Copper sinks do not only give an earthy and warm glow to your bath or kitchen, but also creates an antimicrobial effect that is not found in porcelain and stainless steel sinks. They are also just easy to clean, unlike copper-bottomed pans and pots. What’s more, the gentler you treat these sinks, the more beautiful they become over time. Here are some tips on cleaning copper sinks:
Wipe them after each use.
Unlike other materials that are used to create kitchen fixtures, copper is believed to have some anti-bacterial properties, which means that simply wiping them with a piece of cloth will be good enough to make sure that it is clean and to help prevent the discoloration of their surface. When wiping these sinks, avoid using solutions that are chemical-based, especially acid cleansers, as the protective coating on these sinks can easily get damaged by substances that have very high levels of acidity. Once this protective layer is worn out, these sinks will easily become corroded. This means that you have to go for cleaning solutions that are specially made for copper surfaces.
Do not use abrasives on these sinks.
Aside from avoiding the use of acids and chemical-based cleaning solutions, you should also stay away from using abrasive materials when cleaning copper sinks, as it can speed up the deterioration of their surfaces, creating unwanted spots or discolorations in a short period of time. These things will not only cause a rusty stench, but will also make your sink ugly to look at.
Do not let water to dry out in them.
Aside from wiping these sinks after every use, you should also make sure that there will be no water drying out on them at room temperature, as this will also cause unwanted spots and discoloration on their copper surface—an effect that is basically due to your water’s mineral deposits. If these sinks are clogged, make sure that you have them fixed as soon as possible. While waiting for the sink drain to be fixed, it would be good for the sink to be scooped out of still water and wiped dry.
Apply polishing wax on them occasionally.
To best preserve the appearance of copper sinks, you have to apply a special that is designed for polishing copper surfaces. This way, you will be able to get rid of stubborn water stains and other unwanted spots that might be developing on the sink’s surface. You can perform waxing once a month, but if you have been consistently cleaning your copper sink, then you can do it once every two months. Just make sure that you will be able to deal with spots and discolorations as soon as they appear.
Having copper sinks will definitely give your kitchen and bathroom a more classic look, but they truly require special care, unlike ordinary sinks, if you are to use them for many years. For proper cleaning and maintenance of these sinks, make sure you keep in mind the measures provided above.
