Streaks/Spots on "Stainless" Steel Sink

[rp2813]

I don't know what caused them, but dark streaks have gradually appeared and increased over the past several months in my supposedly stainless steel sink.  It's made by Franke, a purveyor of high end and apparently low performance kitchen fixtures (don't get me started on the companion faucet).  I didn't choose it.  The clueless former owner of my home did, who, as someone that clearly didn't cook much, if ever, was duped into the worst possible choices for her trophy kitchen. 

 

I've tried BKF and Bon Ami to no avail.  What else should I try?  I have streaks on the stainless fridge as well, but those are from a while ago, and I know it may not be advisable to use anything abrasive on that.

 

[chachp]

BOOS Cleaner..

 

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">Ralph, I haven't tried this on my sink but this is probably the best Stainless Steel cleaner I have ever used on my appliances.  I spray it on and use a cotton cloth to wipe it and things sparkle with no streaks.  I have tried most of them over the years and I really like this one.  I have been buying it at our local restaurant supply store but I see it is also on Amazon.  It's only $8 at the supply store.  I'll try it on my sink and see what happens.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">NOTE:  I don't have the dark streaks that you mentioned so I don't really know if this will work on those.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">UPDATE:  I tried it on the sink.  Not sure why I never did maybe because our kitchen gets a lot of use and seems the sink is usually wet.  It's hard to tell in the photo but it took off all the water spots in one swipe.  I like this stuff because it's made for commercial kitchen and doesn't seem to have a lot of really bad chemicals.  I'll have to take everything out of the sink and do the whole thing.  I usually use the liquid Bar Keepers Fried spray but it streaks and I have to rinse forever.  I may have to make this my go to.</span>

https://www.amazon.com/John-Boos-Stainless-Steel-Cleaner/dp/B005ESCDZS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ZTENNP3LRU2&dchild=1&keywords=boos+stainless+steel+cleaner&qid=1599859542&sprefix=boos+stain%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-1

 

[ea56]

It must be something either in your water or something that you are regularly using or disposing of in your sink that is causing this.  If there was a photo of what your talking about it might be easier to suggest a remedy.  The only thing I can think of that may help is to try polishing the sink with some ceramic stove top cleaner.  Or maybe going over it with some Whink Rust Stain Remover like I suggested a few years ago for rust stains in a toilet.  But be careful, its very caustic.

 

I put our SS sink in myself in 2002 to replace the original porcelain enamel of steel sink that was a mess.  We are very anal about making sure that EACH time we use the sink to dry off ALL the splashed water from the top of the sink and the faucet and it still look almost new.  No spots or streaks, and it was an inexpensive sink from Home Depot.  At least once a week we clean the double sinks with BKF.  

 

To keep a SS kitchen sink looking nice requires keeping water from being allowed to dry on it, especially if your water is hard.  The calcium in the water can really make the sink look like crap if its allowed to build up.

 

Eddie

 

[rp2813]

Thanks for the suggestions.  I used BKF before I made the OP, and now that the sink has dried completely, it looks better, but the streaks aren't gone completely.   I'll wait a while and if they return, will snap a picture.

 

Water here is definitely on the hard side so I stay on top of that, but the source of the streaks is a puzzler.   I've never had a stainless steel sink before, and I absolutely prefer porcelain enameled cast iron.  I love making a white sink shine, and in the first home we owned, after remodeling the kitchen we never used powdered cleanser on the sink and it kept its shine for 18 years until we sold the place.

 

I do have various types of polish for the refrigerator, but that stuff seems to have an oil content that hides trouble spots as opposed to eliminating them, and they reappear in short order.  I think those spots and streaks were caused by spills, splashing, etc. from Dave when he was still living at home and had mobility and dexterity issues.  I was so taxed by daily care-giving duties that they got away from me.

 

[pulltostart]

Ralph,

I've been a user of Cameo for decades and love the results.  The product has changed ownership a couple of times and isn't as easily found as it used to be found.  Used to find it in almost all grocery stores.  Since moving to Mobile I've only been able to find it at an Ace Hardware.  The most recent change combined the Stainless Steel/Aluminum product with the Brass/Copper product.  I bought a few cans off Ebay a while back and am using the second one now and I think I've adjusted to the new product and am pleased.  I clean/polish the sink each morning after breakfast.

 

lawrence

 

[rp2813]

Thanks Lawrence.  I'll check my favorite ACE and see if they carry it.