How to Care for Your New Kitchen Sink

A new kitchen sink is the perfect way to add a fresh touch to the kitchen. Whether it is a gleaming stainless-steel sink or a pristine white solid-surface sink, the shiny, smooth surface of a new sink adds a beautiful touch to the room.
Once a new sink has been chosen and installed, one of the top questions is how to ensure that the sink stays looking new for years to come.

Taking care of a new kitchen sink is an important way to prevent scratching, staining, and long-term damage to the piece. However, how to care for a new sink will depend a lot on the primary type of materials used in the sink's design.

Before purchasing products for sink care, homeowners should refer to their product manual to determine what materials their sink utilizes. From here, the following guide will outline the right care based on that material type.

Stainless-Steel Sinks

 Do:

• Clean after use: Ideally, stainless steel should be cleaned at least once a day. This will help ensure that grime doesn’t build up, which can result in a dulled look.
• Clean with the grain: When washing a stainless-steel sink, it is best to scrub in the direction of the grain. This will prevent scratching.
• 
  Use common cleaning products: Stainless-steel sinks hold up well under most household cleaners. Dish detergent with warm water or a sprinkle of Bon-Ami are excellent choices for keeping this sink pristine.
• Dry with a soft cloth: After every cleaning, a stainless-steel sink should be rinsed and dried thoroughly. This will prevent water stains.
• Polish with olive oil: For an extra touch of shine, homeowners can use a dash of olive oil on a soft cloth to polish their stainless-steel sink.

Don’t:

• 
  Use steel brushes or steel wool: Any abrasive material can cause scratching to the sink. Only use soft cloths and sponges.
• Leave pots and pans in the sink overnight: Cast iron and other metal can leave rust marks behind when left in a stainless-steel sink for too long.
• Dry rags and sponges in the sink: Leaving a wet sponge or dish rag in a stainless-steel sink can cause the growth of bacteria and mold.
• Use the sink as a cutting board: While stainless steel holds up well against daily wear, never cut anything on the surface of the sink as this can cause permanent damage to the finish.

Solid-Surface Sinks

Solid-surface sinks feature a non-porous high-density finish that is designed to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. This material is easy to clean, and when cared for, these sinks will continue to shine beautifully for years to come.

Do:

• Clean daily with household cleaners: After every use, simply wash down the solid surface with warm soapy water or an ammonia-based household cleaner. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
• Use a circular motion: To remove tough grime or grease, use a circular motion when cleaning this surface.
• Dry with a soft cloth: After cleaning, use a soft cloth to wipe away water residue preventing water spots.
• Deep clean weekly: Once a week, to retain the initial shine of this sink, the surface should be treated with a water-bleach mix. Allow the mixture to rest on the sink surface for a few hours, then rinse.

Don’t:

• Use window cleaners: Cleaners designed for glass can leave a build-up on the surface that will dull the appearance of the sink.
• Place hot pots or pans in the sink: Hot items can damage the sink, leaving behind unwanted burn marks.
• Use as a cutting board: Never use a solid-surface sink as a cutting surface as this can cause permanent damage to the finish.

Acrylic Sinks

Acrylic is a vibrant and bright material choice for sinks. With daily care, these sinks are extremely durable and resist staining.

Do:

• Clean with mild dish detergent: After use, be sure to clean acrylic sinks thoroughly, removing food debris and grime. Mild dish soap or a tile cleaner can help remove build-up.
• Use a soft cloth: Only use a soft microfiber cloth on acrylic to prevent scratching.
• Use rubbing alcohol on oil or grease: For oil or grease that won’t come off with soap, rubbing alcohol makes a great alternative. Simply soak the area in the alcohol and wipe clean.

Don’t:

• Use abrasive pads: Steel wool and other abrasive scrub pads can damage the sink’s surface.
• Allow drain cleaners to rest in the sink: When using a drain cleaner, be sure that none of the chemicals touch the interior of the sink. If any drain cleaner is spilled in the sink, rinse and clean thoroughly immediately to prevent damage.

Enameled Cast-Iron Sinks

Enameled cast-iron sinks feature a sturdy, durable build and a high-gloss for an eye-catching design. These sinks are heavy-duty and will hold up well in a high-traffic kitchen with the proper care.

Do:

• Use a cast-iron cleaner: To clean an enameled cast-iron sink, opt for a cleaner designed specifically for cast iron. Alternatively, Bon-Ami is another good choice for cleaning these sinks daily.
• Dry thoroughly: After cleaning and rinsing the sink, the finish should be wiped down with a towel or dry rag to prevent water stains.
• Use a rinse basket or basin rack: Rather than resting items in the bottom of the sink to dry, consider investing in a rinse basket or basin rack to prevent damage to the sink bottom.

Don’t:

• 
  Use abrasive scouring pads: Any abrasive material can permanently damage the high-gloss finish of these sinks.
• Leave coffee grounds or tea bags in the sink: Coffee grounds and tea bags can stain the sink, leaving behind a difficult-to-remove residue.

Ceramic Sinks

Ceramic is a non-penetrable material, which makes it a great pick for kitchen sinks. Additionally, ceramic is a low-maintenance material and requires simple daily care.

Do:

• Clean daily with a mild dish soap: Using the soft side of a sponge, gently wash the interior of the sink after use. Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove soap residue.
• Use a soft microfiber cloth to dry: After the sink has been thoroughly cleaned, dry with a soft microfiber cloth, polishing until the sink’s shine is restored.
• Use bleach and water for tough stains: When ceramic becomes stained, a mix of bleach and water can be left to soak on the ceramic surface. This will usually lift stains after a few hours with a simple rinse.

Don’t:

• Use cleaners with ammonia or alkalis: Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that can damage ceramic surfaces.
• Use abrasive scouring pads: Abrasive steel wool or metal brushes can cause permanent scratching to the ceramic surface.

Finished Brass

Finished brass is often found on fixtures and sink accessories. This beautiful finish looks its best when cleaned and polished daily.

Do:

• Use a mild dish soap with water: A mild dish detergent and warm water are the perfect choices for cleaning finished brass.
• Use a microfiber cloth: A soft cloth will help prevent abrasion to the brass.
• Dry immediately: After cleaning a brass finish, dry right away to prevent unsightly water spots.
• Use a toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas: For small crevices and connections, use a toothbrush to clean the brass.
• Use lemon juice to polish: Cut a lemon in half. Sprinkle approximately one teaspoon of salt on the lemon. Gently brush the lemon and salt over the brass, squeezing lemon juice onto the brass fixture. Rinse and dry.

Don’t:

• Use steel wool or abrasive materials: Any abrasive scouring pad or brush will leave scratches on the brass surface.
• Use caustic or abrasive cleaners: Stick to gentle detergents or natural ingredients, such as vinegar, to clean brass.
• Leave water spots: If brass is not dried thoroughly, water spots can cause the brass to lose its sheen. Always dry water spots immediately to prevent the build-up of grime, particularly in homes with hard water.

Shop Kingston Brass for a New Kitchen Sink

If your old kitchen sink has lost its sheen or has permanent scratching, denting, and marks, consider an upgrade to a new kitchen sink with Kingston Brass. Shop their latest collections and find the perfect fit for any size kitchen and any design preference.