Stainless Steel Sinks Troubleshooting and Care Guidelines

Can you imagine how amazed Harry Brearley must have been the day he noticed that his scrap steel samples were not rusting? You see, back in 1913 he was working for the British Steel Corporation trying to develop a hard steel for gun barrels. He had been experimenting by adding varying amounts of chromium to ordinary steel. Evidently it didn't take long to notice that the material had incredible corrosion resistance. Stainless steel was further enhanced by adding nickel as well.

Stainless Steel Family

Stainless steel is by no means a simple compound. There are over 60 different types that are readily known and formulated! All have varying amounts of different chemical elements in them to impart different characteristics. However, chromium and nickel are by far the most important elements which give stainless steel its excellent reputation. Certain types of stainless steel may also contain smaller amounts of copper, aluminum, silicon, and molybdenum. These elements all produce different characteristics when mixed in varying amounts. However, for common household everyday use, stainless steel which contains 18 percent or more chromium in content and approximately 9 percent nickel does quite well.

The Ultimate Sink ... Maybe ...

I don't know if there is a perfect sink for kitchen or bath purposes. All seem to have positive and negative qualities. Take my house for example. We happen to have a cast iron sink with a bright yellow porcelain finish. The sink is no doubt colorful. However, the porcelain finish is susceptible to chipping and scratches. Solid surface sinks can be chipped and harmed by hot objects. Stainless steel is virtually carefree, but yet it can be dented, scratched and harmed by certain chemicals. However, stainless steel is affordable, and probably the easiest of all choices to maintain.

Sink Thickness ... Big Difference

Stainless steel sinks are by no means all created equal. Some use steel which is nearly twice as thick as others. Of course the thicker sink will cost more money. However, it may prove to be a better investment over the long run. Thicker sinks will resist denting. They also will flex less than their thinner counterparts. Thickness is measured by gauge. Residential sinks will range from 18 gauge (.047 - .052 inch) to 23 gauge (.027 - .029 inch).

Sound Control

Some people object to the metallic sound which is produced when working with or in a stainless steel sink. Some manufacturers spray a thin insulating compound on the underside of sinks to control this noise.

You can retrofit or add additional insulation if you find noise to be an issue. Spray foam insulating compounds will often readily stick or adhere to the bottoms of stainless steel sinks. Once installed, you can foam the undersides of the sink to control noise. The foam will also insulate and keep washing water hotter for longer periods of time. Be sure to wear eye protection as the foam will drop into your eyes as you lay on your back.

Stainless is Stretching It ....

Stainless steel sinks can corrode. Chlorine bleach is a very aggressive chemical. It can and will corrode stainless steel. Remember, the stainless steel is primarily steel, chromium, and nickel. Chemicals can and will discolor these materials. Certain acids, etc. will cause problems. Don't allow family members to perform chemistry experiments or other strange brew mixing operations in your new sink. Do these operations in the basement or some other sink!

Remember, many, many ordinary household cleaners contain chlorine bleach. Look on the label for the words chlorine bleach or sodium hypochlorite. These are the key words!

Stainless Steel Sink Manufacturers

Want more information or product catalogues? You will be surprised at the many different sink configurations, shapes, types etc.! I urge you to call these manufacturers and ask for any and all product literature. Ask for care instructions at the same time. They will readily oblige you!

• Elkay Stainless Steel Sinks 630-574-8484
  
  
• Franke, Inc. 800-626-5771
  
  
• Kohler 414-457-4441
  
  
• Vance Industries 630-867-6000

Do's

Rinse, Rinse, and Rinse Again ...

Rinse your sink well after each use. Not only spray, but rub with a clean cloth or paper towel as the clean water is flowing. Simply spraying will not remove all residue or harmful deposits.

Perform Weekly Cleaning With Approved Cleaner

It is very helpful to clean the sink with an approved mild or ultra mild abrasive cleaner on a weekly basis. This will help keep the sink look shiny and new. Remember to follow grain marks that are already present.

Dry the Sink after Rinsing

Unless pure distilled water flows from your faucet (usually this happens only in chemistry labs), there will be dissolved minerals and salts in your rinse water. When the rinse water evaporates, the minerals/salts are left behind. These are the same water spots you see on your car finish. If you dry your sink after rinsing, these spots will not form. If you have hard water deposits, try to use a little white vinegar to remove them. After removal, rinse and dry the sink.

