Restoring Steel Sink After Using 409

By

mlange13

Thanks everyone!
Just wanted to let you know that the Bar Keeper's Friend worked wonders on my sink! I had to use a little more elbow grease than I anticipated, but was SO happy with the results! Now, if only there were something to get out those darn scratches...

By Michelle (Guest Post)

Is Barkeeper's Friend just for cleaning, or also to polish/restore? The mineral oil may be the better choice since I don't think the sink needs cleaning again. Wouldn't hurt to try them both I suppose..

By (Guest Post)

I ruined my stainless steel sink by putting Lime-Away around the faucets and it leaked down to the sink. It did take the finish off. Yours might be a different situation. I have heard that mineral oil will restore the luster on stainless although I have not tried it myself. You might give that a try.

By Michelle (Guest Post)

Thanks, I will give them both a try. I didn't think it was possible for the metal color to be removed, but that's what it seemed like. Then, once I decided to read the directions after the fact, it made me think maybe I really DID remove the color since 409 wasn't recommended on steel. Thanks again!

By Rita (Guest Post)

More than likely if the sink truly is stainless steel, it should be just that, stainless. With that, you are probably just seeing cleaner areas here and there giving the illusion of damage. I use "Bar Keepers Friend" on all my stainless steel - I swear by it. You can find it at Wal-Mart near "Comet" and other abrasive type cleaners. "Bar Keepers Friend" is a powder - Make a paste with water and use circular motions going over the entire sink. You'll actually see all the oxidation almost melt away. It even removes rust, like those rings left from cans. It's Amazing!

By Tiffany Rohe (Guest Post)

Try pouring a 1/4 cup or so of salt into the sink then rubbing with a cut lemon. I have used this on my stainless steel sink for years. I has always brought the shine back in a few minutes.