New Stainless Steel Sink - Scratch & Rust FAQ.

Stainless steel sinks are a very popular choice as they are extremely durable, reliable and great value for money. Made from premium quality chrome nickel steel, you’ll find the majority of household stainless steel sinks have an 18/10 ranking which simply means the stainless steel sink comprises of 18% chromium and 10% nickel. This is the best combination for corrosion and stain resistance.

For many it can be a bit of a struggle to keep stainless steel looking sparkly and free from finger prints and water marks. Although every sink we sell is created with care and has successfully passed strict quality controls from their respective manufacturer, stainless steel is not completely scratch resistant.

Scratches On Your Sink Within First Few Weeks Of Installation.

The appearance of minor scratches within the first few weeks of use is absolutely normal and to be expected. Do not be alarmed if small scratches or scuffs appear in your new sink as they are often superficial scratches which will become less noticeable with age. Over time, stainless steel develops a lovely patina and with consistent, regular use your sink will start look even better once the patina evens out, around a year after first use!

Regular care using recommended cleaning agents such as Bar Keepers Friend, All Purpose Power Cream helps to remove grease and water marks and will keep your stainless steel sink sparkling and in excellent condition. Stainless steel actually features a grain direction, it is best to wipe with the direction of the grain to ensure the best of cleaning finishes.

Brushed and satin finishes are the easiest to maintain and these finishes naturally help to hide water marks and scratches too.

Small Rust Spots On Your Sink.

Have you ever discovered small rust spots on your sink? When this type of staining occurs, it is unlikely that the marks are caused by the rusting of the stainless steel itself as 18/10 chrome nickel steel is metallurgical incapable of rusting or corroding in normal household conditions.

The brown rust marks are commonly caused as a result of small particles left behind from the water mains or wire wool during the manufacturing process. Stains can also be caused from wet cast iron pans, utensils or flatware that have been left in the sink for a while. These brown marks are normally superficial stains which will not harm the sink, they should be removed using a nylon toothbrush for those hard to reach places and a multi-purpose cream cleanser like Bar Keepers Friend. The particles need to be completely removed to ensure they do not return so you must ensure you dry the sink thoroughly using a microfiber cloth after cleaning. Stubborn stains may need to be treated again.

For more helpful information on how to keep your stainless steel sinks and appliances clean and sparkling our post on 'Stainless Steel Cleaning Tips' is worth a read. Full of useful cleaning tips, product suggestions and homemade cleaning solutions to help you care for your stainless steel products.