoroughly with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
What should you not use on stainless steel?
It is not recommended to use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or steel wool when cleaning stainless steel. Over time these harsher cleaning products can cause damage to the finish of your stainless steel sink, leaving it looking dull and scratched. Additionally, avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals as these can permanently discolor the surface.
Will steel bolts react with aluminum?
Steel bolts may react with aluminum if exposed to high temperatures or galvanic corrosion. High temperatures can cause galvanic corrosion, which occurs when two dissimilar metals are placed in contact.
If the steel bolts and aluminum components are in direct contact, it is possible for a reaction to occur. Generally, it’s best to avoid combining steel and aluminum components unless special measures are taken to prevent galvanic corrosion from occurring.