How to Clean Kitchen Sink (Stainless Steel & Porcelain)
What You'll Need
- 1/4 cup
- Squirt
- Spray bottle
- Half
- 1
- 1
Step-by-Step Method
Rinse the sink with warm water. Sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface including the faucet base and drain area.
Add a squirt of dish soap to your sponge. Scrub the entire sink surface, sides, and faucet. For stainless steel, scrub WITH the grain.
Spray white vinegar over any remaining baking soda. Let fizz briefly. Rinse the entire sink with warm water.
For stainless steel: rub half a lemon over the surface for both sanitizing and deodorizing. Dry immediately with a clean cloth to prevent water spots.
- Do not use steel wool on stainless steel (scratches)
- Do not leave acidic foods (tomato, lemon) sitting on stainless steel for hours (can etch)
- Do not use bleach on stainless steel (pitting and discoloration)
- Rinse and wipe your sink after every dish-washing session. A dry sink cannot grow bacteria.
- Kitchen sinks harbor more bacteria than toilet seats according to NSF International studies. Weekly deep cleaning is not optional.
- For porcelain sinks: a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda whitens stains better than bleach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply to the rust spot. Let sit 30 minutes. Scrub with a soft cloth following the grain. For stubborn rust, Bar Keepers Friend (oxalic acid-based) is highly effective on stainless steel.
Sources & Methodology
Kitchen sinks identified as highest bacterial concentration point in the home per NSF International Home Germ Study.
Last reviewed: March 20, 2026