caring for sinks
Your sinks should not only perform well, they should look good. This page explains how to care for your composite, stainless, porcelain and fireclay sinks.
Composite sinks are low-maintenance and durable, made from natural stone, resins, and pigments. Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining composite sinks:
- Rinse after each use with clean water, then wipe with a lint-free cloth.
- Regular light cleaning is preferable to infrequent, heavy cleaning.
- Scrub stains with a soft nylon brush and hot soapy water. You can also try a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar to remove limescale and hard water stains.
- Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the surface and harm the finish. Instead, use natural cleaning solutions, such as a paste made from baking soda and water.
- Protect against scratches when cleaning by using nylon scratch pad or toothbrush.
- Revitalize your sink with Karran Luster Pro Oil which enhances the original color of your sink and adds a protective hydrophobic coating that repels water and prevents food build-up.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes in your sink to avoid cracking the composite material.
- Do not let heavy or sharp objects to strike your sink's surface.
Stainless Steel sinks are a popular choice for both home kitchens and laundry rooms because they are durable, low-maintenance, and heat- and stain-resistant. They are formed by bending or molding steel until it is seamless. Here are some suggestions for caring for your stainless sinks:
- Rinse the sink after each use to remove food, bacteria and stains.
- Clean at least once a week with a non-abrasive cloth or sponge and baking soda. Work with the grain, not across it.
- Disinfect with equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Restore the sink's shine by dipping a clean, soft cloth in olive oil and rubing the sink with the grain.
- Protect against scratches with bottom grids/grates/racks and rinse baskets.
- An approved metal polish applied with a soft cloth or sponge can dissolve rust stains and other grimy residue.
- Regular light cleaning is preferable to infrequent, heavy cleaning.
Porcelain sinks have a steel or cast iron core that has a porcelain coating. Porcelain sinks can last many years with proper care as explained below:
- Rinse the sink after each use. This is preferable to infrequent cleaning.
- Clean with warm water, liquid soap, and a sponge. This will remove any food, soap, or toothpaste build-up, and can help you identify stains or scuff marks that need a deeper clean. Wash away all soapy residue, and dry with a soft towel. A final rinse with water can help your porcelain sink shine.
- For stains, spray on hydrogen peroxide and leave it for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Rinse with clean water. Hydrogen peroxide has the cleaning power of bleach without stripping off color.
- You can also apply baking soda using a damp cloth or sponge to stubborn stains. Lightly scrub with a circular motion and then rinse with a clean sponge or cloth. Baking soda is slightly abrasive so it may help remove stains without scratching the porcelain.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners, scouring powders and harsh scrubbers that can dull or remove the finish.
Fireclay sinks are low maintenance and don't require special cleaners. You can clean them daily with a soft cloth or sponge and a mixture of gentle dish soap and water. Rinse with lukewarm water after cleaning.
- Rinse the sink after each use. This is preferable to infrequent cleaning.
- Clean with warm water, liquid soap, and a sponge. This will remove any food, soap, or toothpaste build-up, and can help you identify stains or scuff marks that need a deeper clean. Wash away all soapy residue, and dry with a soft towel. A final rinse with water can help your porcelain sink shine.
- For stains, spray on hydrogen peroxide and leave it for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Rinse with clean water. Hydrogen peroxide has the cleaning power of bleach without stripping off color.
- You can also apply baking soda using a damp cloth or sponge to stubborn stains. Lightly scrub with a circular motion and then rinse with a clean sponge or cloth. Baking soda is slightly abrasive so it may help remove stains without scratching the porcelain.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners, scouring powders and harsh scrubbers that can dull or remove the finish.
If you have any questions about the care and cleaning of your sinks and countertops, or if you feel professional care is required, please contact us.
