David, I love my stainless steel sink, but it seems like there is constantly a residue or visible spots on it. Is there any way to keep it looking new? Thanks —Deborah

Although stainless steel is resistant to stains, it certainly is not stain proof. In fact, what makes ‘stainless’ steel different from other types of steel is a higher level of the element chromium. The elevated level of chromium makes the metal resistant to corrosion, not necessarily ‘stainless’ in the traditional sense. So—the goal is to keep it clean without abusing and scratching the surface. Believe it or not,  you don’t need fancy or hard to find cleaning products. To clean your stainless steel:

• Start with plain white vinegar and a clean cloth.
• If you need a little more scrubbing power, sprinkle baking soda over then surface, then scrub.
• For tougher jobs, try 3 parts cream of tartar with 1 part hydrogen peroxide and then using a damp cloth scrub the sink and let dry, then rinse with hot water.

To help reduce spots and stains, rub the sink with baby oil or olive oil and then remove excess with a dry cloth. This helps reduce the exposure of the metal surface to air. Thanks Deborah —David