Can You Polish Stainless Steel Sinks With Fine Sandpaper?

Sandpaper

• Although stainless steel is quite durable, dragging heavy pots or flatware across the surface can result in unsightly scratching. Deep scratches can be buffed out with fine 120-grit sandpaper. Sandpaper is not the best medium for polishing stainless steel, however. If you use sandpaper to remove scratches, apply the sandpaper with a very light touch, always working with the grain to avoid causing further damage. For best results, buff the scratched area with a cleaner or polisher afterward.

Commercial Polishers

• Your retailer or sink manufacturer can recommend commercial products made for polishing stainless steel sinks. In some cases, information on preferred products are included with the literature that comes with the sink. Or, you can get recommendations by visiting the manufacturer's website or contacting customer service. If you purchase polishers at a home improvement store, always look for products specially formulated for stainless steel.

Other Stainless Steel Polishers

• It might surprise you to learn that several effective stainless steel polishers can be found in your pantry. Sprinkle the sink with a fine coating of white flour, rub it in with a soft cloth, rinse with clear water and dry with a clean, dry cloth. Club soda also restores the shine to stainless steel. Put the stopper in the sink, pour in the club soda and scrub the sink with a sponge or nylon scrubbing pad. Rinse with clear water and dry. For extra sparkle, occasionally wipe down the sink with a few drops of baby oil.

General Maintenance

• To keep your stainless steel sink looking like new, rinse it well with clear water and dry it with a soft cloth after every use. Avoid allowing standing water to sit in the sink as standing water can lead to rust. Never clean your sink with steel wool pads or harsh abrasives. With time and use, some mild scratching is inevitable, but those light marks eventually blend into the finish. Regular maintenance and occasional polishing with manufacturer-recommended products will keep a stainless steel sink looking good for many years.