Stainless Steel Sink Care and Cleaning Instructions

While stainless steel is very durable it is not completely maintenance free. Stainless Steel is a metal alloy created from a combination of metal including nickel and chromium. Because there is a sufficient amount of chromium it creates a protective film of chromium oxide over the surface when exposed to the air. If the sinks surface is left wet or coated with food and/or other contaminates, the metals in the sink cannot form this protective layer and become susceptible to stains and discoloration. If properly maintained your sink will last a lifetime and continue to add charm and beauty to any décor.

General Care & Cleaning Instructions:

Rinse Well After Each Use
Never let food, cleaners or any other residue dry in the sink. Not only spray, but rub the sink with a clean cloth or paper towel as the clean water is flowing. Simply spraying the sink with water will not remove all residue or harmful deposits.

Clean Weekly with an Approved Cleaner
Wash weekly with mild detergent or an ultra mild abrasive cleaner, such as Soft Scrub® or Bar Keepers Friend®, to prevent build up of mineral deposits from the water. These cleaners are available at most grocery or hardware stores. Follow the manufactures instructions for any store bought product. Always scrub in the same direction as (parallel to) the grain/finish marks that are already present in your sink.

Dry the Sink after Cleaning and/or Rinsing
No matter how clean your rinse water is, there will inevitably be dissolved minerals and salts in your rinse water. When the water evaporates, these minerals/salts are left behind causing unsightly water spots which will dull the appearance of the sink. Drying your sink after rinsing will prevent these water spots.

Touch-ups and Spots

1. ) Undiluted white vinegar will remove oily fingerprints or hard water deposits. Simply pour on a soft cloth or paper towel. Rub over the spots and surrounding area. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
2. ) Our sinks are manufactured with a Chromium/Nickel content of 18/10. This chemical composition makes the sink “stainless” and prevents it from rusting. “Rust marks” or rings in the sink are usually caused by one of the following: steel wool pads; pots, pans or silverware left in the sink; or iron deposits found within the water. These rust stains are not a part of the stainless steel itself. They are simply deposits on the surface of the sink. Scrubbing with one of the mild abrasive cleaners listed above will almost always remove these deposits. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
3. ) Multicolored stains or residue on the bottom of the sink can usually be traced to minerals in your water, salts from water softeners or even certain oil based cleaners. In most cases, these stains can be removed by using Bar Keepers Friend®. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
4. ) Olive Oil can remove streaks and give it that “new sink” shine. First, dry your sink. Then, start with a few drops on a paper towel and rub in well over the streaked areas or the entire surface of the sink. You can also make a paste of baking soda and water. Rub the paste with the grain of the finish until the marks are gone. Rinse thoroughly and dry.

Corrosion
Corrosion is a rare but very real threat to your sink. Construction chemicals, solvents and household cleaners contain chlorides and acids which can damage stainless steel. Chlorine Bleach and products/cleaners which contain it, can stain or corrode a stainless steel sink. Plumbing PVC solvents or certain grout cleaners which contain Muriatic acid can also cause problems. If any of these dangerous chemicals get on the sink, rinse it immediately with plenty of clean water and dry.

Scratches
While the stainless steel that we use for our sinks is very durable, no stainless steel is completely scratch-proof! We offer stainless steel grids to help protect the sink from scratches. Never use a rubber mat in your stainless steel sink. Water and other residue become trapped between the rubber and the sink, causing more damage than good.

Fine scratches can be removed using a mild abrasive cleaner such as Bar Keepers Friend®. Always scrub with the grain of the sink. For deeper scratches, you may try a product such as Scratch-B-Gone. Follow the manufactures instructions for any store bought product. Never use steel wool to clean a stainless steel sink. Always use a nylon or other synthetic cleaning pad to scour the sink.

Care and Cleaning Instructions for Porcelain Sinks

• Clean daily with non abrasive cleaner and a soft sponge. Clean spills and splatters as they happen, letting soap or toothpaste dry on the sink or hardware can stain the finish.
• To sanitize, you can use a mild chlorine bleach cleaner like Soft Scrub® 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 (the grey lines in the surface; this is more common in the kitchen) try a paste of baking soda and water with a gentle sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry. A product like Bon Ami® will remove stains without scratching; be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Porcelain is very strong but dropping heavy object 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.

Care and Cleaning Instructions for Granite Sinks

Granite is a beautiful and durable stone used to make both countertops and sinks. It is available in a wide variety of colors and can add the perfect touch of style to your kitchen or bathroom. Using simple techniques, you can keep your granite sink looking beautiful for years to come.

Care & Cleaning Recommendations:

• Damage - Do not store heavy or very sharp objects above your granite sink. If they fall, they can scratch or chip the sink. A chipped or cracked granite sink can be very difficult and costly to repair or replace.
• Basic Cleaning – To remove everyday stains, clean the surface with a soft cloth or sponge and a mild dish washing detergent. More stubborn stains can be removed by using a mild abrasive cleaner such as Ajax.
• Mineral Deposits – Mineral deposits can be removed by using a weak solution of vinegar and water. Rinse thoroughly.
• Tough Stains – If a tough stain has become ingrained in the bowl, mix a solution of 40 parts water to 1 part bleach and let this stand in the sink overnight. Then drain and rinse thoroughly. This process is only for extreme circumstances and should not be used regularly.
• Helpful Hint – Rinse and dry your sink after each use to avoid mineral deposit buildups.

Care and Cleaning Instructions for Glass Sinks

A glass vessel sink can be a wonderful addition to any bathroom. It is not difficult to care for a glass sink and, with the right precautions; it can last the lifetime of your home.

