Remove Stubborn Kitchen Sink Stains
Water spots, rust stains, and discoloration can make your sink look neglected. Learn proven methods to restore your sink's original shine using simple household items.
Common Sink Stain Problems
For Homemakers
Constant cooking creates stubborn stains that regular soap can't remove
For New Cooks/Renters
Don't know which cleaners are safe for different sink materials
For Efficiency Seekers
Need quick, effective methods that don't require extensive scrubbing
Stain Removal Methods by Type
Hard Water Stains (White Film)
Spray white vinegar on stains, let sit 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle baking soda over vinegar. Scrub gently with soft sponge. Rinse thoroughly with hot water.
Pro Tip:
For tough buildup, soak paper towels in vinegar and lay them on stains overnight
Rust Stains (Orange/Brown)
Make paste with lemon juice and salt. Apply to rust stains, let sit 15 minutes. Scrub with soft brush. For stubborn rust, use Bar Keeper's Friend cleaner.
Pro Tip:
Never use bleach on rust stains - it makes them worse
Grease Stains
Pour dish soap directly on grease. Add hot water to create suds. Let sit 10 minutes. Scrub with nylon brush. Rinse with very hot water to dissolve remaining grease.
Pro Tip:
Dawn dish soap is particularly effective for cutting through kitchen grease
Food Stains (Tea, Coffee, Berries)
Make paste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide (3%). Apply to stains, let sit 30 minutes. Scrub gently and rinse. Repeat if necessary.
Pro Tip:
This method works especially well on white porcelain and composite sinks
Scratches & Dull Finish (Stainless Steel)
Apply olive oil to microfiber cloth. Buff sink in direction of grain. This minimizes scratch appearance and restores shine. Use baking soda paste for deeper scratches.
Pro Tip:
Always scrub with the grain on stainless steel to avoid creating new scratches
⚠️Important Warnings
- • Never mix bleach and vinegar - creates toxic chlorine gas
- • Avoid abrasive scrubbers on porcelain - they cause permanent scratches
- • Test all cleaners on small hidden area first
- • Don't leave acidic cleaners (vinegar, lemon) on marble or granite
Supplies for Different Stain Types
- ✓White vinegar (hard water stains)
- ✓Baking soda (general cleaning)
- ✓Lemon juice (rust stains)
- ✓Hydrogen peroxide 3% (food stains)
- ✓Bar Keeper's Friend (stubborn stains)
- ✓Soft sponges and microfiber cloths
- ✓Nylon scrub brush (non-scratch)
- ✓Olive oil (stainless steel finish)