Dos and Don'ts of Cleaning Your Stainless Steel Sink

• Do...It is best to rinse stainless sinks thoroughly after each use. Thorough rinsing can be done by running the water for a few minutes and rubbing the cleaned area with a sponge.
  
• Do...Avoid exposing stainless sink to strong chemicals, such as paint removers, oven cleaners, etc. If contact occurs, quickly flush the surface with water.
  
• Do...Run cold water when pouring boiling water into sinks to try to minimize temperature shock. With stainless it isn't as important to remember that compared to other materials though.
  
• Do...Towel dry after each use to prevent mineral deposits from building up on the surface of the sink (although with a good quality stainless sink you can buff it back to the original "new" finish even after many years of scale and mineral build-up.
  
• Do...Scour the sink once a week, being sure to rub in the direction of the satin finish lines (best not to purchase a "mirror" finish).
  
• Do...Remove nail polish with a non-acetone based nail polish remover and flush with water.
  

• Don't...Allow food or beverage residue, or metal canned products to remain on sink surface.
  
• Don't...Cut directly on sink surfaces.
  
• Don't...Set hot pans directly into sinks.
  
• Don't...Scour the sink across the satin finish lines. Scouring across the satin finish lines can damage the original sink finish.
  
• Don't...Allow liquid soap or other household cleansers to dry on the surface of the sink. Most brands contain chemical additives, which will affect the finish.
  
• Don't...Leave standing solutions of chlorine bleach and water in the sink for extended periods of time. Chlorides, which are found in most soaps, detergents, bleaches, and cleansers, are very aggressive to stainless steel. If left on the sink too long they can cause surface pitting.
  
• Don't...Use a steel wool pad to clean your sink. Steel wool pads have a tendency to break apart and small particles of steel can become embedded in the surface of the sink. The steel particles will rust and will give the appearance that the sink itself is rusting.
  
• Don't...Use rubber mats or dishpans in the sink to protect the finish. Leaving rubber mats or dishpans in the sink can lead to surface rust or possible pitting. However, if you do use mats or dishpans please remove them after each use.
  
• Don't...Leave wet sponges, cloths, or cleaning pads on the sink. This can lead to surface rust.

Article Source: Plumbing World