Stainless steel, despite its name, can be prone to marks and scrapes. Leaving utensils to soak or wait for washing can cause stubborn food or even rust stains requiring more aggressive intervention. But some chemicals aren’t appropriate, as they risk damaging the appliance or people’s health.

Steel brushes

Steel or metal brushes with an abrasive surface will damage sinks.

These scratch the surface and leave an opening for rust to penetrate deeper.

They also tend to leave particles behind that attract rust.

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Never mix products

Kitchen cleaners need to avoid mixing products at all costs.

Combining them can result in reactions that produce harmful gases or other substances dangerous for people or the environment.

Mixing bleach with acids, for example, creates chlorine gas, a potentially deadly compound that can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms.