Stainless steel is no less than a magical product of modern technology, but most of us don't know what adds this magic to stainless steel and why steel is "stainless." Unfortunately, this lack of knowledge leads us to make the wrong purchase and suffer the consequences.
This might make you wonder, what can be the possible consequences of making a wrong purchase or carelessly treating our stainless steel sinks?
The one-word and straightforward answer to this are "Rusting."
Let us dig a little deep to understand rusting and how we can prevent it?
What is the science behind the process of Rusting?
First of all, to prevent rusting, it is essential to understand the cause of this process and its chemical background.
Rusting is an oxidized layer or coating due to a reaction between oxygen and moisture. Oxygen is a very active element that chemically loves reacting with other parts. When steam hits the surface of the steel, oxygen in this moisture reacts with the steel, resulting in rust. This explains that rusting is a natural process.
The primary and most basic way to stop this process is to prevent direct contact between steel and water. This can be done by coating the metallic surface with either galvanizing, painting, or powder coating. This will prevent oxygen from directly making bonds with the metal surface and engaging it with the outer layer.
But wait, we are discussing stainless steel sinks here. This might make you wonder how a stainless steel sink can rust when it is meant to be stain-proof.
What is the science behind the process of Rusting? 
To get a clear answer to this, here is a brief introduction to
What is stainless steel?
Steel is a metal alloy, with iron being its primary component, and other elements like carbon, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, and oxygen complete the rest of its composition.
Regular steel is much more prone to corrosion and other effects that can affect metal quality. So, to avoid this, metallurgists experimented and created this better and more innovative version of steel that we today know as stainless steel.
Difference between stainless steel sinks and ordinary steel sinks:
Chromium is the only component that differentiates stainless steel from standard average steel. Therefore, about 18 chromium is added to the metal alloy. In addition, small amounts of nickel and manganese are added in some examples to increase this metal alloy's strength and durability.
How Does Chromium Work?
Chromium reacts with oxygen and forms chromium oxide. Chromium oxide forms a layer on the steel surface and prevents direct contact with iron and water, thus avoiding forming ferric oxide, i.e., rust. Another magical thing about the chromium oxide layer is that it automatically heals itself, so even if you have damaged it somehow, you need not fret.
What are the types of rust on a stainless steel sink?
Another essential thing to understand about rust from stainless steel sinks is the location of the rust stain. This is of prime importance because the site can hint at the reason for the rust.
Let us look deeper and understand what causes these two types of rusting of stainless steel sinks.
Stainless steel rust inside:
Rust occurring in the innermost points of your stainless steel sink, such as joints, gaps, etc., is all because of the harsh chemicals you might use to clean your stainless steel sink's surface.
People must avoid using the same cleaner for the countertops and sinks. These cleaners generally have bleach as their main component, which can be very abrasive on your stainless steel surface.
We always advise you not to use bleach-containing cleaning products even near the stainless steel sink, as these products come in direct contact with the stainless steel. They can initiate rusting. Instead, you can use the below-mentioned Diy's to save your stainless steel sinks.
Rust on the underside:
If you see rust on the underside of your stainless steel sink basin, it is high time to check what is stored in the cabinet under your sink. People commonly use this cabinet to store many household chemicals, chemical containers, or cleaners such as bleach, acids, salt, lye, toilet-bowl cleaner, drain cleaner, or complex water stain removal products. Not just this. Still, even worse, we sometimes store open containers in these cabinets.
Chemical fumes from these containers can destroy the protective layer on the surface of your sink. Therefore, to avoid these rust stains, you need to be mindful of what you store in this cabinet.
How can rust harm stainless steel sinks?
Rust can sometimes prove to be deadly for your stainless steel sink. This rust appears stingy to the eyes and destroys the visual aesthetic of your stainless steel sink, but it can also gradually weaken and eat the surface of your sink.
Sometimes, when only surface rust, it can easily be washed off by some simple DIYs. However, if you leave your sink unattended for months and use no rust treatment, be ready to see a withered and weak, ugly-looking sink in no time.
