> [!tip] Quick answer: Rinse the sink, sprinkle baking soda across the basin, scrub with a soft sponge in the direction of the grain, then rinse. For shine and water-spot prevention, follow with a 50/50 vinegar-water spray and polish with a microfibre dabbed in olive oil. ## How to clean a stainless steel sink in 2026 A stainless sink sees more action than almost any surface in a Canadian kitchen, and it shows. Food residue, water spots, soap scum, and the occasional rust from steel cookware all collect in the basin within a day. The good news: cleaning takes 5 minutes a day with baking soda and a soft sponge, and the sink looks new every morning. The same rules as stainless appliances apply: go with the grain, never against it, and never use abrasive scrubbers. ### What you should plan for - Time: 3 to 5 minutes daily; 10 minutes weekly - Tools: Baking soda, dish soap, vinegar, soft sponge, microfibre, olive oil - Cost: Under $10 - Frequency: Daily wipe, weekly deep clean - Surface caveat: Brushed and satin stainless need different products than mirror-polished ## The daily clean 1. Rinse the sink with warm water to remove loose food and debris. 1. Sprinkle baking soda across the entire basin. 1. Scrub with a soft sponge or microfibre in the direction of the grain. 1. Rinse thoroughly. 1. Dry with a clean cloth to prevent water spots. That's it. Daily routine done in under 5 minutes. ## The weekly deep clean 1. Complete the daily steps above. 1. Spray with 50/50 vinegar-water. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes. 1. Wipe with a microfibre in the direction of the grain. 1. Rinse and dry. 1. Apply a few drops of olive oil to a microfibre. 1. Buff with the grain in long even strokes. The oil fills micro-scratches, repels water spots for several days, and brings out the shine. ## What you'll need ## Common stain situations ### Rust spots Caused by cast-iron pans, steel cans, or wire scrubbers left in the basin. Bar Keepers Friend with a damp soft sponge removes it; scrub with the grain. ### Water spots and limescale Spray vinegar, let sit 5 minutes, scrub gently with a soft sponge. For severe buildup, soak a paper towel in vinegar and lay it over the affected area for 30 minutes. ### Coffee or tea stains Sprinkle baking soda directly on the stain, add a few drops of water to make a paste, let sit 10 minutes, scrub and rinse. ### Discolouration from harsh chemicals Sometimes permanent. Bar Keepers Friend can help. Avoid bleach, ammonia, and chlorine-based cleaners going forward. ### Scratches Light scratches can be buffed with a stainless-specific polish (Weiman, Method). Deep gouges can't be repaired and are part of the sink's lived-in patina. ## Common mistakes 1. Scrubbing against the grain. Creates visible streaks and dulls the finish. 1. Using steel wool or abrasive scrubbers. Scratches permanently. 1. Leaving wet cast iron in the sink. Rusts within hours and stains the stainless. 1. Using bleach. Discolours the surface and can pit the steel over time. 1. Forgetting the drain and disposal. They collect food residue and odour. See section below. ## Cleaning the drain and disposal 1. Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain. 1. Follow with 1 cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz for 5 to 10 minutes. 1. Flush with hot water for 30 seconds. 1. For the disposal, grind ice cubes + lemon peel + a teaspoon of baking soda. Do this monthly to prevent odours and slow drains. ## Polishing the faucet too While you're at the sink: 1. Spray faucet with vinegar-water 1. Wipe with microfibre in the direction of the metal grain 1. Polish with a tiny dab of olive oil on a clean cloth 1. Use a toothbrush around the base where water collects ## FAQs about cleaning a stainless steel sink How do I get my stainless sink to shine like new? Why does my stainless sink look so cloudy? Can I use bleach on a stainless sink? How do I remove rust from a stainless sink? What's the best long-term care for a stainless sink?