Rust stains on stainless steel sink are not anything new and shouldn’t make you feel worried. Everyone who has this type of sink installed in their home has at some point dealt with the rust stains problem. Regularly cleaning your stainless steel sink can help keep it rust-free. But if the rust stains show up, you’ll need to fix them fast to stop them from developing into stubborn stains.
How do you remove rust from a stainless steel sink?
It’s possible to completely remove rust spots from your stainless steel sink and revamp its shiny, eye-appealing appearance. To do this, you don’t need to spend your money on a commercial rust remover.
The following natural homemade methods will help you remove rust from your stainless steel sink:
Using baking soda to remove rust on stainless steel sink
Baking soda is one of the most popular home remedies for removing rust stains from stainless steel sinks. Used in a simple paste form, this powder forms sufficient abrasive to remove rust spots without causing damage to your sink.
How to use:
- Put 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda powder into a small container and added a little amount of water to create a paste
- Prepare your sink by rinsing it out and wipe it down with a wet paper towel to moisture the spots to be treated for rust stains.
- Apply your paste on the affected surface followed by gently scrubbing the area with a soft-bristled brush. Make sure you do it in the direction of the metal grain
- If the spot doesn’t seem to go away, damp the toothbrush for a dish scrubbing sponge or a nylon scrub rated safe for use on stainless steel. This should remove the spot easily.
- Remember to rinse your sink afterward.
Pro Tip: If the spot becomes stubborn or if your sink has many rust spots, sprinkle baking soda liberally over the entire affected area and let it settle for up to 30 minutes before you begin scrubbing.
Use vinegar to remove rust on stainless steel sink
Vinegar removes rust from stainless steel sinks. Vinegar is acidic in nature and will react with rust (iron oxide, basic in nature) to dissolve it. If you don’t have vinegar within reach, lemon juice will also work.
How to use:
- Pour a little amount of vinegar or lemon juice on the stained surface of your sink.
- Let it sit for a few minutes. This will give it time to react with the rust and dissolve/remove it.
- Now rub the stain with the help of a soft cloth, and remember to follow the grain of the stainless steel.
- Lastly, rinse the surface with clean water and dry it with a clean towel. Examine the area to see if the stain has been fixed. If you can still see it, try the next method.
Using the potato remedy to remove rust
Potatoes are great for removing rust stains because they contain oxalic acid. This is the same cleaning agent used in commercial rust removers.
Use the potato alongside common salt or baking for the best rust removal results.
How to use:
- Cut the potato into two halves
- Apply salt or baking soda on the cut end of one of the potato pieces. This is necessary to help create a chemical reaction between the potato and the rust for effective removal
- Rub the cut side of the potato you just applied baking soda/salt on over the rust stain on your sink.
- Give it 1-2 minutes to work, then risen the sink and dry it.
- If the stain is still there, give the potato piece more time to work by sitting it on the stain for a few more minutes
Use commercial rust removers
If none of the above methods seems to work for you, your only remaining option would be a commercial rust remover.
When choosing a cleaning product, make sure you get one that’s rated safe for use with stainless steel. Make sure it’s not highly abrasive, otherwise it might end up damaging your sink.
Conclusion
Stainless steel sinks can develop rust stains if not cleaned regularly. You should make an effort of fixing these stains the moment they appear. You just need to simple homemade rust removal methods we’ve discussed above. But if these methods don’t bring the desired results, you should consider using a commercial rust remover for stainless steel. Just ensure the stains don’t sit on your sink for long as they can become stubborn.