I recently started brewing coffee with a French press in my apartment, and I've noticed that coffee grounds keep leaving stubborn brown stains around the drain area of my stainless steel sink. I rinse the sink thoroughly after each use and wipe it down with a mild dish soap, but the stains still appear within a day. I’ve tried scrubbing with a soft sponge and even a baking soda paste, but the marks won’t go away completely. Since I have a small kitchen and limited space, I can't switch to a different sink or install a garbage disposal. Has anyone dealt with persistent coffee stains on stainless steel sinks? What cleaning methods or products actually remove these stains without damaging the finish? Also, are there any preventive steps I can take to stop the stains from forming so quickly?

@Alice, those coffee stains around the drain can be seriously stubborn! Since baking soda didn’t fully do the trick, you might want to try a diluted white vinegar soak. Pour some vinegar around the drain area, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge. Vinegar’s acidity helps break down tannins in coffee stains without harming stainless steel.

Also, after rinsing, drying the sink thoroughly with a microfiber cloth can prevent water spots and slow down stain buildup. I’ve found that coffee grounds left sitting damp tend to stick more, so wiping the area dry right after use really helps. If you want to get fancy, a quick spray of a mild stainless steel cleaner after drying can add a protective layer.

Hope this helps! It’s a bit of a routine, but once you get it down, your sink should stay looking fresh despite the daily coffee ritual.