Cleaning a stainless steel sink doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, this method is one of the easiest and most effective cleaning tricks I know. It needs no harsh products, takes only a few minutes, and leaves your sink shiny like new. Sherry was the first to try it, and ever since then, we’ve both loved it. Even our kids learned how to do it—but honestly, I find it so satisfying that I usually prefer doing it myself.
We’ve always liked stainless steel sinks for their modern look and durability. They match perfectly with stainless steel appliances. The only problem is, like fridges and dishwashers, they quickly collect fingerprints, water spots, and dull grime—especially since we use them constantly for dishes and handwashing. The good news is: cleaning a stainless steel sink is actually easier (and more satisfying) than wiping down your fridge.
Supplies Needed (Only 3!)
You only need three simple things to clean your sink and bring back the shine:
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Warm water (straight from your tap)
That’s it.
The only item you might not already have at home is baking soda. Luckily, it costs less than $2 at any grocery store. Other people sometimes use vinegar, lemon juice, gloves, or microfiber cloths, but honestly, they’re not necessary. Keeping it simple makes this job quick and stress-free.
Six Easy Steps To Clean A Stainless Steel Sink
Think of it as a fun little project—almost like playing with slime or kinetic sand—but in the end, you get a sparkling sink.
- Empty your sink
- Sprinkle with baking soda
- Add some dish soap
- Scrub
- Rinse
- Dry or buff (optional)
Step 1: Empty Your Sink
Clear out all dishes, pots, and leftover food bits. If you use sink racks or sponge holders, remove them too. This gives you full access to the entire sink surface.
Step 2: Sprinkle With Baking Soda
Shake baking soda directly onto the damp sink. You don’t need to measure. Just give it a light but even dusting all over. Add more later if needed.
Step 3: Add Some Dish Soap
Squirt a little dish soap on top of the baking soda. This helps clean, sanitize, and remove odors. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice or essential oils if you want a fresh smell.
Step 4: Scrub the Sink
Now comes the fun part. The baking soda and soap form a gritty paste that scrubs away grime. Add a little water if it feels too dry, but not too much or it will wash away.
You can wear gloves or use a cloth, but scrubbing with bare fingers makes it easier to feel which spots are smooth and which need extra work. It’s messy, but so satisfying.
Step 5: Rinse
Use warm water to rinse the whole sink. Don’t forget the corners, edges, and around the drain. If you spot any missed areas, just sprinkle more baking soda and scrub again.
Step 6: Dry Or Buff (Optional)
For extra shine, wipe the sink dry with a cloth or paper towel. This helps prevent water spots. It’s optional, since the sink will get wet again soon—but if you love that sparkling “after” look, it’s worth it.
How Often To Clean A Stainless Steel Sink
We usually do this deeper clean once every 1–2 weeks. For daily upkeep, we just rinse food scraps away with the faucet sprayer and a sponge. That prevents odors and build-up, but nothing beats the baking soda method for restoring the shine.
If you have stubborn stains, try swapping the dish soap for white vinegar. The fizzing reaction with baking soda can help loosen tough spots. You can also use a commercial stainless steel cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend if needed, but we’ve rarely had to go that far.
What To Avoid
To keep your stainless steel sink in good condition, remember these tips:
- Don’t use steel wool or hard brushes (they cause scratches).
- Avoid bleach or strong chemicals not made for stainless steel.
- Don’t leave metal pots or utensils sitting in the sink for too long—they can scratch or cause rust.
- Make sure water doesn’t sit for hours, since standing water can leave marks or cause corrosion.
These small habits plus regular cleaning will keep your sink looking new for years.
Why You Should Clean Your Stainless Steel Sink
Cleaning isn’t just about looks. This method has other benefits too:
- Reduces odor: Baking soda and dish soap remove food smells and leave your sink fresh.
- Improves hygiene: Baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and dish soap all fight bacteria like E. coli and salmonella.
- Prevents stains: Regular cleaning keeps buildup and rust spots away, especially under sink racks or sponge holders.
More Cleaning Advice
We first learned about this baking soda trick from cleaning expert Melissa Maker during a podcast interview. If you want more great cleaning tips, check out these episodes:
- Ep #39: How To Make House Cleaning Suck A Little Less
- Ep #60: Game-Changing Organizing Tips
- Ep #48: Cleaning Tips From Clean Mama
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- Our Go-To Household Cleaners
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- A Beginner’s Guide to Pressure Washing
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