How to Clean and Maintain a Stainless Steel Sink: 6 Easy Tips

A stainless steel sink can make your kitchen sparkle, but without proper care, it can quickly lose its shine. From fingerprints and grease to stubborn water spots, maintaining a flawless finish requires the right products and a simple routine. The good news? You don’t need fancy tools—just a few household staples like Murphy’s Oil Soap, Dawn dish soap, WD-40, rubbing alcohol, and even a standard stainless steel cleaner. Here’s a step-by-step guide to keeping your stainless steel sink clean and gleaming.

1. Deep Clean with Murphy’s Oil Soap

Murphy’s Oil Soap isn’t just for wood—it’s an excellent cleaner for stainless steel sinks, too. Add a small amount to a damp microfiber cloth and gently scrub the surface of your sink. This cleaner cuts through grease, grime, and soap scum without scratching the steel. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, then wipe the sink dry with a clean towel. Using Murphy’s Oil Soap once a week will keep your sink clean and smelling fresh while protecting the finish from dulling buildup.

For everyday cleaning, Dawn dish soap is one of the easiest and most effective options. Just add a few drops to warm water and use a soft sponge or cloth to wash the sink. Dawn is tough on grease and food particles, yet gentle enough not to damage the surface. After scrubbing, rinse thoroughly and dry with a microfiber towel to prevent streaks and water spots. This quick wash is especially helpful after cooking greasy meals, ensuring your sink always looks spotless.

3. Remove Stains and Add Shine with WD-40

Believe it or not, WD-40 can double as a stainless steel polish. Spray a light mist over your sink and buff it in with a soft, dry cloth. Not only does it remove water spots and streaks, but it also leaves behind a protective layer that helps repel fingerprints and stains. A once-a-week WD-40 application keeps your sink shining like new while making daily maintenance easier. Just remember to wash out the sink with dish soap before using it for food prep again.

4. Use a Stainless Steel Cleaner for a Professional Finish

If you want a showroom-level shine, a regular stainless steel cleaner is a reliable choice. These cleaners are designed to restore luster while protecting against smudges and scratches. Simply spray or apply the product according to the instructions, then wipe in the direction of the steel’s grain for best results. Doing this once or twice a week keeps your sink looking polished and professional.

5. Disinfect and Deodorize with Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is an underrated stainless steel cleaner. It not only removes fingerprints but also disinfects the sink naturally. Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe down the entire sink surface. Unlike water-based cleaners, rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving a streak-free finish. This is especially useful after handling raw meat or seafood to ensure your sink is both clean and germ-free.

6. Maintain the Sheen with Simple Habits

Cleaning is only half the battle—maintaining your sink’s sheen comes down to a few simple habits. First, always dry the sink after use to prevent water spots and mineral buildup. Second, avoid using steel wool or abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface. Finally, once or twice a week, buff the sink with a microfiber cloth to restore its natural shine. By combining these habits with the cleaning methods above, your stainless steel sink will stay bright, spotless, and long-lasting.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your stainless steel sink in top condition doesn’t require expensive products or complicated routines. With Murphy’s Oil Soap for deep cleaning, Dawn dish soap for daily washes, WD-40 for extra shine, stainless steel cleaner for polish, and rubbing alcohol for disinfecting, you’ve got everything you need at home. Pair these with good maintenance habits, and your sink will look brand new for years to come.