Regular maintenance is undoubtedly crucial for your sink.
How can I prevent stainless steel sinks from rust stains?
Here are a few tips to prevent your stainless steel sinks from rusting.
Rust appears only when a surface is left exposed to moisture. Make sure you dry your sink with a clean cloth every time you use it.
Do not leave wet objects, cast iron cookware, and other items in your sink, including food cans left from your dinner or lunch for hours. Cast iron pans and cast iron pots are the biggest enemies of your stainless steel sink.
Do not use steel wool, wire brushes, abrasive sponge pads, or dish scrubbing scrub sponge. Instead, use a soft bristle brush, wet paper towel, nylon scrub pad, non-scratch cleaning pads, and soft cloth to remove rust and clean a rusty sink. Abrasive pads have enough abrasive power to damage your stainless sink surface compared to soft-bristled brushes and fingernail brushes.
If you have slight OCD and cannot resist harsh chemicals in your kitchen, we suggest using rubber dish mats. Rubber's waterproof and chemical-resistant nature will save your stainless sink from rust. So leave rubber dish mats in your sink and use whatever you like to clean your kitchen counters.
Methods to remove rust stains?
Now, the question remains: How can rust from stainless steel be cleaned?
The simple answer to this query is to use traditional DIY methods instead of modern cleaning methods to remove rust from stainless steel.
What is the benefit of using DIY methods to remove rust stains?
Rust spots caused by chemicals, moisture, and other wet objects can quickly be cleared away without rinsing away the metallic particulate of the stainless steel fixtures. These can help determine whether the affected area covers a large chunk or just a tiny spot of the stainless steel sink.
Here is a list of ways to remove rust spots without using abrasive methods.
Baking soda Paste:
The use of baking soda paste is not very uncommon in our households. With its ultra-cleaning abilities and a very mild abrasive nature, you can be sure and comfortable that your sink is in safe hands.
All you need to do is take a tablespoon of baking soda and mix it with two cups of water. Mix it well and apply the paste to the target area. Leave it for some time, then wash it away and clean it with a paper towel. This beneficial baking soda paste is affordable, stainless steel friendly, and easy to use.
You can also remove rust by sprinkling baking soda liberally on the target surface. Could you leave it to rest and then wipe it off?
Baking soda can do miracles when it comes to treating rust spots.
PS：follow the sink surface line to clean.
Oxalic acid:
Good old oxalic acid can rescue you if you ever left cast iron cookware in a wet sink and woke up to rust conquering your crockery while running rampant on your once beautiful stainless steel sink.
All you need to do is use a cleaner with oxalic acid. This can be the good old barkeeper's friend or potato peels. Yes! You got us right. If you want a smoother and more organic alternative to barkeepers, friend, here you are. Use the lovely potato peels.
Potato peels are a brilliant oxalic acid source. Rub a peel on the sink's surface until the rust spot disappears. Once gone, rinse off with warm water.
Vinegar method:
Worry not if you have used all the methods mentioned above and the stain persists. We've got you covered. Take a soft cloth, dip it in lukewarm water, pour some white vinegar, and gently scrub the surface where the spot appears.
This is yet another effective and valid way to clean rust from stainless steel. This method is a little concentrated yet milder than barkeepers and friends. You can add a drop or two of lemon juice to the cloth for better results. This can be effective when removing thick fluid like elbow grease and lighter fluid like oil stains from the sink surface.
Cream of Tartar:
Cream of tartar is yet another less abrasive, acidic, yet gentle rust remover. Just take a scoop of cream of tartar, rub it well on the target spot, and leave it to rest for 15-30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and dry the surface with a paper towel.
Final Thoughts:
Stainless steel is no less than a marvel when discussing materials used to manufacture sinks. This material can increase the glamour of the kitchen corner where your sink sits, but only if properly cared for.
The same beautiful sink can ruin your kitchen theme if it is supervised and handled carelessly. So, take some time and pay attention to these minute details and the needs your kitchen sink is screaming for.
Trust us when we say these efforts and care will all be worth it with the long-lasting glamourous sink you will get over time.
