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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Stainless steel Sink cleaning

 

We used muriatic acid ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] to try to unclog our stainless steel sink. We weren't thinking. The finish is off the sink of course. I am not a company. Can it be polished by the average person with some kind of solution bought at a store reasonably?

Mary Stegner
- New Castle, Indiana

Hi Mary!

It might well seem that no 'polish' will work because of the stain depth. This might also apply to oxidizing acids, too, such as nitric and citric, which are normally used to protect stainless surfaces somewhat.

Failing that, use S.0.S. pads along with, perhaps, some Ajax ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] bleach.

Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).

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Mary:

I agree that you need to redo the finish with an abrasive, but do not use SOS pads or bleach. This will only enhance corrosion in the future. Use a fine grit non-iron containing abrasive like wet or dry 400 grit emery paper, or the like. It will take some work, going in the same direction all the time with the abrasive - as it will leave a new surface of "scratches" to make a uniform surface to replace what you had.

Good luck,

Lee Kremer
Stellar Solutions, Inc.

McHenry, Illinois

I have a Franke stainless steel sink and acid that was used to clean the grout on tiles was accidentally spilled on the sink's surface. It appears that the sink has lost its shiny finish in this area. It is a dull silver color in that area. IS there any way to restore the finish to that area? Thank you for your help.

Ann Callahan
home owner - Pittsfield, Massachusetts
2007