Start with an empty sink: Clear out all the dishes, pots, and pans. Wash them or load them into the dishwasher, and run it if necessary.

Clean out the garbage disposal: If your sink has a disposal, remove any visible gunk or debris. Toss in a handful of ice cubes, a splash of vinegar, and a sprinkle of baking soda (you can add lemon juice too—optional). Run the disposal to clear out odors and buildup. Once that’s done and completely turned off, use a small brush to clean around the disposal and inside it.

Scrub the sink with dish soap: Coat the entire sink in dish soap (Stein recommends Dawn), and use a non-scratch sponge to scrub it thoroughly. Focus on removing food particles, grease, and any stuck-on debris.

Rinse: Rinse the sink thoroughly with warm water.

Apply stainless steel cleaner: Then spray or sprinkle a stainless steel cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend generously over the sink. Use a non-scratch sponge or soft brush to scrub the sink, faucet, handles, and any metal fixtures.

Let it sit: Leave the stainless steel cleaner on for about 10 minutes to tackle stains or buildup.

Rinse and dry: Rinse everything thoroughly to remove the cleaner, and then dry the sink and fixtures completely with a microfiber cloth or paper towel.

Polish the sink and fixtures: Take a small amount of stainless steel polish (again, Bar Keepers Friend is a go-to), and use a paper towel or cloth to buff it into the sink and fixtures.