Kitchen sinks made of copper or stainless steel require special cleaning to maintain their luster and shine. Don’t let a little mindlessness lead to you scratching or staining your beautiful new sink. Follow these do’s and don’ts for cleaning copper and stainless steel kitchen sinks.
Cleaning Tips For Copper Kitchen Sinks
Copper sinks are a favorite in custom kitchens, as they add a truly unique and interesting element to the room. Here are some general rules for keeping your copper sink as good as new.
Do!
- Practice routine cleaning by washing down the sink after use. A soft cloth or sponge and soap and water is all you need. Gently wipe down and then dry.
- Make it a habit of keeping the sink dry when not in use to avoid water spotting.
- Appreciate its change in color. With age, copper sinks will become richer and more beautiful. Copper is a living finish, which means its appearance will continue to evolve over its lifetime.
- Use a wax periodically for extra protection if you want to maintain the copper’s luster, and prevent hard water mineral damage. This is not required, but it will help slow down the aging process of your sink, and can be beneficial if your city’s water has a high mineral content.
Don’t!
- Use harsh chemicals to clean your copper sink. It’s not necessary! A little soap and water is really all you need. Likewise, do not attempt to clean your sink with any abrasive sponges or cloths. Again, a soft cloth or sponge is just perfect.
- Leave food, dishes or wet sponges in the sink. The acid in food and water can damage the surface and lighten the color of the copper.
Cleaning Tips For Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks
Another sink material that is popular in custom kitchens is stainless steel. It is possibly the most widespread material and for good reason. Stainless steel provides a quality, long lasting sink that also shimmers and shines. Here are some tips for maintaining that quality and sparkle.
Do!
- Like with copper sinks, daily maintenance can help you keep your stainless steel sink looking shiny and new. Wipe it down after use with mild soap and water and wipe dry.
- For a deeper clean, dust some baking soda over the entire surface (including the faucet). Using a sponge or soft brush, scrub the sink and rinse clean. Baking soda is a great non-abrasive option for cleaning stainless steel sinks without scratching them.
- Wash with vinegar to remove water spots and make your sink shine.
- Use a grid to protect the bottom of your sink.
Don’t!
- Leave dishes, food, or sponges in the sink. This can cause the surface to scratch, or water buildup. If you do experience water buildup, you can buff it out softly using a sponge.
- Be afraid of cleaning products. If you have some water stains that won’t budge or some stubborn calcium deposits, try a trusted stainless steel cleaner.
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