Don'ts

Rubber Mats .... No Way!

Rubber mats cause big problems with stainless steel. They can trap harmful cleaning chemicals which will not be rinsed away. The water and cleaners is trapped between the rubber and the steel and never dries.

Scrubbing Across the Grain

Certain new sinks come with a factory grain or fine polish lines. Always scrub parallel to these marks.

Allowing Cleaners or Detergents to Dry on Surface

Cleaners and detergents can and do contain harmful chemicals which can corrode stainless steel. You can use them, but they must not be allowed to sit on the sink surface. In addition, do NOT fill the sink and allow a strong solution of chlorine bleach and water to sit in the sink. This chemical brew can cause problems. If you want to sanitize an object in a solution of chlorine bleach, use a bucket or other non stainless steel sink.

Steel Wool Pads .... No Way!!

Never use steel wool to clean a stainless steel sink. Small steel fibers will be left behind which will rust. Always use a nylon or some other synthetic cleaning pad to scour the sink. These pads used in conjunction with approved abrasive cleaners will do anything that you might have attempted with steel wool.

Virtually every stain that occurs in a stainless steel sink is a result of operator error - that is, the homeowner or user has created the problem. High quality stainless steel is very resistant to staining, but problems can happen. Here are some common problems:

Rust Marks / Rings in the Sink

Traditional orange/red rust marks in a high quality stainless steel sink can almost always be traced to one of three sources - steel wool pads used for cleaning, tin coated steel cans or cast iron pots left in the sink while wet, or iron deposits that actually are found within the water. The rust stains are not usually a part of the stainless steel, they are simple deposits on the surface of the sink. Scrubbing the stains with an abrasive cleaner along the grain lines of the finish will almost always immediately solve the problem.

Scratches

Unless your sink is made from diamonds, it is going to scratch. I found this out in my college course in geology. Stainless steel is hard, but is can and will scratch. Unfortunately, some sinks come with a fine grain or brushed pattern. If a scratch goes across this grain is shows much more readily had there been no grain. Scratch removal can be very tough to accomplish. If there is a grain in your sink, you must remove while scrubbing in the same direction as the grain. Fine scratches can be removed with some buffing with ultra fine abrasives and/or using a white 3M pad and Shiny Sinks or Inox Cream. Do not attack the sink surface or be too aggressive.

Pit Marks or Obvious Corrosion

Corrosion is a real threat. Your builder, plumber, or ceramic tile installer, or you may be responsible! Construction chemicals, solvents and household cleaners contain chlorides and acids which can react and damage stainless steel. Chlorine bleach (chloride!) or products which contain it (many ordinary household cleaners do!) can stain/corrode a stainless steel sink. Muriatic acid which may be used by a ceramic tile person to clean grout, etc. Plumbing PVC solvents etc. can possibly cause problems. If a dangerous chemical gets on the sink, wash it immediately with water. Rinse well and dry the sink with a towel or paper towels.

Standing Water in the Bottom of the Sink

High quality sinks are formed so that the bottom surface is not level. It is pitched to the large drain hole. However, strainer baskets are installed by plumbers that sometimes have a thickness greater than the recessed ledge created for the strainer. This can cause a small backup of water. Be sure the strainer you pick is compatible with the sink.

Multicolored Stains or Residue on the Bottom of Sink

These problems are most commonly traced to minerals contained in your water. They can also be caused by salts from water softeners. Even cleaners can cause the problem...ones that have an oil base! These stains can be removed by using Shiny Sinks or Bar Keepers Friend in most cases. Rinse well and then dry the sink to see what happens.

Stainless Steel Sink Cleaners

Your grocery store will usually stock useful and approved stainless steel sink cleaners. Always, always get written information from your specific sink manufacturer to see what they recommend. Some sink manufacturers actually private label certain ultra fine abrasives to clean and buff their sinks. Take the time to call your manufacturer before you try to become a metal finisher of your own right!

Many manufacturers approve the following cleaners. Once again, check your product literature to see what they recommend. If you do not know the manufacturer, experiment on a small section of the sink to see what happens. I always recommend the sidewall of the sink which is closest to your body. Why? Because you don't readily see that surface unless you bend over and look down at it.

Soft Scrub, Shiny Sinks, Bar Keepers Friend, Inox Cream, Cameo Stainless Steel Cleaner