Is your stainless steel sink past its prime due to pesky rust stains? Before jumping the gun to replace your sink, take a look at our helpful guide on how to remove rust from stainless steel sinks. Our tips and methods are designed to help you enhance the life cycle of the sink in your kitchen or bathroom.
What Is Stainless Steel?
When you blend the following substances—carbon, chromium, nickel, manganese, silicone, phosphorous, sulfur, and nitrogen—you get stainless steel. The materials listed above are what make the steel “stainless”, and they act as a protective layer that prevents rust corrosion.
How To Remove Rust From Stainless Steel Sinks
While this protective layer prevents sinks from rust corrosion, rust can still form on them. If your stainless steel sink has gotten rusty, here’s how you can remove it.
- Grab a bottle of powder, liquid, or spray that’s non-scratching and mildly abrasive.
- Rinse your sink with warm water so the entire surface area is wet.
- Put your chosen solution on a cleaning cloth or sponge.
- Scrub your stainless steel sink to remove excess rust.
- Rinse away the cleaner with warm water.
- Repeat this process until there is no more rust.
- Prevent potential water spotting by thoroughly drying your sink with an absorbent towel.
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What Not to Apply on a Stainless Steel Sink
While you have many options to choose from when looking for an effective cleaning solution, you’ll want to steer clear of some things. The following products can wear down your sink’s protective layer and/or scratch the surface, so don’t waste your time or money on them.
- Chloride cleaners
- Highly abrasive cleaning sponges, brushes, or steel wool scrubbers
- Highly abrasive cleaners
- Bleaches and oven cleaners
In addition, never leave rubber dish mats, metal dish strainers, cast iron cookware, or wet sponges, rags, or towels in your stainless steel sink. These items are known to cause rust to form on stainless steel.
3 Advantages Of Investing in a Stainless Steel Sink
Check out the top three benefits of having a stainless steel sink.
1. Great Value for the Price
If you’re looking for a new sink on a budget, stainless steel is a great option. It’s pricier than porcelain but more budget-friendly than granite.
2. Durable
Because they’re made of steel and have a protective surface coating, stainless steel sinks are extremely durable. When cleaned semi-regularly, they stay shiny and withstand dents as well as discoloration. Stainless steel sinks are also easy to clean and are built to prevent bacteria buildup.
3. Versatile
Stainless steel sinks are a great neutral option for any kitchen, and since many other kitchen appliances—like refrigerators and dishwashers—are also stainless steel, your room’s style will flow seamlessly.
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3 Disadvantages of Stainless Steel Sinks
As great as they are, stainless steel sinks aren’t without their flaws. Take a look below at the three main downsides of having one.
1. Lack of Variation
If you’re looking for a sink that will stand out in the crowd, stainless steel isn’t the best option for you. Because these sinks are so affordable, durable, and versatile, they’re a very common household appliance.
2. Crash, Bang, & Loud Noises
Have you ever tiptoed to the kitchen for a late-night snack and—while gently cleaning any used dishes or utensils—accidentally drop them in the sink, waking up other members in your household? Yeah, that’s the worst.
One of the downsides of stainless steel sinks is that if anything falls or is dropped into them, it’s pretty loud. But if that’s not a deciding factor for you, then a stainless steel sink is still a great option.
3. Vulnerable to Scratches
Even with the protective coating, stainless steel sinks are still prone to scratching. Abrasive cleaners and metal kitchen equipment are the typical culprits of stainless steel scratches.
Sink Installation & Replacement Services
If it’s time for you to update your kitchen sink, our licensed plumbers can get the job done for you. We offer reliable sink replacement and installation services to homes in Sterling, VA and other areas. With over 40 years of experience in the heating, air conditioning, and plumbing industry, we’ve refined our solutions to better serve you. In addition, our team of professional technicians offer other types of plumbing services such as gas line installation, sewer line replacement, drain cleaning, and water heater repair. Speak with one of our trusted team members and schedule a sink installation or replacement appointment today.