Water marks are one of the most common issues stainless steel sink owners face. They appear as white or cloudy streaks caused by mineral deposits (mainly calcium and magnesium) left behind when water evaporates. Over time, these spots dull the sink’s shine and make it look aged, even when it’s clean.
Water marks are caused by hard water minerals drying on the surface instead of being wiped away. Common reasons include:
Allowing water to air-dry after rinsing dishes.
Hard water (high in calcium and lime).
Detergent residue left on the sink.
Lack of polishing or protective coating.
Even though stainless steel doesn’t rust easily, water minerals can stick to its smooth surface, creating visible streaks or dull patches.
The simplest and most effective way to prevent water marks is to never let water sit or dry naturally in the sink.
Steps:
Rinse the sink with warm water after every use.
Wipe the entire surface dry using a soft microfiber cloth or towel.
Follow the direction of the grain to maintain a uniform finish.
Why it works:
Drying removes both moisture and minerals before they can settle, keeping the steel spotless and streak-free.
For Shunhan’s brushed stainless steel sinks, regular drying preserves the elegant grain lines and prevents calcium buildup.
If you live in an area with hard water, white vinegar is your best natural cleaning ally. It dissolves mineral residue and keeps the sink shining.
How to use:
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Spray the solution over the sink surface.
Let it sit for 2–3 minutes.
Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
Repeat this once or twice a week for best results.
Vinegar’s mild acidity removes lime and calcium deposits without damaging stainless steel’s protective chromium oxide layer.
A thin layer of oil creates a hydrophobic barrier that prevents water from drying into marks.
Recommended oils:
Mineral oil
Olive oil
Baby oil
Specialized stainless steel polish
How to apply:
After cleaning and drying, put a few drops of oil on a microfiber cloth.
Buff gently along the grain.
Wipe away any excess.
Result:
Water beads up instead of spreading out — minimizing streaks and water stains.
Shunhan stainless steel sinks respond particularly well to light oil polishing once a week, helping them stay mirror-smooth and resistant to spots.
Regular cleaning with baking soda keeps the surface smooth and less prone to water spotting.
Instructions:
Sprinkle baking soda evenly over the wet sink.
Scrub gently with a soft sponge along the grain.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Dry completely with a microfiber towel.
Baking soda not only removes grease and stains but also smooths microscopic imperfections where minerals tend to cling.
| Avoid | Reason |
|---|---|
| Steel wool or wire brushes | Leave scratches that trap minerals |
| Bleach or chlorine products | Damage protective coating and cause pitting |
| Abrasive powders | Dull the finish and increase spot buildup |
| Air drying | Encourages visible streaks and water rings |
Use only mild detergents, vinegar, or baking soda for cleaning stainless steel sinks.
A sink grid lifts dishes off the surface, preventing pooling and allowing better air circulation.
Benefits:
Keeps bottom surface dry.
Prevents scratches from cookware.
Improves drainage for spotless drying.
Shunhan’s precision-fit sink grids are designed to protect both polished and brushed finishes, making long-term maintenance easier.
If your area has very hard water, consider installing a water softener or under-sink filter.
Advantages:
Reduces mineral deposits on stainless steel.
Prevents cloudy glassware and limescale buildup.
Improves overall appliance lifespan.
This long-term solution saves both time and cleaning effort.
Polishing not only restores shine but also adds an invisible layer that resists stains and water marks.
How to polish:
Clean and dry the sink thoroughly.
Apply stainless steel polish or olive oil with a microfiber cloth.
Buff gently along the grain until streak-free.
Polish every 1–2 weeks for best results, especially if your sink is exposed to frequent water splashes.
