Question & answer
Can You Use Bleach on a Stainless Steel Sink?
Better not. KRAUS, Franke, Blanco and Bob Vila all warn against it, and KRAUS says to rinse right away if chlorine reaches the sink. Fireclay is different, so don't apply a fireclay tip to a steel sink. Use mild soap instead.
The short answer
Better not. KRAUS rules out cleaners containing bleach or chlorine on its stainless sinks, and Franke lists bleach as something to avoid. Blanco warns against hypochlorite bleach, and Bob Vila against leaving it in the sink. If bleach touches the steel, KRAUS says to rinse right away to prevent corrosion. For everyday cleaning, use mild soap.
On this page
When four separate sources say the same thing, you can stop looking.
What the sources say
| Source | What it says |
|---|---|
| KRAUS | No cleaners containing bleach, ammonia or chlorine. Rinse right away if chlorine gets on the sink |
| Franke | Avoid bleach, chlorine and chlorides |
| Blanco | No bleach containing hypochlorite |
| Bob Vila | Don't leave bleach and ammonia products in the sink |
Watch for these
Bleach isn't always labeled as bleach. KRAUS names chloride as well as chlorine, so check the ingredients of bathroom and mold cleaners that you may use nearby, and rinse if they splash.
Don't leave a bleach-soaked cloth in the bowl either. Franke warns against leaving pads on the surface for long, and anything wet and chemical is worse.
Why fireclay advice differs
You may read that it's fine to soak a sink with bleach. KRAUS describes that for fireclay: fill it with hot water, add a cup or two of bleach, let it cool, drain and rinse. That's for its fireclay sinks only. Its advice for steel is the opposite.
What to use instead
Mild soap and a soft cloth do the daily job. For stuck-on marks, try baking soda and water, and for shine Bar Keepers Friend. If you already have marks, see rust spots.
Asked before buying
What should I do if I spilled bleach in the sink?
Rinse the surface right away with plenty of water, as KRAUS says. Then wash with mild soap, rinse again and dry with a soft cloth. If marks remain, read our rust page, and don't scrub with anything rough to get rid of them.
How can I disinfect a stainless steel sink?
The sink makers we read give cleaning advice and not disinfecting advice. They stay with soap and water. If you need to disinfect for a health reason, ask the sink maker what's safe for your finish, and follow the product label for contact time and rinsing.
Where this comes from
Read next
How toHow to clean itHow to clean a stainless steel sink: mild soap, a soft cloth and a dry wipe. Plus what KRAUS, Franke and Blanco warn against, and how to treat limescale.- TroubleshootingRust spotsRust on a stainless steel sink usually starts with something else: damp cast iron, iron particles or chlorine. What makers say causes it, and how to clean it.
- Question & answerCan You Clean a Stainless Steel Sink with Baking Soda?Yes, Bob Vila recommends a baking soda and water blend for stainless steel sinks. How to use it gently, along the grain, and how it differs from abrasive powders.
- Question & answerCan You Use Bar Keepers Friend on a Stainless Steel Sink?Yes, KRAUS itself names Bar Keepers Friend for minor scratches on its stainless sinks. How to use it along the grain, what the maker says, and what to check first.
Who writes this
stainlesssteelkitchensink.com Editorial Team
Kitchen sinks & fit
We are the editorial team at stainlesssteelkitchensink.com. We read makers' spec sheets, install manuals and care guides and turn them into plain-English buying advice, with sources on every page. We do not run lab tests, and we say so openly.
- Spec sheets & standards read
- Sources on every page
- No lab tests – stated openly
- Publisher details in the imprint