Harpic is a strong cleanser that can remove various stains from different surfaces. Yet, this product is not suited for some materials, such as stainless steel. The fact that a stainless steel sink is an alloy renders it vulnerable to acid.
The thing is, since Harpic contains 10% hydrochloric acid, exposing your stainless steel sink to this product can cause some serious problems. Also, like any other acid substance, the longer Harpic lingers on the sink, the more difficult its stains will be to remove. Now we will discuss how to remove harpic stains from stainless steel sink.
Fortunately, Harpic isn’t as caustic as some other acids. In other words, if you act quickly, you can get rid of the stains caused by this product quite easily. And to help you get the best results with the least amount of work, we’ve put together a list of some great cleaning tips.
Table of Contents
How to Remove Harpic Stains from Stainless Steel Sink
Baking Soda
Due to the alkaline nature of baking soda, it’s the first ingredient we recommend using to remove the Harpic stain. This product is non-toxic and suitable for use on stainless steel sinks.
First, if the Harpic stain is still fresh, baking soda alone can do the trick. Simply sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda all around the soiled area. Allow the product to absorb Harpic for a few moments before wiping it away.
If, on the other hand, the Harpic stain has had time to sit on your stainless steel sink, you’ll need to take a different approach. Instead of sprinkling baking soda into the affected area, we recommend mixing it with water to make a thick paste.
After that, apply the paste to the affected spot and leave it to act for around 20 minutes. Rinse your whole sink, and voilà, you’re done.
Remark: To avoid scratching your sink, we recommend using a soft cloth while applying the paste to the Harpic stain.
Powdered Stainless Steel Cleanser
If the baking soda method didn’t work, you could try the powdered stainless steel cleaner instead. It’s indeed more abrasive than baking soda yet exceptionally effective at getting the job done.
First, wash your sink with warm soapy water and rinse it well. Then sprinkle a generous amount of the stainless steel powder of your choice and rub it using a wet sponge. After that, rinse your sink, and that’s it. Your sink should be sparkling once again.
Bar Keepers Friend
Another effective solution for removing a Harpic stain from your stainless steel sink is with Bar Keepers Friend.
However, since there are multiple versions of Bar Keepers Friend, make sure you have the correct one for your stainless steel sink, Bar Keepers Friend Stainless Steel Cleaner, which can be found on Amazon.
Once you have the right product on hand, all you have to do is wet the affected surface, spray a good amount of this product over the soiled area, and rub it with a soft cloth.
After that, rinse your sink, and you’re done. If the stain is old, you might need to repeat this operation a few more times.
Sidenote: We stress having the appropriate BKR because some versions include a mineral abrasive that can ruin your sink’s surface.
Things You Should Never Use to Clean Your Stainless Steel Sink
Tap Water
Because hard water affects 85% of American houses, the likelihood of having hard water from your tap is high if you live in the USA.
The issue is that hard water has a high concentration of dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium, which can harm your stainless steel sink.
As a result, rather than using tap water to clean your stainless steel sink, we recommend distilling it first.
Magic Eraser
Despite its outstanding cleaning properties, Magic Eraser shouldn’t be used on a stainless steel sink.
Bleach
Even though bleach is a fantastic cleaner, especially at getting rid of yellow stains from different surfaces, you should never use it to clean your stainless steel sink. This chemical is corrosive and can damage your whole sink.
Frequently Asked Question
How do You Remove Chemical Stains From a Stainless Steel Sink?
We recommend the baking soda method for anyone who wishes to remove any chemical from a stainless steel sink.
This ingredient is safe, economical, and available in almost every house, making it the fastest and most effective option to choose.
Still, the key to getting the best result with baking soda is to act right after the accident.
Conclusion
Before we conclude, we’d like to point out that, no matter how unsightly the stain seems to be, you can quickly get rid of it as long as you act quickly.
Also, it’s crucial to have the right equipment such as rubber gloves to protect yourself. For instance, baking soda can irritate the skin. So, you definitely don’t want to hurt yourself while getting rid of the Harpic stain off your stainless steel sink.
We hope the information provided in this article was helpful to you. Don’t forget to share with us your thoughts and experience about the approaches mentioned above, as well as the results you obtained.
If you managed to discover a new effective hack against Harpic stains, feel free to share it in the comment section below.
How do you remove Harpic from a steel sink?
To remove Harpic from a steel sink, rinse the sink with water to dilute the Harpic, gently scrub the sink with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth and mild dish soap, rinse again with water, and dry the sink thoroughly.
Can you use Harpic on stainless steel?
It is generally not recommended to use Harpic or other toilet bowl cleaners on stainless steel surfaces. Harpic contains strong chemicals that can be abrasive and potentially damage the stainless steel finish. It’s best to use cleaning products specifically formulated for stainless steel or mild dish soap and water for cleaning stainless steel surfaces.
How do you get chemical stains out of a stainless steel sink?
To remove chemical stains from a stainless steel sink, create a baking soda paste and scrub the stain gently, or use a vinegar solution to remove the stain. If needed, try a stainless steel cleaner. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or tools that may scratch the surface. Test any cleaning method on a small area first.
Can I clean kitchen sink with Harpic?
No, it is not recommended to clean a kitchen sink with Harpic. Harpic is a toilet bowl cleaner that contains strong chemicals and is specifically formulated for toilet cleaning purposes. It may be too abrasive for other surfaces, such as kitchen sinks, and can potentially damage them. It is best to use cleaning products specifically designed for kitchen sinks or mild dish soap and water for regular cleaning.
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