Farm Sink Care Guide
Fireclay Sinks
Clean your fireclay sink with mild soap and warm water or a gentle general purpose cleaner. Wipe the entire surface dry with a clean, soft cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, solvents or metallic wire sponges. To avoid potential stains or damage to the finish avoid soaking dishes for abnormally long periods of time and refrain from leaving coffee grounds or tea bags in the sink. The use of a protective grid in the bottom of the sink is recommended to avoid scuffing from heavy-duty cookware. If scuffing does occur, it can be easily buffed out with Gel Gloss and a clean, soft, dry cloth.
Copper Sinks
The best way to care for a farmhouse sink is also the simplest. Use a mild soap and soft cloth when needed. As a best practice, wipe the sink dry after each use, especially in hard water areas.
To help keep the copper product looking its best, apply a thin coat of wax occasionally. The wax will help to maintain the luster of the copper and will promote better water runoff. A simple spray on/wipe off application is recommended once a month. The Copper Sink Care Wax will help protect the copper surface, will not create a wax buildup, and will dry clear to bring out the true copper color.
Should a slightly discolored spot or scratch appear, do not be discouraged and do not take action. Avoid waxing the sink for a few weeks. Copper has an endless ability to regenerate the patina surface naturally. With regular use the copper will regain the patina finish and will once again match the surrounding area.
To prevent discoloration or damage to the finish, avoid acidic substances left in contact with the copper surface. For example, when cutting acidic fruits such as tomatoes, pineapples or other citruses, let the water run so the fruit juices do not linger on the copper. Thoroughly rinse the sink after working with acidic substances. Do not use chemical cleaners or abrasive substances that might remove the patina, and be sure to rinse the sink well should one of these come into contact with the copper. Do not use vinegar to clean the sink, as it is naturally acidic.
Stainless Steel Sinks
Rinse your farm sink often. Just because your sink sees a lot of soap during its use does not mean it is clean. In fact, the chloride that is in most household soaps can actually hurt the surface of your sink over time. A simple way to prevent this is to give your sink a quick rinse after each use.
Scrub your apron sink often as well. Food stains, water spots, and soap deposits can build up quick unless you stay proactive in regularly scrubbing your sink. Scrubbing your sink with a soft cloth and a non-abrasive chloride-free cleaner l can extend the life of your sink by getting rid of harmful chemicals and acids built-up on the surface of your sink.When scrubbing your sink, make sure not to use steel wool, a wire brush, or any type of abrasive sponge. Also, be sure to apply cleaner and wipe it in the direction of the polish marks of the sink. Do this about once a week if you use your kitchen sink on a daily basis.
If your want to give your sink a little extra shine use a stainless steel polish.You can also use some home remedies like club soda or baby oil to achieve some extra shine. If using club soda, place the stopper in your sink drain and then rub the sink down with a soft cloth soaked in club soda. Be sure to dry the sink afterward with a dry cloth to prevent water spots.If you are using baby oil, place a few drops on the surface of the sink and wipe off with a soft towel or paper towel.
Here are a few things NOT to do in order to extend the life of your Stainless Steel Apron Front Sink:
- Do not let acidic foods/liquids like fruit, salad dressing, or vinegar sit on the surface of your sink for an extended period of time. Long-term contact with acidity will cause harm to the surface of he sink.
- Don’t allow soap or cleaners to dry on the sink. Be sure to rinse regularly to get rid of any harmful chemicals in the soap.
- Don’t use anything abrasive to wipe the sink such as wool pads, wire brushes, or any other type of abrasive sponge or pad.
- Do not use your sink as a cutting board. Sharp objects like knives can damage the sink.
- Don’t leave steel or iron pots/cookware in the sink for a long period of time as it could lead to staining and rusting of your sink.
- Be sure to put any wet sponges or cleaning mats somewhere other than the surface of your sink. These items may also lead to the rusting and staining of your sink’s surface.
Bamboo Sinks
Mild soap and water is the best way to clean a bamboo sink. A mixture of one ounce of white vinegar to one quart of water is another suggested method of daily cleaning. After each use be sure to wipe excess water from the basin with a clean, soft cloth. This will help eliminate the risk of water spots and residue buildup. Wash bamboo sinks with mild soap and a soft sponge or cloth if residue occurs.
Do not use ammonia-based cleaning products frequently as the chemicals will soften the finish. Nail polish remover, bleach, ammonia and other harsh chemicals will cause heavy damage to bamboo, so avoid using these products around the sink.
Bamboo sinks are made from stalks native to different farms. Like our other natural sink products, the bamboo used to construct our sinks may vary in color and no two sinks will look exactly alike.
Acrylic or Porcelain
Clean daily with non-abrasive cleaners and a soft sponge. Clean spills and splatters as they happen to ensure your porcelain isn’t compromised. Letting soap or toothpaste dry on the sink or hardware can stain the finish.
To sanitize, you can use a mild chlorine bleach cleaner with a gentle sponge. Rinse immediately and dry. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You can also let the sink soak in a bleach solution (about 1pt bleach/3pts water) for a half hour to an hour, drain, rinse well and dry.
For superficial scuff marks (gray lines in the surface; more commonly found in the kitchen), try a paste of baking soda and water with a gentle sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry. A polishing cleanser will remove stains without scratching. Be sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Porcelain is very strong, but dropping heavy objects on it can chip the surface of the sink. Even the smallest chip will leave the surface rough and susceptible to stains and germs. Be sure to keep the area clean and dry. For repairs consult your local plumber.
Shine
To bring life back to your porcelain sink, pour some vinegar straight from the bottle into the sink bowl. Use a nylon brush to give it a good scrub. This will leave your sink looking shiny and new. Remember to rinse well so the smell doesn’t linger.