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Calcium deposits can build up on stainless steel sinks over time, leaving a white, chalky residue. To remove these deposits, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water. Start by filling a spray bottle with equal parts of vinegar and water. Spray the solution onto the affected areas of the sink and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub the deposits with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse the sink thoroughly with water and dry it with a clean cloth. Regularly cleaning your stainless steel sink with this vinegar and water solution can help prevent calcium deposits from forming in the future.
Regardless of what you call them – calcium, limescale, or water spots – deposits and hard water spots on stainless steel sinks can make them look dirty even after cleaning. These mineral deposits are left behind when tap water evaporates and are more visible on a steel sink than on a white porcelain sink. To remove these hard water spots, try cleaning with white vinegar.
DIY Limescale Remover
White vinegar is an excellent limescale remover that dissolves hard water spots on stainless steel sink surfaces. Once your sink is clean, spritz or pour a little white vinegar on top of each calcium deposit, wait for five minutes, then wipe the vinegar away with a damp sponge. Dry the area with a paper towel afterwards.
Diluting the white vinegar might not be as effective, and it could result in more water spots since tap water is the cause of the issue in the first place. White vinegar is also effective in removing mineral deposits around the faucet spout and aerator. Pour some white vinegar into a zippered sandwich bag, put the bag over the spout so that it covers the mineral deposit, and attach it to the faucet with rubber bands. After about an hour, remove the bag and pour the vinegar down the drain.
Read more: How to Restore a Stainless Steel Sink
Removing Spots Around the Drain
The area around the drain and the garbage disposal entrance is where limescale buildup occurs, particularly around the perimeter of the drain collar. To eliminate this buildup, fold a paper towel into quarters, soak it with white vinegar, then place it on top of the drain collar. After roughly ten minutes, wring out the paper towel, then use it to wipe the area around the drain collar.
Wipe the area with a dry paper towel. If you still see water spots or other buildup, scrub gently with a nylon scrub brush or an old toothbrush. According to Just Manufacturing, a nylon dish-scrubbing pad also works. Rinse the area, then pat it dry with a paper towel.
Thorough Cleaning
If the sink has a lot of limescale buildup or needs a deep cleaning, mix baking soda and water to form a paste. Dip a damp sponge into the baking-soda paste, then rub it all over the sink bowl, following the direction of the buffed-in marks on the stainless steel. Once you’ve coated the entire sink bowl, spritz it with a generous amount of white vinegar.
The vinegar and baking soda will react, creating foam that helps remove grime, limescale, and other buildup. Wait several minutes, then wipe the sink down with more vinegar or rinse it out with water. Wipe it dry with paper towels. This homemade stainless steel sink cleaner works as well as many commercial products without any potentially harmful chemicals.
For a shiny sink, rub a few drops of olive oil on it with a paper towel after cleaning.
Read more: How to Clean a Dull Stainless Steel Sink