Sinks Care and Maintenance
Stainless Steel Sinks
* Clean regularly with a mild detergent solution and/or clean water applied with a soft cloth or sponge. Rub gently.
* Rinse and towel dry after every use (to prevent mineral deposits from building up on the surface of the sink.)
* Deep clean once a week with a recommended cleanser (be sure to rub in the direction of the finish lines) and a soft cloth or sponge rather than an occasional aggressive single cleaning. Cleaners should state “suitable for stainless steel”.
DO NOT use coarse abrasive powders, metallic scourers such as steel wool or brushes with metal bristles
DO NOT use the so termed “silver cleaners”
DO NOT leave wet sponges, clothes, cleaning pads, rubber mats or dishpans in the sink. This could lead to surface rust or possible pitting.
DO NOT leave standing solutions of chlorine bleach and water in the sink for extended periods of times. Always rinse the sink after using such solutions.
DO NOT allow liquid soap or other cleansers to dry on the surface of the sink.
Recommended Cleansers:
Use brands that state “suiteable for stainless steel”. Inox creme, Zud, Bar Keepers Friend, and Laurence Right Work are some of the most effective. Other effective although less aggressive include Comet, Shiny Sinks Plus, Soft Scrub, and Mr. Clean. For scratches, try a material called Scotchbrite (using very light hand pressure in the direction of the finish).
Please Note: Chlorides are found in most all soap, detergents, bleaches, and cleansers. Chlorides can be harsh on stainless steel, but because chlorides are very water-soluble they are usually not a problem. Thorough rinsing of your sink after each use to remove any chloride residue and weekly deep cleaning will keep your sink in excellent condition.
Troubleshooting
Scratches
As with most metallic surfaces, your stainless steel sink will get scratches. These are merely “usage scratches” and over time will blend in with the overall finish of your sink. However, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the appearance of scratches. Use a nylon pad (such as Scotchbrite) with an iron free abrasive polishing compound. Follow the direction of the original polish lines and you can blend out the scratch in a small area. Be careful not to overdo it. If you get too aggressive, you can’t go back. You will end up with a bright spot.
Water Quality
Regular routine cleaning can usually prevent lime scale deposits from hard water. Do not allow excessive build up before treating. Soaking in a 25% vinegar solution or a 5% nitric acid solution can treat these hard water spots. Periodically rub with a nylon bristled brush or fine synthetic pad. Then, rinse and towel dry.
Rust Marks
If you develop rust marks due to presence of or contact with ferrous (iron containing) materials, swab with a sponge wetted with a dilute (10-15%) solution of nitric acid (HNO3) and follow with routine cleaning. Avoid prolonged contact of ferrous (i.e. cast iron pans) materials with stainless steel. Dilute nitric acid in strengths of up to 20%, is a “friendly” acid to stainless steel. It is the ONLY acid that may be used with no risk to stainless steel.
Granite Sinks
General Cleaning:
Wash your sink using warm water, a non-abrasive liquid cleaner or detergent and a soft cloth or non-abrasive woven nylon pad. Your sink may be cleaned as often as it is used.
Heavy Stains:
Most stains incurred during normal use can be washed away with water and a mild cleaner such as Comet, Bon Ami, Bar Keepers Friend, Soft Scrub, and a green Scotch Brite pad. Some stains may require a diluted solution of bleach. Do not leave concentrated bleach soaking in your sink as it could cause discoloration. To prevent staining and discoloration, always rinse your sink after use with clean warm water.
Additional Recommendations
DO NOT use wire wool or steel soap pads as steel particles can become embedded in your sink and rust.
For hard water, calcium or lime deposits, wipe with white vinegar and a non-abrasive woven nylon pad. Rinse after 20 minutes.
China Sinks
Our vanity bowls are virtually maintenance free and require very little up keep. But day-to-day cleaning will insure an elegant look for a lifetime.
Day-t0-Day Cleaning:
Rinse thoroughly and use a soft cloth to wipe the product dry after each use. Wash with warm water, a soft cloth, and a mild detergent such as dish soap, Mr. Clean, or any general bathroom cleanser or multi-surface cleaner.
Stubborn Stains:
Soft abrasive cleaners may be used when necessary; the use of any powdered detergents such as Spic & Span, on a damp sponge or scouring pad of nylon would be suitable
NEVER use any harsh or strong abrasive scouring powders, cleansers, or pads as they tend to create microgrooves that dull the finish and allow dirt to work into the surface. Use of cleaning products containing calcium hypo chlorite (chlorine) or any other reactive chemical shall constitute improper maintenance
