Understanding how to properly clean and maintain a sink’s material is an essential factor when selecting the perfect sink for your bathroom, kitchen or bar area. From the dos to the don’ts, All Concepts has all the tips and tricks to keep your sink stunning, shiny and in tip-top condition!

Stainless-Steel

When it comes to stainless-steel sinks, cleaning too much is impossible! While rust and corrosion are issues to watch for in the material, frequently cleaning stainless steel will never cause wear and tear. In addition to corrosion prevention, many homeowners clean and maintain their stainless-steel sinks solely for aesthetic purposes.

With the ease of keeping the material stain-free, stainless-steel sinks make the perfect addition to a kitchen or bar! Here are a few tips for keeping your stainless-steel sink sparkling and beautiful:

• The most effective way to maintain an aesthetically pleasing stainless-steel sink is to blend a daily after-use cleaning routine with a weekly deeper cleaning routine.
• All Concepts recommends using a gentle cleaner, such as Bon Ami or Bar Keepers Friend, along with warm water and a clean sponge or cloth to properly clean the surface.
• To wash away any harmful residue and leave the sink with a glistening sheen, immediately rinse the surface of the sink with clean, hot water.
• Wipe down the sink’s surface with a dry towel to avoid rust and water spots.

For an additional glow, try rinsing your stainless-steel sink with club soda! Baking soda is also a wonderful alternative to washing away hard water deposits and stuck-on grease.

Although stainless-steel sinks are hard to wear down, there are a few mistakes to avoid when cleaning, including:

• DO NOT scrub the sink with carbon steel brushes or steel wool as they will potentially leave behind iron particles that could cause rust or corrosion.
• It is essential to NEVER dry out towels, cloths or sponges in or on the sink to avoid dullness and bacteria on the sink’s surface.
• Knives and other sharp objects should NEVER directly touch the surface of the sink as they may cause serious damage.
• With the mixture of moisture and iron potentially causing rust and corrosion, DO NOT leave cast iron or steel cookware in the sink for a long period.

Enameled Cast Iron

Cast iron sinks are extremely durable, easy to clean and pleasing to the eye! While they have a similar appearance to porcelain, enameled cast iron sinks feature a heavy, iron foundation with a hard shelling – boasting a durable yet glossy finish.

Here are the most efficient ways to clean your enameled cast iron sink:

• At All Concepts, we recommend using a non-abrasive cleaner with hot water and a clean sponge or cloth to properly clean the sink’s surface.
• Use a blend of water and baking soda to remove any tough stains.
• Rinse the sink immediately and thoroughly after each use and dry the surface completely to avoid hard water marks.

While enameled cast iron sinks are known for being easy to clean, there are a few things to avoid, including:

• DO NOT scrub the sink with carbon steel brushes or steel wool as they could cause damage to the sink’s surface.
• NEVER leave elements such as coffee, berries, tea bags or other potent liquids in the sink to avoid hard stains on the surface.
• To avoid scuffing up the surface, DO NOT leave steel or cast-iron cookware in the sink for a long time.

Porcelain Sinks

Standard vanity sinks offered by All Concepts, both rectangular and oval, are made of porcelain – a durable material consistently ranked as the most popular bathroom sink option. As a hard, non-porous material, porcelain stands up to daily wear and tear, as well as regular cleaning.

Below are important steps in caring for a porcelain or porcelain-coated sink:

• Use a soft sponge or cloth with a gentle cleanser diluted with water to wipe down the sink’s surface.
• Be sure to completely rinse away the soapy residue after cleaning.
• Once clean, dry the surface with a soft, dry cloth or towel.
• If stains or scratches occur on the porcelain sink, use hydrogen peroxide to diminish their appearance.

While porcelain sinks are incredibly durable, there are a few practices to avoid when cleaning:

• DO NOT use an abrasive or acidic cleaner or harsh scrubbing tools.
• Scouring powders should NEVER be used.
• Avoid dropping heavy items into the sink to decrease the chances of scratches or chips in the porcelain.
• If rinsing paints, dyes or other materials that could leave a stain, ensure that the water continues to run until it’s all gone to prevent the porcelain from absorbing any unwanted coloring.

Granite Composite Sinks

Crafted with durability as the top priority, granite composite sinks are idyllic for kitchens! To keep your granite composite sink looking its finest, you must clean it routinely while utilizing the following tips:

• Regularly wipe down the sink with hot, soapy water – you can do this daily or every other day. This helps maintain a clean and aesthetically pleasing granite composite sink.
• For hard water and tough stains, the All Concepts team recommends using a baking soda mixture with a clean sponge or soft towel to deep clean the sink’s surface.
• Immediately wash out the sink with clean, hot water to rinse away any residue.
• To avoid water marks, wipe down the sink with a dry towel.

In addition to the practices above, it is important to avoid the mistakes below when maintaining and cleaning your granite composite sink:

• DO NOT scrub the sink with steel wool or carbon steel brushes as they could potentially damage the sink’s surface.
• NEVER leave dark liquids or foods in the sink to avoid tough stains on the surface.
• To avoid scratching the surface, DO NOT leave cast iron or steel cookware in the sink for a long period.

Ceramic Sinks

Like porcelain, ceramic boasts a hard, shiny and non-porous surface that makes it a stunning sink option. However, ceramic is more prone to chipping as it is not as hard as porcelain. This material may not be the most durable sink selection, but it is rising in popularity thanks to its ability to be created in a wide range of colors and styles.

Ceramic sinks are incredibly resistant to scratches and discoloration, but they still require regular upkeep. Here is how All Concepts recommends caring for your ceramic sink:

• Use an all-purpose cleaner or a small amount of mild dish soap with a soft cloth or sponge to maintain the surface of your ceramic sink.
• Once your sink is squeaky clean, be sure to thoroughly dry the surface.
• Coat the sink with lemon juice from fresh lemon slices and let sit for 30 minutes to brighten and whiten your sink. Afterward, rinse the sink to wash away any residue.
• Does your ceramic sink need a deeper cleaning? No worries! Use a sprinkling of baking soda around the sink to remove any buildup or grime. You can also use a soft, damp sponge to rub toothpaste in circular motions if you don’t have baking soda on hand!

If stains occur on the surface of your ceramic sink, apply a blend of hydrogen peroxide or vinegar and cream of tartar to the stain. Wait approximately 10 minutes, then remove the mixture with a soft sponge. You can also use a bleach solution diluted with water as an alternative.

Although caring for your ceramic sink is simple, be sure you avoid using any scouring materials or highly concentrated drain cleaners.

To learn more about All Concepts and its sink, countertop and cabinet selections, visit www.AllConceptsUSA.com.

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