If you have stainless steel sink, then rust is probably the last thing you want to see. But it’s important not to ignore that rusty mess – if left untreated for too long, it can cause permanent damage and even lead to a deadly bacteria infestation.
Fortunately, there are some safe household methods that will help you remove rust from stainless steel sinks. We also recommend you to read our guides on the list of utility sinks & high quality undermount sinks.
Table Of Contents
Effective Ways To Remove Rust From Stainless Steel Sinks
Baking Soda Paste
Put a tablespoon of baking soda in a small bowl and mix with enough water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the rusty area on your sink, allow it to sit for 30 minutes or so, then scrub off with an old toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly after you’re finished.
The baking soda paste will work on any type of stainless steel sink, including those with an undercoat. However, it doesn’t contain the abrasive than some other methods do and so may not remove all rust from your sink’s surface.
Baking Soda Paste: Put a tablespoon of baking soda in a small bowl and mix with enough water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the rusty area on your sink, allow it to sit for 30 minutes or so, then scrub off with an old toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly after you’re finished.
The baking soda paste will work on any stainless steel sink, including those with an undercoat. However, it doesn’t contain the abrasive than some other methods do and so may not remove all rust from your sink’s surface.
Remove Rust With Salt & Vinegar
Mix equal amounts of salt and vinegar in a small bowl, then rub over the rust stain on your sink. Let it sit for 30 minutes or so before scrubbing gently to remove any stubborn spots.
Wipe clean afterward. This process may not work as well as other methods because its abrasiveness may not remove all rust from your sink’s surface.
Salt and Vinegar: Mix equal amounts of salt and vinegar in a small bowl, then rub over the rust stain on your sink. Let it sit for 30 minutes or so before scrubbing gently to remove any stubborn spots. Wipe clean afterward.
This process may not work as well as other methods because its abrasiveness may not remove all rust from your sink’s surface.
Remove Rust With Bleach
Mix one part bleach to nine parts water, then pour the mixture into a plastic container like an old ice cream carton and dip a rag in it. Swipe over rusty spots on your stainless steel sink twice before wiping off excess.
This is an effective method for removing rust, but it can also damage your sink’s finish if you don’t rinse thoroughly afterward. Bleach: Mix one part bleach to nine parts water, then pour the mixture into a plastic container like an old ice cream carton and dip a rag in it.
Swipe over rusty spots on your stainless steel sink twice before wiping off excess. This is an effective method for removing rust, but it can also damage your sink’s finish if you don’t rinse thoroughly afterward.
Salt, Vinegar, Or Bleach
Mix equal amounts of salt, vinegar, or bleach in a small bowl, then rub over the rust stain on your sink. Let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing off any stubborn spots. Wipe clean afterward.
Tis process may not work as well as other methods because its abrasiveness may not remove all rust from your sink’s surface. The baking soda paste will work on any type of stainless steel sink, including those with an undercoat.
However, it doesn’t contain the abrasive than some other methods do and so may not remove all rust from your sink’s surface. Mix one part bleach to nine parts water, then pour the mixture into a plastic container like an old ice cream carton and dip a rag in it.
Swipe over rusty spots on your stainless steel sink twice before wiping off excess. This is an effective method for removing rust, but it can also damage your sink’s finish if you don’t rinse thoroughly afterward.
Oxalic Acid Method
The Oxalic Acid Method is a highly acidic solution that can be dangerous to use without wearing protective equipment. It will remove rust from your stainless steel sink, but it may take time and multiple treatments before all the rust has been removed.
After adding an acidifying agent like citric or hydrochloric acids, slowly add the oxalic acid. Mix thoroughly until the solution is clear, and then allow it to sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing off any stubborn spots with a scouring pad or steel wool.
Rinse well afterward because this process can be dangerous if not handled properly.
Remove Rust By Using Solvent
Removing rust with solvents is a relatively easy process that will require only water and the appropriate solvent. Mix equal parts of acetone, methylene chloride, or other paint thinners with water in an old ice cream carton before rubbing it over rusty areas on your sink.
Let this mixture soak for 30 minutes to dissolve the rust before scrubbing off any stubborn spots with a scouring pad or steel wool. Rinse well afterward and allow the sink to dry in an open area for 24 hours before it can be used again.
Remove Rust by Using Hot Water
Pour hot water over rust-stained surfaces on your stainless steel sink. Allow the rust to dissolve before scrubbing off any stubborn spots with a scouring pad or steel wool. Rinse well afterward and allow the sink to dry in an open area for 24 hours before it can be used again.
