A short guide on how to clean with natural methods the stainless steel sink in the kitchen which, with use, often becomes opaque and full of stains and streaks.
A touch of elegance in the kitchen. It is for this reason that stainless steel sinks are so popular. The modern material adapts perfectly to the contemporary style of a home while revealing class and sophistication.
However, it hides pitfalls especially in cleaning because with the use the surface can be filled with halos and fingerprints. This is why it is really necessary to adopt ad hoc strategies so that it is always bright and free of stains .
What is stainless steel?
Stainless steel is an iron alloy that contains more than 10% chromium.
It is very popular especially in the kitchen and in particular when it comes to sinks but also hobs, extractor hoods, etc.
Although it is resistant, it sometimes happens that with use it appears opaque and presents some decidedly unsightly fingerprints . The hard oxide coating of the surface consists of chromium in the alloy.
When the coating is removed or damaged, steel actually rusts exactly like normal steel does.
Common problems with stainless steel sinks

Cleaning the stainless steel sink is a commitment not to be underestimated .
It is a fact that, for many stainless steel sinks, the beauty of the material definitely fades with the aging of the sink. It is therefore necessary to carry out a correct cleaning to ensure long life to the sink and above all to pay attention to the substances used in the kitchen.
The soaps and products containing bleach may for example damage the steel .
Even the ‘ hard water is not a good friend for stainless steel because it leaves stains on the sink.
Stainless steel sinks can also be scratched and this is commonly done with their regular use.
Clean the sink with white vinegar
To achieve the goal of effective cleaning, there are many chemicals on the market that ensure, at least according to advertising, excellent results. Yet a truly effective and natural method is to simply use white vinegar .
Before proceeding with the cleaning work, we ensure that what we are going to clean is actually stainless steel to avoid damaging our surface.
So let’s first clean our steel surface thoroughly of any dirt or water stains in the case of the sink. After drying it well, we wet (but not too much) a dry cloth with white vinegar .
Now we pass it on our steel. As you will gradually notice that the steel becomes shiny and loses every stain that previously we never managed to remove even with the use of specific products.
After having passed the cloth moistened with the vinegar thoroughly over the entire surface, we go over it again with a completely dry cloth. To get a perfect result, this work should be repeated every time you wash the kitchen or the steel sink.

Baking soda and lemon juice

To remove small stains from your steel sink, another indicated method is to rub them very gently with a little baking soda , which carries out a delicate abrasive action on the surface.
Just rinse with warm water and dry the sink with a soft cloth.
Even the lemon juice can be helpful if instead presentassero on our sink water stains or rust .
Other natural remedies for complete sink care

Then there are other substances in nature that can improve the appearance, the scent but also the hygiene of our stainless steel sink . Here are some of them:
♦ Cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide: By mixing three parts of cream of tartar with one part of hydrogen peroxide we create a paste suitable for cleaning stainless steel sinks. Just apply the mixture using a damp cloth, spread it well on the surface and leave it applied until the sink dries completely. Finally, complete the operation by cleaning with a damp cloth.
♦ Olive Oil : To give splendor to the sink, just rub a small amount of olive oil. This remedy will also help to remove water stains from stainless steel. Here too the procedure is the same as for vinegar: rub with a soft cloth moistened with olive oil and then polish with a dry cloth.
♦ Orange and Lemon Peel : Citrus peels (such as orange, lemon and grapefruit) can be used to deodorize the stainless steel sink .
♦ Salt : To eliminate the accumulation of dirt in the sink drain , just boil a liter of water, then add half a cup of salt.
The mixture must be poured into the drain twice a month to remove dirt and other particles that can build up in the discharge or disposal of waste. Salt helps to reduce the accumulation of fat, as well as to kill the bacteria that cause bad smells.
♦ Remove water splashes : To reduce the damage associated with hard water, clean the sink after washing dirty dishes and clean thoroughly at least once a week to remove persistent dirt and other particles.
♦ Flour : To restore the natural brightness of the stainless steel sink , flour is also an excellent ally.
Just sprinkle a little on the sink, rub lightly with a soft, dry cloth and finally rinse carefully.
♦ Toothbrush : To scrub the entire sink and treat the taps of your stainless steel sink, you can use a toothbrush to reach the cracks inside and thus eliminate dirt and food stains.