Maintaining your sink is something that can be easily forgotten about, especially with a busy lifestyle. But understanding its needs is almost as important as brushing your teeth!
Gently washing your sink after every use with soap and water will prevent dirt buildup and harmful bacteria. Even with regular maintenance, eventually you’ll need to give your sink a deeper clean. The following are some of the best and safest ways to clean so you can avoid any damage and keep your sink looking beautiful.
Before pulling out your cleaning products you’ll need to know what type of sink you have. Is it light or dark? It’s important to note that dark sinks show signs of wear and tear more than light sinks. Also, dirt or scum will show up differently on different colours, so cleaning techniques may vary.
In this blog we’ll be covering the following sink types; Quartz, Fireclay, Ceramic, Stainless steel, and Copper.
Some materials you may need are: a soft sponge, magic eraser, microfiber cloth, baking soda, dish soap, and white vinegar
Quartz
Quartz sinks are an elegant and beautiful sink option that people love for many reasons. Quartzite or pure quartz is one of the most expensive sink materials. This is a reflection of the quality and durability of the material. Quartz is one of the hardest materials used in sinks, making it extremely durable. Its high-density and nonporous nature also makes this sink very resistant to dirt and scum buildup.
The main downside to quartz is that it has a low heat resistance. Avoid pouring boiling water down your sink. Be sure to rinse with cold water after straining pasta or anything hot.
To clean areas with tough-to-remove marks, you can create a white vinegar and water solution. Using one part water and one part vinegar gently rub the problem areas. For a stubborn stain try a magic eraser and vinegar solution. Don’t use any harsh cleaners and avoid anything with ammonia since it can cause damage to the quartz.
Fireclay
Fireclay sinks are unique, not only for their stylish farmhouse look but because of their extremely high heat resistance. Able to withstand temperatures of up to 2200℉, you won’t need to worry about heat affecting your sink. Because fireclay is a strong material made with a special glass finish you won’t need to worry about chipping either. One of the only downsides to these sinks is their weight, so if you decide to go with Fireclay be sure your installer knows to reinforce your cabinet to support it.
Naturally stain resistant, Fireclay sinks are quite easy to clean. Usually only soap and water are required. However, be sure to keep your sink dry after use to avoid spotting caused by water or grease sitting in the sink. If spotting does occur you try using a gentle bathroom cleaner or a magic eraser.
Ceramic / Porcelain Sinks
Ceramic and porcelain sinks are one of the most common sink options because of their diversity and affordability. These simple sinks often give your kitchens a high-end look without the price tag that other similar sink materials may have. The density and nonporous nature of these sinks also make them very desirable since they’re fairly easy to maintain.
With regular cleaning, you shouldn’t have any issues with stains. It’s important to note that these sinks are more prone to chipping so avoid tossing heavy cookware into the sink. And be cautious when installing. Though the material of these sinks are very durable, the protective coating isn’t. If you find yourself needing to get a deeper clean to remove stains from white ceramic or porcelain sinks; fill the sink with one part white vinegar and three parts hot water, leave for 30 to 60 minutes and rinse. This should loosen the stains enough to remove them. Avoid anything with bleach since this can ruin the protective coating.
Stainless Steel Sinks
Stainless steel sinks are one of the most durable sink materials. They add a stylish touch to a minimalist kitchen and they’re also very practical. They’re best known for being heat, germ, and rust-resistant making them very low maintenance and perfect for a busy household.
With proper care these sinks usually don’t stain. But gauge is important. If your steel is thinner it may develop hair size marks. These can often be removed with dish soap and a soft sponge.
If you’re looking for a deeper clean then try a paste of baking soda and water. This more abrasive solution will help remove stuck on food or grease. Avoid using anything that has chlorine, vinegar, bleach, or salt when cleaning since prolonged exposure can cause damage to your sink.
Copper
Copper sinks are beautiful and will never go out of style. They gained their popularity in the 19th century and are still widely used today. It’s elegance and many advantages make it a staple in many modern, industrial and vintage kitchens. These sinks are heat resistant, unbothered by rust, don’t easily dent, and antimicrobial. The one potential downside to copper is that it’s prone to developing a green-blue patina on the surface due to oxidation. Patina is an inevitable sign of age in copper, and some people love it, but this process can be slowed or even reversed by a few simple routines;
- Keep your sink dry as possible by wiping down after use. That’s the best way to avoid oxidation.
- You can also apply wax for extra protection.
- It’s also best to use a copper cleaner every six weeks or so, to keep it shiny and new.
Conclusion
Understanding your sink and its needs are important to keep your sink looking new. Prolonged neglect can cause any sink to show signs of aging but frequent cleaning is the best way to keep your sink looking new for as long as possible.