Amazing discovery (if I do say so myself) want a shiny kitchen sink?!

[Nooneelseisallowedafergus]

I have always been a fan of barkeepers friend for my stainless steel kitchen sink, but haven't found any recently.
So, sink was looking decidedly unloved, and in desperation, a moment of pure genius came to me!
I poured some ariel actilift washing powder all over the sink, gave it a rub with some water (just like you do with barkeepers friend) and am now the proud owner of the shiniest, cleanest sink in Essex.
Ps I don't work for ariel or anything, cause I did mention it in my last post on good housekeeping. Pps I don't make a habit out of cleaning my sink on a sunny sat afternoon but my two children were having a snack at the table and I was bored.

[MamaTo3Boys]

Might try that one. Mines covered in paint from recently decorating can't seem to shift it!

[Wingedharpy]

Lakeland sell Barkeepers Friend.

[PuffandStuff]

Get an E-Cloth and stop using all those nasty chemicals.

[mawbroon]

Cleaned mine the other day with ceramic hob cleaner. I have seen hob cleaning products that also mention stainless steel, but this particular one didn't.

It seems to make it almost a bit water repellent which helps to keep it shiny and nice.

[Monty27]

That's weird. I have a stainless steel sink out in the futility room (it really isn't a posh one), I handwashed a linen scarf today. With the left over water I shined the sink with it. It's gleaming. as are my nicotained fingers

[Solo]

Anyone know how to whiten a white (not so muchy now!) sink? it is a bit textured iyswim? and used to clean up with cream cleaner or soaking in bleach. Nothing works now and it's decidedly brown/yellow and horrible!

[spamm]

Solo - we use dishwasher powder and a full boiled kettle. Put in plug, sprinkle a good dose of powder and pour in a freshly boiled kettle. It should clean it up beautifully.

[MNiscold]

Solo -
When the sink is dry, make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide (both very cheap ) and rub it in, let it sit for maybe 5 minutes, rub a bit more and then wash off. I've used this even on grout stains with really good results.

[Choccybaby]

Solo
If the cheaper options don't work try brewers sterilising powder. My DH has got into home brewing and after he's finished cleaning the bottles with it the sink has never looked so clean!

[BarbaraWoodlouse]

Ha ha, I opened this thinking "it will be Barkeeper's Friend". So I was close

John Lewis sell it too by the way. For anyone who doesn't work for get on with the Ariel tip

[GemmaTeller]

Chop a lemon into four pieces, put in sink and run boiling water over them.

You get a really fresh smelling sink and kitchen!

[Solo]

thanks all! I will try those tips out!

[ohN0Whatnext]

Is Bar Keepers' Friend different from Cif cream? I always use Cif cream for cleaning my stainless steel sink and it turns out great.

[Solo]

BKF is different. Try it and you'll see!

[InMySpareTime]

I use washing up liquid, water and dry with newspaper.

[ohN0Whatnext]

Solo - you can't just say that without giving me an example of why it's better Come on...

[Solo]

Haha! I can't. I used to buy it for my Mum on recommendation from my friend. Both loved it, nothing else worked (even Jif/Cif, Vim etc), but BKF was the dogs doodahs! That's all I can tell you about it being different ~ it works where others have not!

[OliviaMMumsnet]

what can you use BKF for then?

[Solo]

My friend used it on her (now replaced!) brass (coloured? solid brass? not sure!) sink that was in an awful state when she moved into her house and Mum used it on her stainless steel sink.

[ouryve]

It does work well - so does bicarb. It dissolves all the tannin stains. Even removes the limescale/soap roughness from my bathroom sink.

[ouryve]

It's probably not recommended for the dog's doodahs, Olivia :o

[WowOoo]

Ok, that's going on my list of important things I must do one day.

I spilt a load of washing powder the other day. I should have shoved it in the sink.

[PigletJohn]

BKF is mostly ground pumice, so is a fine abrasive powder.

yes, it will grind stains off a white sink, if dishwasher powder, denture cleaners or washing powder won't lift them (most likely culprit is rust stains or black scuffs from aluminium pans)

as it is abrasive I think it will leave a mark on laminated worktops as it will grind off the polish. you can use it on brushed stainless (not mirror finish) as long as you rub only along the direction of the brushing, and never in circles. Circles always leave a mark as they will always catch the light, whichever angle it is shining.