How to Clean Stainless Steel Sink (Restore Shine)
What You'll Need
- 1 tbsp
- 2 tbsp
- Few drops
- 2
- 1
Step-by-Step Method
Wet the sink. Sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend powder over the entire surface. Scrub WITH the grain using a soft sponge in long strokes. The oxalic acid in BKF dissolves rust and hard water stains.
Rinse the entire sink with warm water. Make sure all BKF residue is gone.
For remaining dullness or minor scratches: make a paste of baking soda and water. Rub WITH the grain in long strokes. This very fine abrasive polishes the surface.
Dry the sink completely. Put a few drops of olive oil on a microfiber cloth. Buff the entire sink WITH the grain. This creates a protective barrier that repels water spots and fingerprints.
- Never scrub AGAINST the grain (creates visible cross-scratches)
- Do not use steel wool
- Do not leave wet sponges sitting in the sink (causes rust spots)
- Identify the grain before scrubbing. Look at the surface at an angle; you will see fine lines running in one direction.
- The olive oil finish wears off in a few days. Reapply weekly for maintained shine.
- Wipe the sink dry after every use to prevent water spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fine surface scratches can be minimized by scrubbing with the grain using Bar Keepers Friend or a baking soda paste. This blends the scratches into the natural grain pattern. Deep scratches cannot be fully removed but can be made less visible with this technique.
Sources & Methodology
Bar Keepers Friend contains oxalic acid which dissolves rust (iron oxide) and calcium deposits on stainless steel. The with-grain polishing technique aligns with the original mill finish.
Last reviewed: March 20, 2026