Vinegar is a common household product that many people use to clean stainless steel sinks. However, vinegar can also react with metal and form a thin layer of rust on the surface. This layer of rust can prevent other materials from sticking to the surface, but it may also damage the stainless steel over time.

Therefore, vinegar is safe for stainless steel sinks if you use it properly and sparingly. Here are some tips to clean your stainless steel sink with vinegar without harming it:

Use a 1:1 solution of distilled white vinegar and water, or a specially-formulated cleaning vinegar.
Spray the solution on your sink and let it sit for 10 seconds or longer for tough stains.
Wipe off the vinegar with a soft microfiber cloth or a lint-free cloth. Make sure to wipe with the grain of the stainless steel to prevent streaking.
Rinse the sink with clean water and dry it with a clean cloth.
Do not leave vinegar on your sink for too long, as it may corrode the stainless steel over time.
Do not use vinegar on any stainless steel appliances that have special cleaning instructions.
You can also polish your stainless steel sink with natural oils, such as baby oil or coconut oil, after cleaning it with vinegar. This can add an extra shine and protect your sink from fingerprints and water spots.