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The Focus Way · Cleaning guide

How to clean a stainless steel sink so it shines

By the Focus Cleaning team · Published

The short answer

Scrape any food into the bin, then wash the sink with warm water, a little mild detergent and a soft sponge, wiping along the grain of the steel. For stubborn marks, a small amount of cream cleanser such as Jif on a damp sponge can help, if your sink maker allows it. Rinse well and dry with a clean cloth so water doesn't leave marks.

Large white stone kitchen island with a stainless steel sink and a chrome pull-down tap in a bright open-plan home

Before you start

What you'll need

  • A kitchen bin and a paper towel
  • Warm water and a little mild dishwashing detergent
  • A soft, non-scratch sponge
  • Optional: a cream cleanser such as Jif, or a paste such as The Pink Stuff
  • A clean, dry microfibre cloth

Safety first

  • Food scraps go in the bin, never down the drain: they can block the pipes.
  • Use a soft sponge only. Steel wool and scourers scratch stainless steel.
  • Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or other cleaning products. Some combinations release toxic gas.
  • Keep the room ventilated: open a window and run the exhaust fan while you work.
  • Wear gloves, read the label on any product, and follow its directions.
  • Store products in their original labelled containers, out of reach of children and pets.

Check the surface

  • Check your sink maker's care advice. Some finishes should only be cleaned with water and mild detergent.
  • Find the grain: brushed stainless has fine lines running in one direction. Wipe along them, not in circles.
  • Cream cleansers and pastes are mildly abrasive. Test a small hidden spot first and use gentle pressure.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Clear the food into the bin

    Lift out dishes, scrape leftovers into the bin and pick any bits out of the drain strainer with a paper towel. Bin it, don't rinse it down.

  2. 2

    Wash with the grain

    Wipe the whole sink with a soft sponge, warm water and a little mild detergent, moving along the grain of the steel.

  3. 3

    Stubborn marks only: a little cream cleanser

    If marks remain and your sink maker allows it, put a small amount of cream cleanser (such as Jif) on the damp sponge and rub gently along the grain. Don't scrub hard in one spot.

  4. 4

    Rinse well

    Rinse the sink thoroughly with clean water so no cleaner is left behind. Leftover product is a common cause of dull patches.

  5. 5

    Dry with a clean cloth

    Wipe the sink and tap dry with a clean, dry microfibre cloth so water doesn't leave marks.

What the Focus team recommends

A quick wipe and dry at the end of the day keeps a stainless sink looking good with much less effort. Save cream cleansers for the occasional stubborn mark, and always rinse and dry afterwards.

Questions

Can I use Jif or The Pink Stuff on my sink?

Both list sinks among their uses, but they're mildly abrasive and some stainless finishes shouldn't have abrasives at all. Check your sink maker's advice, test a hidden spot and use gentle pressure along the grain.

Why does my sink look dull after cleaning?

Usually leftover cleaner or water marks. Rinse well with clean water and dry straight away with a clean microfibre cloth.

What should I never use on a stainless steel sink?

Steel wool, scourers and bleach. ASSDA advises against abrasives and bleach on stainless steel.

Sources and further reading

Appliance and product manuals always take priority over general advice.

Last reviewed:

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