Despite its name, stainless steel does rust. But if your stainless steel sink is corroded, there's no need to replace it just yet. With a bit of know-how and easy cleaning tricks, you can remove rust in a flash!
Make your kitchen sink shine like new again! Photo: Paparatti, Flickr
Nothing's worse than washing plates after dinner in a rusty sink. While stainless steel doesn't rust as easily or in the same manner as regular steel, contrary to popular belief,
it is not stain-proof. Stainless-steel kitchen sinks are sometimes even more susceptible to rust when other wet objects, such as cast iron pans, utensils or flatware are left in the sink for long periods of time. The metal reacts with the water and
Galvanic Corrosion occurs, leading to the
discoloration you see on the sink's surface area.
There are
over 150 grades of stainless steel, and some are more prone to corrosion than others. In general, the higher the chromium content, the less likely the steel will rust. Check with your manufacturer or warranty to determine the chromium content of your stainless-steel sink, and if shopping for a
replacement, be sure to opt for a high chromium count.
STAINLESS STEEL CLEANING TIPS
Luckily, you don't need to buy a new sink to tackle rust now. Try these easy, homemade cleaning solutions to make your stainless-steel sparkle:
- Vinegar: Simply pour a generous amount of vinegar onto a soft scouring pad* for an eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemicals. The stain will lift immediately.
- Lemon juice and baking soda: Create a
paste from equal parts lemon juice and baking soda, then scrub with a damp sponge. For tougher stains, leave the paste on for 15-30 minutes, then wipe clean.
- Lemon juice and cream of tartar: Mix
one tablespoon of cream of tartar with a few drops of lemon juice to create a paste, then smooth it on rust spots and rub it in vigorously with a soft sponge.
- Club soda: Buff rust scuffs with a
soda-dampened cloth.
- Lighter fluid: If all else fails,
try pouring lighter fluid on a clean cloth and scrubbing the rust spots clean. For safety, keep in mind that lighter fluid is highly flammable and can be toxic for the environment, so use this option as a last resort -- and never around an open flame (make sure all nearby stove burners are off).
In no time at all, your stainless sink will shine brighter than that cast-iron pot -- just keep the two away from each other to avoid more rust in the future!
*Avoid hard metals and heavy scouring pads, as they can easily scratch the surface of your sink.
SEE ALSO:
Remove Stainless-Steel Smudges
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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)
Vim also works great for this, and makes the sink shiny too.
ReplyI've found thast spraying the dirtiest of stainless steel sinks will become show room new by spraying on some Lysol Tub and Tile cleaner. Let stand for ten minutes and rinse. Voila! A beautiful shining sink with no sc rubbing.
ReplyWhy bother with all that "stuff" when Bar Keeper's Friend takes everything and anything off stainless steel?????
Replyyou can add salt and catsup to the list..i tried it on a s.s. pan and the rush came rite off wo much rubbing!
Reply