Care & Cleaning Recommendations:

• Damage - Do not store heavy or very sharp objects above your glass sink. If they fall, they can scratch or shatter the sink. A chipped or cracked glass sink can not be repaired.
• Water Temperature – Extremely hot water may cause the sink to crack or shatter. As a general rule, if the water is too hot to touch, then it is too hot to be in a glass sink.
• Hard Water – Wipe the sink dry after each use to avoid water spots, especially if you have hard water.
• Basic Cleaning - Clean your sink regularly to avoid mineral or bacteria buildup. Don’t forget to clean the outside of the sink as well! Spots or fingerprints can be cleaned by using a standard glass cleaner. If a glass cleaner is not available, a mixture of vinegar and water will also work. Use a non-abrasive cloth to wipe the sink clean and rinse well. Abrasive cleaners or scouring pads may scratch the glass.
• Helpful Hint – Wiping the sink dry with crumpled up newspaper will leave a streak free shine. This also works great for windows and mirrors.
• Frosted Glass – Glass is “frosted” by exposing it to hydrofluoric acid which pits the glass giving it the frosted look. Wearing latex gloves during cleaning will avoid leaving fingerprints while you clean. Spray the surface with an ammonia-based glass cleaner. Using paper towels, newspaper or an abrasive sponge, wipe the frosted glass sink in a circular motion. Don't be afraid to scrub since frosted glass is much tougher than "normal" glass because of the chemical process it underwent to achieve the frosted surface.

Wooden Cutting Board Care and Cleaning Instructions

While our cutting boards are made from rubber wood and are very durable, they are not completely maintenance free. If properly maintained, your cutting board will last a lifetime and continue to add convenience and beauty to any kitchen.

General Cleaning Instructions:

Clean the board promptly after each use.

Never immerse a wooden cutting board or other wooden kitchen utensils in water; instead wash the surface with a damp rag or sponge. Spray the cutting surface well with a weak bleach solution (one teaspoon of bleach to a quart of water) or wash with a mild dish detergent. Stand the board up to dry thoroughly.

Remove stains by generously sprinkling regular table salt over the surface of the board and rubbing it with a sliced lemon. Rinse well with hot water.

Baking soda works to remove odors, especially if you've been working with onions, garlic, or other strong scented foods.

General Care Instructions:

Oil the cutting board every month or two, or whenever it looks a little dry. You may need to oil every few weeks if you live in a very dry climate. Use food grade mineral oil, NOT an edible food oil such as vegetable oil or olive oil. Wipe down all surfaces well with the oil and let the board sit overnight. You can then use a damp cloth to remove excess oil.

Quick Tips:

DO - Clean cutting board after every use.
DO - Distribute your cutting over the entire work surface so that it will wear evenly.
DO - Re-oil the cutting board periodically or when it starts to look "dry".
DO - Use food grade mineral oil.
DO - Store in a dry place.

DON’T - Submerge in water or let moisture stand on the board for long periods of time.
DON’T - Use a steel brush on the cutting board.
DON’T - Use sandpaper to resurface a cutting board.
DON’T - Use edible food oil such as vegetable oil or olive oil.

Care and Cleaning Instructions for Copper Sinks

Copper is a metal that changes and evolves with time as it reacts with various elements. While a new copper sink will add beauty and style to any décor, you will find that they will often “age” and look even more beautiful as time goes on. Copper sinks also have an antibacterial quality which makes them more sanitary than stainless steel or porcelain.

Care & Cleaning Recommendations:

• Copper Cleaners - Believe it or not, you should AVOID using copper cleaners on your copper sink. Copper cleaners can be abrasive and scratch the surface of your sink.
• Basic Cleaning - The best way to clean a copper sink is with a mild soap and water. Dry with a soft cloth. Avoid any harsh chemicals or abrasive cleansers.
• Hard Water – If you have hard water in your area, you will want to keep your copper sink clean and dry to avoid spotting. To keep your copper sink free of hard water stains, you should clean it with a mild soap regularly and wipe it dry with a soft cloth after each use. You can also help to protect your copper sink from hard water mineral damage by applying a wax, such as “Renaissance Wax”, periodically. This will help to maintain the luster of your sink.
• Acidic Foods - DO NOT leave acidic foods such as oranges, lemons, vinegar, pineapple or tomato, sitting in a copper sink. These foods could cause a shiny spot or discoloration in the sink. If this does happen, simply clean the area with soap and water. Over time, the patina will recover and the spot will blend back in with the rest of the sink. To avoid this reaction, run water in the sink while working with acid based foods and clean the sink as soon as you are done.

Care and Cleaning Instructions for Bronze Sinks

Bronze is a metal alloy made up of different metals but comprised mostly of copper. Each of our bronze sinks comes with a beautifully aged patina that will make your sink easy to care for. Bronze patina is a rich, hand-rubbed bronze finish with both highlights and lowlights.

Care & Cleaning Recommendations:

• Basic Cleaning - To clean a sink with bronze patina finish, simply rinse with a mild soap and water and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Avoid using any harsh chemical cleaners or abrasives.
• Water Spots – Standing water will not only leave water spots, but can damage the finish of the sink if left for long periods of time. Always dry the sink with a soft cloth after cleaning and wipe up any standing water after use.
• Polishing - We do not recommend polishing a bronze patina sink. Using polish, abrasives, or vigorous scrubbing can strip the hand-rubbed finish.
• Waxing - Applying a thin coat of clear wax every 1 to 3 months can help protect the sink against water spots and retain its luster.