A stainless steel sink is durable, hygienic, and elegant — but keeping it spotless requires proper care. The best cleaning method combines gentle daily maintenance, natural cleaners, and regular polishing to remove water spots, grease, and stains without scratching the surface.

1. Why Stainless Steel Requires Special Care

Stainless steel is resistant to rust and corrosion because of its chromium oxide layer. However, harsh chemicals or abrasive tools can damage this layer, leading to:

• Dull or uneven finishes

• Permanent scratches

• Water marks or mineral buildup

• Discoloration or minor rusting

Using the right cleaning products keeps this protective surface intact and your sink looking new for years.

2. Daily Cleaning Routine

Step 1: Rinse After Every Use

After washing dishes or food, rinse the sink with warm water to remove residue and prevent stains from forming.

Step 2: Wash with Mild Dish Soap

• Apply a few drops of gentle dishwashing liquid to a soft sponge.

• Clean the entire sink, including corners and the drain area.

• Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Step 3: Dry Completely

Use a microfiber cloth or soft towel to wipe dry along the grain.

• Prevents water spots and calcium buildup.

• Maintains a consistent brushed or polished finish.

Shunhan stainless steel sinks feature fine-grain finishes that clean easily with soft cloths — no heavy scrubbing needed.

3. Weekly Deep Cleaning

Even with daily care, minerals and soap scum can accumulate. Perform a deeper clean once a week.

Option 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

This natural method removes stains and restores shine.

How to do it:

1. Sprinkle baking soda evenly across the wet sink.

2. Spray with white vinegar until it lightly fizzes.

3. Let sit for 5 minutes.

4. Scrub gently with a soft sponge along the grain.

5. Rinse thoroughly and dry.

Why it works:
Baking soda lifts grime without scratching; vinegar dissolves hard water deposits.

Option 2: Dish Soap and Olive Oil Polish

For sinks with light fingerprints or dullness:

1. Wash with dish soap and warm water.

2. Dry completely.

3. Apply a few drops of olive oil or mineral oil to a microfiber cloth.

4. Buff the sink gently to create a glossy, protective finish.

This technique adds a hydrophobic layer that prevents water spots and fingerprints.

4. Removing Stubborn Stains and Rust Spots

Step 1: Apply Baking Soda Paste

• Mix baking soda with water into a smooth paste.

• Apply to the stained area and let sit for 10 minutes.

• Rub gently along the grain.

Step 2: Rinse with Vinegar

Vinegar removes the final traces of mineral deposits and restores shine.

Step 3: Dry and Buff

Wipe the sink dry immediately to prevent new spots from forming.

Avoid chlorine bleach or strong chemical rust removers — they can corrode the metal surface.

5. What NOT to Use on Stainless Steel Sinks

For Shunhan sinks made from premium SUS304 stainless steel, these precautions help preserve the surface integrity and long-lasting shine.

6. Maintaining Shine and Preventing Water Spots

After Cleaning:

• Always rinse and dry to avoid streaks or limescale.

• Use vinegar spray weekly to dissolve any residue.

• Buff lightly with stainless steel cleaner or baby oil once a week.

Every Month:

• Apply a thin layer of stainless steel polish using a microfiber towel.

• This forms a protective barrier that makes daily cleaning faster and easier.

7. The Shunhan Advantage

Shunhan Sink specializes in premium stainless steel sinks built from SUS304 and SUS316 steel, featuring:

• Anti-scratch brushed finishes

• Sound-deadening pads for quieter use

• Anti-condensation coatings under the basin

• Precision drainage systems for easy rinsing

These design features make Shunhan sinks both durable and easy to maintain, requiring only gentle cleaning to retain their brilliance.