Is your stainless steel sink, well, stained? It's a common problem. "Stainless" is steel alloyed with chromium, nickel and other metallic elements, making it stain and rust-resistant, but not stain-proof.

 

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If you have hard water, your sink will tend to get deposits since evaporating water leaves behind minerals. As the crust thickens, the metal will take on a whitish, clouded, marbled appearance. Dry the basin after use and you'll prevent the spots and rings forming.

Otherwise, dissolve buildup regularly. Lay paper towels in the sink and around the faucet base, where the deposits are and saturate with white vinegar. The towels hold the vinegar in contact with the metal, allowing the acid to work instead of running off. After soaking for about thirty minutes, remove the towels, scrub the softened deposits with a nylon dish pad, rinse and buff dry. Supermarket de-limers containing citric acid are also effective; follow manufacturer's directions.

Pros often use an acidic detergent like Showers-n-Stuff (available from Don Aslett, 800-451-2402) which dissolves minerals for removal. It is often formulated in a thick liquid so it clings to inclined and vertical surfaces to allow easier cleaning. Don rubber gloves, apply solution according to label directions, soak for a few minutes, rinse and buff dry.

If you scour, use a low-abrasive agent like a paste of baking soda and water, or a non-scratching cleanser such as Soft Scrub or Bon Ami.

Salty or high-acid food scraps, sticking to the steel, can cause corrosion and pitting even of stainless. Wash dishes promptly, then remove all food residue and film from your basin.