Cleaning and Stain Removal - Stains on Stainless Steel Sink (Muriatic Acid on Stainless Steel)

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MarieSomo
12-24-06, 10:23 AM
I inadvertently placed a cup which had a drop or two of muriatic acid on its bottom on my new sink. I now have a stain and was hoping someone has some suggestions for its removal. Thanks.

twelvepole
12-24-06, 11:18 AM
Muriatic acid should never be used indoors. Fumes are enough to permanently discolor stainless steel. Muriatic acid is a corrosive. Try rubbing affected area with baking soda/water paste to neutralize. Rinse and dry. Depending on extent of discoloration and corrosion, a quality metal polish may not be effective in lightening discoloration. If stainless sink has a brushed finish, rub in direction of grain when polishing.
Docduck
12-25-06, 08:02 PM
Agreed with twelevepole..I am amazed that the cup itself is still intact. I would tend to say the stain is permanent. Very fine steel wool may also help, but doubtful.

MarieSomo
01-04-07, 06:26 PM
Thank you all for your help. However, my husband tried to clean the sink with Copper-Glo and it worked. There is no telltale sign of the stain. I had used the acid in my swimming pool and thought I had rinsed the cup out thoroughly. There must have been a few drops on the bottom of the cup.
Thankfully, my problem was solved.
twelvepole
01-04-07, 10:38 PM
Good news! Copper Glo removes tarnish and discoloration on copper, brass, chrome, and stainless steel. You were lucky the metal was not damaged.
Ed Imeduc
01-04-07, 11:05 PM
A fine emery cloth will work very good on S/S. Just make sure and go one way only with it.