The guy who installed our stainless steel sink advised that I clean it daily with a soft cotton rag and warm water. He also left some literature explaining that sink owners should wipe in the direction of the fine lines to maximum cleaning efforts. Basically, the idea is to remember to wipe down your stainless steel sink because if you let it air dry you will likely have to deal with water spots and streaks. To get that shiny, mirror-like appearance you will need to dry it with a cloth.
Personally, water marks are the least of my worries. I’m more interested in knowing how to remove grease, grime, dirt and gunk from my stainless steel sink. I’ve heard good things about Clorox Disinfecting Kitchen Cleaner. The manufacturer claims the product kills 99.9% of common household bacteria and other germs. It also includes a bleach-free formula that works like a charm on stainless steel and leaves behind a streak-free shine.
If you are on a strict budget, I’ve found that common household vinegar cleans stainless steel very well. Simply dampen a soft cloth with vinegar and rub it on the stain in the direction of the polish lines. Next, rinse the affected area with clean, warm water and dry thoroughly. Another cheap alternative to commercial sink cleaners is regular dishwashing liquid. My mom swears by it and she does have a very clean sink.
If you are trying to rid your stainless steel sink of dirty fingerprints, I would suggest using Windex Antibacterial Multi Surface Cleaner. It is safe to use on sinks and countertops that frame the sink. I use it from time to time and typically end up with a sparkling clean sink in the end. However, I would not recommend Windex to remove rust spots. To eliminate those types of stains, mix about a tablespoon of cream of tartar with a few drops of lemon juice to create a paste. Apply the paste to the stain and rub it in. Then, rinse with clean water and dry with a soft towel.