One of the prevalent kitchen sinks is the stainless steel, and there is no reason to defy it either. Most homes and commercial kitchens boast this model because they trust the material’s durability, strength, and cost-effectiveness. They know they don’t need to worry about chipping and cracking issues if they throw something inside it in a hurry. It will tolerate the knocking. Plus, it shows excellent resistance for stains and heat; the two most characteristic elements that every kitchen sink has to face daily and survive them. So, it will not be a surprise if your choice also resonates with them.
However, it is critical to learn that just because this material shows high resistance against a large number of damages doesn’t mean you can take it for granted. If you expect it to stay in its original condition for a long time, you should provide it with some routine care. Since stainless steel kitchen sinks are not very demanding, you can follow simple cleaning measures and manufacturer’s tips for maintenance.
If you want to know what can keep your choice forever bright and healthy, then go through the suggestions below.
General cleaning and care tips for stainless steel kitchen sink
Although stainless steel surface can stay safe from many issues, it can still give in to water spots and clouding. To protect your basin from this, you need to rinse and wipe the bowl with a soft cleaning cloth every time post usage. You can use moderate and preferably ammonia-free liquid soap and water for thorough cleaning. If you clean it with soap, make sure to apply it through a soft sponge. Once done, you can wash the surface with mild hot water and wipe it with a dry cloth. Please use a microfiber cloth for this purpose.
As you can understand, the sink has to go through lots of tough jobs day in and day out in a busy kitchen. All these can affect its shine. To prevent the loss of luster, you can use the recommended cleaning products mentioned by the brand you chose. Also, always use the bottom grid so that the bottom surface can remain protected from knocking and hitting.
While picking a cleaning solution, you need to see that it doesn’t consist of chlorine, alcohol, ammonia, bleach, or abrasive substance. These are not good for its finish. Similarly, as mentioned repeatedly, using soft cloth and sponge is necessary. Avoid using steel wool, wire brush, or abrasive pad that can ruin its shine. Besides, a good quality stainless steel sink can be immune to rusting problems. But it would be best if you did not take the risk by letting utensils and water rest inside it for an extended period. The surface can develop rust otherwise.
Regular cleaning and care tips for a stainless steel kitchen sink
Nothing can beat regular cleaning to keep the basin in its original shiny state. It eliminates the need for significant cleanup tasks that tend to consume lots of time due to constant neglect. And if you live in an area where water is high on minerals, you need to clean your sink frequently. Otherwise, the mineral deposits will be difficult to remove. You may have to resort to vinegar to get rid of it. If the calcium buildup is stubborn, you would need to deal with it patiently. Use only soft dishcloth, towel, and water apart from vinegar for removing it. If you use abrasive cleaning solutions and scrubbers, you can end up damaging the surface of your sink.
Another thing you need to remind yourself is that stainless steel cannot dodge scratching issues. Pots and sharp objects like a knife can hurt it. You can’t do much about it, but you can still ensure that you keep it clean with mild cleaner or soap to prevent any further damage.
Then, some kitchen items contain iron, which can corrode the stainless steel surface. This component can be there in steel utensils, cast iron pans, and steel wool pads. The iron residue on the surface may not be immediately visible to your eyes, but when it comes in contact with water, it can damage the body. So, don’t leave these things in the sink for a long time.
Also, stainless steel surfaces need oxygen to fight corrosion problems. Hence, it would help if you did not keep rubber dish mat, scrubbing pad, or sponge in it overnight. Otherwise, these will absorb water and cause discoloration or staining on the surface.
Lastly, bleach and antibacterial soaps contain chlorine that is not good for the health of stainless steel material. So, be careful with these substances too to minimize the potential of damage.
A point to consider
Since every kitchen sink is not the same, you may wonder how to know if something makes the perfect choice for your kitchen or not. In this context, one aspect that can come in handy is the shape of the corners. You usually get zero-radius and rounded corners as the two options. A stainless steel sink with zero radius design means the four sides on the inside of the sink feature 90 degrees angle, creating a very sharp modern look apt for any modern kitchen. It appears to be clean and minimalist. Rounded corners, on the other hand, are the peculiar feature of any traditional style kitchen sinks. The four corners possess a natural rounded curve. This style is preferred for ease of cleaning.
So, if you are someone who bothers more about the look, then zero radius choices can be your best pick. However, if you are looking for a smooth cleaning job, then a sink with rounded corners can make an ideal choice for you.
Anyway, a stainless steel kitchen sink can be the pride of any kitchen, be it modern, traditional, or something else. If you wish to enjoy its same polished and shiny appearance interruptedly, then keep it clean. Maintenance is not a headache here. Following necessary cleaning procedures and kitchen habits should be enough to get the desired results.
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