The hot water will not remove as much rust from your sink’s surface, but it is an effective way of removing the small amount that appears and can be used without any protective equipment.
Remove Rust With Metal Brush
This method does not require anything other than a metal brush to scrub over rusty spots on your sink. Scrub over rusty spots on the metal with a stiff, dry brush to remove rust, and use a wet rag afterward for an easier clean-up process.
Rinse well before allowing it to air-dry in an open area for 24 hours so that all residue is removed from the stainless steel surface.
Rust Removal Bad Practices
Rust removal bad practices are those that will leave permanent damage on the sink. These include using a steel wool pad or an abrasive cleaner to remove protective layers and matte finishes from stainless steel.
The best way to clean rust is with vinegar and olive oil since it won’t scratch the surface of the metal like other substances will. Do not use steel wool pads or abrasive cleaners to remove the rust – These may damage the protective layers and matte finish on your sink, leaving it unprotected
Do not scrub with a scouring pad- Scrubbing will scratch stainless steel sinks. Instead, apply any cleaner directly onto the surface of the metal and rub gently until all traces of rust are gone.
Do not use cleaners with ammonia- The active ingredients in these products can corrode stainless steel and damage its protective layers. The chlorine in bleach will also react with the metal to create a chemical reaction that may cause permanent staining.
Causes of Rust in a Stainless Steel Sink
The primary cause of rust in stainless steel sinks is the environment where it’s located. Rust can form from water, soil, or air and usually accumulates when conditions are conducive: humidity levels that exceed 40% for extended periods; high activity by bacteria or fungi (which produce acid); excess moisture at a microscopic level on the metal surface.
The environment is not the only cause of rust in a stainless steel sink; physical damage can also occur when it’s scratched and exposed to water. This causes oxidation, which is one way for corrosion to start.
Rusty stains in a stainless steel sink can build up over time and make it difficult to clean, but they can be removed with the right cleaning product.
Corrosion occurs when oxidation on the surface of metal creates a thin barrier that prevents oxygen from coming into contact with the material’s base, which can lead to corrosion or disintegration.
Simple Preventive Maintenance For Rust In Stainless Steel Sink
Rust is caused by an accumulation of iron oxide on the surface. When water and oxygen interact, a chemical reaction will occur that causes rust to form.
Stainless steel sinks are susceptible to this because they have a porous finish that can be penetrated by water in order for these reactions to take place. It’s important to maintain your sink with simple cleaning methods to avoid the accumulation of rust.
One way you can help prevent rust from forming is by using phosphoric or citric acid cleaners, which are both available at most grocery and hardware stores.
These types of surfactants will remove any leftover that may be difficult to see with your naked eye. You should not use abrasive cleaners or abrasive sponges, as this will only cause the rust to spread.
There are also other preventative measures you can take with your stainless steel sink. Keeping a pot of water on the stove at all times is one way that people have found success in removing or preventing rust from forming altogether.
You should always be careful when using hot water because it can cause the steel to expand or contract, which could lead to some cracks. The single most important thing you should do is clean your sink regularly with a phosphoric acid cleaner in order to remove any metal deposits that have accumulated on its surface.
To avoid rust altogether, make sure you always use cold water whenever possible and the aforementioned preventative measures.
Key Tips for a Sparkling Sink
The first and most important thing to do is rinse your sink with warm water. You should also use the sponges, brushes, or other cleaning tools that are available, but please use them lightly—they are meant for quick clean-ups rather than deep scrubbing.
After you’re done washing the sink, dry it with the towels you have on hand. If your towel is a bit dirty already, it will just add to the grime of your sinks; so make sure to grab a new one!
The last tip is especially important: never leave any food sitting in your sink! The food will form an acidic scum that is very difficult to scrub away. If you have any doubts about whether or not a dishware item should go in the dishwasher, just wash it by hand!
You might also want to consider installing a water filter under your sink for better tasting and cleaner-looking sinks. You can find these filters in hardware stores and grocery shops, but you might need a professional plumber to install them.
If you follow these tips for care of your sink, it will never look as good as new—but at least it’ll be clean.
Final Words
Stainless steel is a popular choice of material for sinks, and many people choose it because they want to avoid the rust that can form on other metals. But if you have stainless steel sink in your kitchen or bathroom, then chances are good that you’ll need to remove rust from it at some point.
Fortunately, there’s an easy way to do so, and all you’ll need is vinegar! Check out our tips below on how to remove rust from stainless steel sinks. If you found this article helpful, then don’t forget to share it with friends who may also be interested.