Many members have asked, “How do I clean my sink until it shines?” To answer this question, FlyLady wrote an essay on it, “Shiny Sink 101.” Here’s to a great shine! Don’t have a fit if someone doesn’t take as much pride in your sink as you do. It is very easy to fix. You have already done the hard part; you will never have to go through this process again. Daily maintenance will keep it looking this way all the time. Nasty, hurtful words are not as easy to repair. Just be sure and tell your family what you are trying to do. They will think you have gone crazy.

Ultimately, what you need to use will depend on the state of your stainless steel sink. If it’s a new sink that’s barely been used, you should be able to get away with cleaning it every day with just dish soap and water. But if your stainless steel sink is older and needs some serious TLC, it’s best to opt for a deeper clean using acidic products such as vinegar, lemon, or cream of tartar. How can I make my stainless steel sink look new again? Research has shown our kitchen sinks can often contain more germs than our toilets, and according to cleaning service Blanco, any stainless steel surface is best cleaned immediately after use to prevent limescale. So, first, remove dishes and any bits of food from the plughole, as leaving food to fester may attract fruit flies, the last thing you want buzzing around your lovely kitchen island sink ideas. 2. Wipe with the soft side of your sponge You’ll normally find the cream of tartar down the baking aisle, but what you might not realise is that cream of tartar can actually make a very effective stainless steel cleaner. Run some very hot water into the sink and fill it to the rim. If you have a two-sided sink, only do one side at a time. Then, pour a cup of household bleach into the hot water. Let it sit for one hour. Now, pull the plug with a pair of tongs. If you don’t have tongs, then scoop some of the water out of the sink into the other sink and use your hand to pull the plug. Make sure you wear gloves so the bleach doesn’t irritate your skin, and don’t get the bleach water on your clothes. Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd / Lizzie Orme) What is the best thing to clean a stainless steel sink with?We recommend the use of ‘Shiny Sinks’ which is available from large supermarkets or good hardware stores and when used regularly will assist in maintaining your sink. We would point out that the use of a plastic washing up bowl will over time cause the development of regular abrasion marks over the sink’s surface. Always remember to test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area of the sink first to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage or discolouration.’ How to maintain a clean stainless steel sink

After wiping the sink down in the direction of the grain (if you can see it), rinse it thoroughly with warm water. Get rid of as many suds as possible and dry with a cloth. 4. Buff the surfaces Club soda Simply fill a spray bottle full of club soda and spray down the sink. Be sure to wipe dry with a microfiber cloth and always wipe in the direction of the grain of the sink. Dish soap is a great cleaner for stainless steel sinks, and one you’ll already have to hand. If you prefer to use a specialist product, Sara San Angelo aka The Cleaning Lady says, ‘ Bar Keeper’s Friend is the best thing I've used to clean stainless steel sinks.It is non-abrasive and will not harm the finish. And your sink will shine like new!’ What will damage stainless steel? Don't use anything abrasive as it could leave permanent scratches, ruining your stainless steel sink over time. Avoid using bleach as this can discolour stainless steel. How to remove odours from a sink

It’s worth rinsing and drying the sink every time you use it to prevent the buildup of limescale,’ says Lucy Searle.