The cleaning mistake stopping your sink from looking shiny
The best part about cleaning the sink is seeing it look shiny afterwards, so its frustrating when it ends up looking dull after all that hard work.
If that's what's happening when you clean your stainless steel sink then it could be because you're doing one of a few things wrong.
Cleaning expert Jacqueline Stein revealed in an Instagram reel the mistakes we might be making that are leaving the sink looking "dull and dirty" and they're easily fixed.
Watch the video above.
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Dull sinks are the result of cleaning mistakes. Getty
One thing that could be stopping your sink from looking shiny is not actually cleaning it before you go in with your polishing product.
"Most people skip the CRUCIAL first step (removing ALL food particles with dish soap first) – this creates stubborn buildup that gets worse over time," she explained.
The next big mistake is using the wrong scrubbing tool and the wrong polish, of which you might also be using the incorrect amount.
Rough scourers and scrubbers will leave scratches that can't be fixed so the best tools are soft brushes and sponges. Look for 'non-scratch' on the packaging of sponges and scourers to ensure you're getting a gentle product.
"But here's the game-changer most people mess up: the WRONG polish + wrong amount = fading, fogging, and micro-scratches," she said.
"Use the right stainless steel polish and let it sit for 10+ minutes (yes, really!)."
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As for the "right" polish, in her sink cleaning demonstration Stein used Bar Keepers Friend soft cleanser and polish which she drizzled over both sinks. Bar Keepers Friend soft cleanser and polish can be found at Bunnings for $10.99.
The last mistake on Stein's list should also be the last step of your sink cleaning routine and that's drying the sink after polishing.
"I know it sounds crazy, but if you don't dry after that first deep clean, nothing seals properly, and you're back to square one," she said.
When cleaned the right way stainless steel sinks will look shinier for longer, which means you won't have to clean it as often as you likely are if it looks dull.
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If you want to take your sink cleaning even further, don't forget about the plug hole and the top of the drain pipe. These areas can collect a lot of gunk, become discoloured and really start to stink if not cleaned.
For the sink plug hole a toothbrush and dishwashing liquid is perfect for scrubbing off buildup and getting into the small crevice around it. You may even be able to get part of the brush head inside and under the cover for a more thorough clean.
This can be done as part of the first step while you're cleaning the sink with detergent before polishing.
Your sink will end up looking this sparkling. Rachael Gavin
Another thing you should do while cleaning the sink hole is clean inside the top of the drain cover.
Use smaller bottle brush cleaners for this as they can get through the sink hole cover and be held at an angle to scrub off some of the buildup inside the drain. You can also use dishwashing liquid for this and rinse it off with hot water when finished.
For a final finish, drizzle some dishwashing liquid down the drain and follow with a kettle-full of hot water to freshen up the drain and make it smell better.
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