Persistent stains and rust
When rust stains appear on stainless steel, it is due to iron particles that have gotten on the stainless steel surface of the sink or countertop. These iron particles cause an oxidation reaction resulting in the rust. Once the iron particles are removed from the stainless steel, the oxidation stops. To remove the rust stains, do not use steel wool or the scouring side of scouring pads.
What you should avoid
If the stainless steel comes into contact with such products, quick and thorough rinsing with clean tap water will be necessary to preserve the countertop from damage. However, even long-term exposure to dilute solutions of acids, salts and alkalis( both on the use side and underneath in the form of vapors) can damage AISI 304 stainless steel. It is therefore advisable to clean the countertop regularly, especially prior to a period when it will remain unused for a longer period of time.
OME GARDENING PRODUCTS
On the market you can find several professional stainless steel cleaners, such as the HG brand. These often work fine, only they are also a high cost. You don't have to immediately reach for those expensive remedies, there are plenty of less expensive cleaners that will get the stainless steel sink clean again. Below we give a few examples.
1. LIQUID GREEN SOAP
Liquid green soap: the time-honored cleaning agent of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers. When you treat your stainless steel sink with liquid green soap once every three weeks, the stainless steel stays beautiful and stains disappear before the sun. Use a microfiber cloth to rub the soap on the stainless steel. Always rub with the fiber of the stainless steel, otherwise you will cause scratches! When the stainless steel is dry, you can apply some oil-based stainless steel cleaner for extra shine.
2. BAKING SODA
Baking soda (available at convenience stores) is a white, crystalline powder that works very well as an eco-friendly cleaner. Sprinkle two tablespoons of baking soda in the sink and rub all the stainless steel material with a damp microfiber cloth or sponge. Rub with the grain! Next, pour a little vinegar on the surface. This will make the baking soda start to foam, which will help remove dirt and caked-on food residue. Let it soak for about ten minutes. After that, rinse the sink with water and wipe everything dry with a dry microfiber cloth.
3. VINEGAR
If you want to use vinegar as a cleaning agent, it is advisable to treat the stainless steel sink with it every night. Boil some cleaning vinegar in a pan and rub it into the sink along with some dish soap with a microfiber cloth. Let it dry for a few hours and then rinse with water. Result: bling-bling stainless steel sink!
4. SOAP
You can also clean and shine your stainless steel sink with soapy water. Rub the sink well with the cloth, keeping in mind that you are going along with the grain of the stainless steel. Then rinse with hot water and dry with a dry microfiber cloth. If necessary, you can then treat it with gloss rinse agent. Repeat the treatment until you are satisfied.
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE
Cleaning stainless steel remains a tedious job, even with the right tools. Therefore, prevention is always better than cure. It is advisable to do daily maintenance on the stainless steel sink. Often it is enough if you just run a little suds through the sink every day and remove food residue.
In addition, it is better not to put dirty dishes in the sink. To avoid scratches, you can put a plastic or rubber mat on the bottom. Be sure to clean the mat and the surface well, otherwise food residue will cake and stain again. Best, of course, is to put dirty dishes directly into the dishwasher or wash them.
