Tips For Restoring Your Stainless Steel Sink

Stainless steel sinks give your kitchen a clean, bright appearance, but only when they are well cared for. If your sink is scratched or needs to be refurbished, there are some things you can do to restore its shine. Here's a look at what you need to know about bringing back the vibrant sparkle in your sink.

Filling In Scratches

Through daily use, stainless steel can suffer scratches and other surface scars. Those are the first things you should tackle when you're restoring the sink. Stainless steel polish will fill in those scratches. Apply the polish to a soft, lint-free cloth. Rub the scratches in circular movements until each of them disappear. It may take more than one coat to deal with deep scratches. Once you've covered the scratches, buff them with a clean, soft cloth.

Eliminating Discoloration

Discoloration in stainless steel can happen as a result of chemical reactions and other problems. To eliminate any discoloration in your sink, you'll need to have a mixture of cream of tartar and peroxide. You can mix it half-and-half or add a little more cream of tartar than the peroxide. Scrub the surface discolorations with the mixture and a soft sponge. Then, rinse the whole sink completely with clean water. Dry it with a soft towel to prevent water spots.

Cleaning Out Water Spots

Water spots can give your stainless steel a dull appearance. If you don't dry the sink out with a soft towel, you may find spots remaining on your sink. The best way to clear water spots away and keep them from returning is to spray them with white vinegar. Let the white vinegar soak for a few minutes, then wash the whole sink with stainless steel cleaner, rinse it and dry it completely.

Restoring The Shine

Once you've dealt with all of the rest of the surface flaws, you'll want to restore the shine to the stainless steel. Add enough water to a half-cup or so of baking soda to make a thick paste. Apply the paste to the stainless steel sink surface. Rub in a circular motion, then rinse the whole sink completely. Dry it with a lint-free cloth and buff it with a little bit of stainless steel polish.

With these tips, you'll be able to restore a damaged stainless steel sink with ease. Keep your sink looking great with routine upkeep and polishing. For more tips or to install new stainless steel Karran sinks in your house, talk with your local kitchen supply store or remodeling contractor.