There’s nothing quite as gross as staring at raw chicken carcass in your kitchen sink. In fact, the mixture of raw meat and other items, which contain high levels of bacteria, often create conditions that make your kitchen sink dirtier than the average toilet bowl.
Owners of stainless steel sinks should not be lulled into a false sense of security. While stainless steel contains iron and chromium, which resists corrosion and repels most stains, it is not impervious to bacterial growth.
Kitchen sinks should be cleaned on a regular basis. For everyday cleaning you can use a host of commercial cleaners. Glass cleaners work well on stainless steel sinks, though you might consider using a product such as Windex Antibacterial Multi-Surface Cleaner, which helps kill harmful germs while leaving behind a streak-free shine.
Household vinegar is also an excellent sink cleaner. It helps remove dirt, food and grease stains just as well as dish washing liquid does. However, it doesn’t do much to rid sinks of rust stains. To eliminate corrosion from a stainless steel sink, mix about a tablespoon of cream of tartar with a few drops of lemon juice to create a paste. Apply the paste to the rust spot and rub it in well. Then, rinse and dry the sink with a soft towel.
If you are dealing with an extremely challenging stain, resist the urge to use chlorine to clean a stainless steel sink. Chlorine can seriously damage stainless steel, as can steel wool and scrub brushes. It’s best to use Windex or a natural cleaner like vinegar to sanitize your sink.
Finally, avoid leaning wet sponges or other items on the edge of your stainless steel sink. Rather, place a plastic container or a plate nearby, so you aren’t tempted to leave wet items on the sink. While stainless steel is durable and is designed to resist rusting, the material will be compromised if it is exposed to prolonged moisture.