How to clean a stainless steel sink with vinegar and water without scratching

Want to make sure your buy-to-let property is in tip-top condition for prospective new tenants?

We've compiled a series of videos with Harriet, owner of Calm Oasis Cleaners and Simply Business customer, to help you complete some simple DIY tasks that will help your property look its best.

Today: the best way to clean a stainless steel sink without scratching.

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In this video, our professional cleaner explains how to clean a stainless steel sink, using vinegar to make sure you don't scratch the steel.

Prefer text? Read on for our step-by-step guide.

Tools for cleaning a stainless steel sink

First, you'll need to gather your tools. In order to clean a stainless steel sink without scratching it, you'll need the following items:

• Specialist cleaning liquid to remove dirt and grime from the sink in the first instance
• A damp cloth to remove the liquid without scratching the surface
• A soft rag for drying - make sure this is clean!
• A spray bottle to contain your disinfectant mixture
• Your disinfectant, which you can make with a mixture of distilled vinegar and water

How to clean a stainless steel sink with vinegar

Looking for an alternative to regular disinfectant, or a way to remove tough water stains? Follow the steps below to clean a stainless steel sink with vinegar.

1. Spray your stainless steel sink with a specialist cleaning liquid
2. Let the liquid sit for a few minutes while it does its work 3.Think carefully about your tools. To make sure you don't scratch the stainless steel sink, use a damp cloth - never use scourers
3. Wipe the cloth around the sink, making sure you get all the way into the corners and around the taps
4. Once the sink's looking clean, rinse off the liquid using water from the tap
5. Next, dry the sink with a soft, clean rag
6. Now the important part - to make sure you don't damage your stainless steel kitchen sink, make a mixture of distilled vinegar and water in a spray bottle
7. Spray the sink with the mixture - this helps to disinfect, and removes water stains
8. Using a dry cloth, dry and buff the sink
9. And you're done!

How to clean a stainless steel sink with lemon

Don't want to use vinegar, or don't have any around the property? Cleaning a stainless steel sink with lemon can also be a great way to get a good finish.

1. Make up a paste of baking soda and water
2. Rub the paste around the stainless steel sink carefully and gently. Let it sit for a couple of minutes
3. Using a dry towel, wipe away the paste
4. Next, grab another cloth and dampen it with lemon juice. The acid nature of the lemon juice will help with stubborn stains like limescale, following the alkaline of the baking soda
5. Wash away the lemon juice, then dry with another towel

Things to avoid when cleaning a stainless steel sink

So now you know the steps to take to clean a sink without scratching - but what should you avoid?

• Prevention is better than cure! Make sure that you don't leave cloths or scourers drying in or on the sink, as these can deposit bacteria and dirt
• Never use steel wool on a stainless steel sink, as this will immediately scratch the basin
• Be careful about kitchenware in the sink. Steel and iron kitchenware can cause rusting in a stainless steel sink, so try to avoid leaving these items in there for extended periods

Any extra tips for cleaning a stainless steel sink?

If you really want to get your stainless steel sink sparkling like new, you could try some of the following:

• Sparkling water can be a great way to renew the shine in your sink. Pour sparkling water into the basin and rub around with a clean cloth
• Don't skimp on the vinegar! It's a great disinfectant, but it can also help to reduce or remove marks left if your property is in a hard water area

Want to make sure your buy-to-let property is in great shape for prospective tenants? We'll be publishing new videos every week to help you look after your investment. Stay tuned!