How to Whip Up an Eco-Friendly Stainless-Steel Sink Cleaner
If your sink’s looking more “blah” than “brilliant,” it’s time for a quick kitchen pick-me-up. This Stainless-Steel Sink Cleaner uses simple ingredients like vinegar, Dawn dish soap, and an optional baking-soda boost, to tackle limescale, soap scum, and everyday grime.
Heating the mixture speeds up mineral breakdown, activates the soap, and even produces a little steam to help the cleaner penetrate tough spots.
You’ll spend less elbow grease scrubbing and more admiring that mirror-like shine.
Tools & Materials
- 1 cup (240 ml) white distilled vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dawn dish soap
- (Optional) ½–1 teaspoon baking soda for extra scrubbing power
- Medium saucepan
- Rubber gloves
- Soft scrub brush or old toothbrush
- Heat-safe spray bottle
- Microfiber cloths or soft towels
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1. Warm the Vinegar
Pour 1 cup of white distilled vinegar into your saucepan. Heat over medium just until it steams, no need to boil. That steam helps soften hard-water deposits so they wipe away in a snap.
2. Stir in the Dish Soap
Turn off the heat and wait a few minutes so it’s not scalding.
Stir in 1 tablespoon Dawn dish soap.
3. Transfer to Spray Bottle
Carefully pour the warm solution into your heat-safe spray bottle. Give it a gentle shake so soap and vinegar meld.
4. Optional Baking Soda Boost
For extra-stubborn spots, sprinkle baking soda all over the sink.
5. Spray, Soak & Scrub
Spray: Mist the entire sink, walls, base, and around the drain.
When the mixture hits the baking soda it will start to fizz gently, adding micro-abrasion without scratching your stainless finish.
Let it sit 5–10 minutes so the cleaner penetrates mineral and soap scum.
Finally, scrub, using a soft scrub brush or toothbrush to work tight spots.
6. Rinse & Buff to a Shine
Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Dry and buff with a microfiber cloth in small, circular motions.
Voilà—streak-free brilliance!
Ready to make your stainless-steel appliances sparkle like new?
DIY Stainless-Steel Sink Cleaner Tutorial
There you have it—an eco-friendly stainless-steel sink cleaner that’s budget-savvy, simple, and surprisingly effective.
From heating vinegar to adding a baking-soda fizz, these steps restore that showroom shine without toxic chemicals.
Give it a whirl, then share your before-and-after or any clever tweaks in the comments.
Comments
Join the conversation
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To clean up that pot your using cook some tomatoes or tomato sauce in it. It will shine right up.
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For a twofer, you can run the vinegar through your coffee maker/Keurig and then add to your heat resistant spray bottle. The vinegar gets warmed and your next cuppa tastes better. You can also use Thieves Cleaner.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Can you do it on any other sinks?