Stainless Steel Sinks Care and Cleaning Suggestions
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 other contaminates the metals in the sink cannot form this protective layer and become susceptible to stains and rust marks. If properly maintained your sink will last a lifetime and continue to add charm and beauty to any décor.
General Cleaning Instructions: Wash weekly with mild dish detergent and a soft towel or sponge, to prevent build up of mineral deposits from the water. Dry with a soft cloth after each use to prevent water spots that can dull the appearance of the sink. For oily spots or tougher grime you can use a mixture of baking soda and water with a soft sponge and scrub in the direction of the grain. NEVER use steel wool on the sink this will scratch the surface.
General Care Instructions: It is recommended that you do not leave food to dry on the sink surface, as this can cause discoloration on the sink. Some scratches will occur over the lifetime of the stainless steel sink. It is recommended to use a protective grid to prevent excessive scratches to the surface of the sink. To remove fine cosmetic scratches, a product like Bar Keepers Friend® will do the job. Simply follow the manufactures directions. Undiluted white vinegar will remove oily fingerprints! Simply pour on a soft cloth or paper towel. Rub over fingerprints and surrounding area. Rinse thoroughly. You can also try a window cleaner with ammonia in the product. Be advised that ammonia can dull the granite or other solid surfaces. Oil (Mineral or Olive) will remove streaks and gives it that “new sink” shine. First dry your sink. Start with a few drops on a paper towel and rub in well over the entire surface of the sink. Repeat until desired result is achieved. The appearance of the rust is often caused by tossing or leaving pots, pans or flatware in the sink. These marks are superficial and easily removed with a little baking soda and water or a product like Bar Keepers Friend® (available at most supermarkets). Follow the manufactures instructions for any store bought product. Or make a paste with baking soda and water rub with the grain of the finish until the marks are gone. Rinse thoroughly, repeat if needed and finish by drying the sink with a soft towel. For deeper nicks a Brillo® or an S.O.S.® pad can help to disguise some of the damage. With the grain of the finish, gently rub over the scratch and the surrounding area. When finished rinse and dry. (This tip is meant for deep cuts to a brushed finish, using this type of product will cause permanent scratches!)
Quick Tips:
- DO Remove grids to dry the sink
- DO Run cold water when pouring boiling water into your sink
- DO Keep your sink dry
- DON’T Let food dry on the sinks surface
- DON’T Let pots, pans or metal flatware set in sink overnight.
- DON’T Use your sink as a cutting board
- DON’T Leave wet sponges or towels in your sink
- DON’T Rub cleaning products against the grain of the finish
- DON’T Use rubber mats or dish bins in the sink.
- NEVER Use steel wool on your stainless steel sink
- NEVER Use bleach or chlorine on your stainless steel
Care and Cleaning Suggestions 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.
- Glass sinks can be given a streak-free shine by cleaning with a vinegar and water solution and wiping clean with newspaper.
- Do not store heavy objects above the sink as they can shatter the sink if dropped.
TruGranite Sinks Care and Cleaning Suggestions
TruGranite Sinks are among the most durable sinks available today. That being said, they still must be maintained correctly to ensure the beauty and longevity of the product. Many of the same general guidelines can be used from the stainless steel care instructions.
- Get into the habit of rinsing the sink with water and drying the sink with a soft towel after each use. Keeping your sink clean and dry will prevent the most common cleaning problems encountered with kitchen sinks.
- Apart from daily maintenance, the sink should be cleaned with a mild liquid cleaner such as dish detergent, Softscrub, or Bar Keeper’s Friend at least once a week. This will prevent any mineral deposits from forming on the sink. If a scrub is needed, use a nylon brush or scrub pad. Do not use any steel wool scouring pads on the sink.
- You may use a 50/50 bleach and water solution for stains; pour on a cloth and cover the stain for at least one half hour. Make sure to rinse the sink thoroughly after using any bleach.
- Though the sink is resistant to heat up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, some modern pots can reach higher temperatures. We recommend limiting contact with extremely hot items.
QUICK TIPS:
- DO keep the sink clean and dry.
- DO clean the sink weekly with a mild liquid cleaner.
- DON’T let food dry on the sink.
- DON’T leave items in the sink for long periods or overnight.
- DON’T use rubber mats or any other item that may trap water underneath it.
- DON’T use steel wool scouring pads on the sink.
- DON’T use extremely abrasive cleaners.
- DON’T use extremely alkali products such as ammonia.
Faucet Care and Cleaning Suggestions
- Rinse and dry with a soft towel after each use to prevent mineral deposits from forming on the faucet.
- Never use an abrasive cleaner or rough sponge to clean or dry your faucet, this will dull and scratch the finish.
- Be sure to clean spills and splatters as they happen. Don’t let soap, toothpaste or other contaminates dry on the faucets, this could stain or pit the finish. Simply use a mild soap and a soft sponge or towel, rinse well and dry.
- Only use a soft disinfectant that does not contain bleach or chlorine, which can ruin the finish. Use a soft towel to apply cleaner, immediately rinse thoroughly and dry.
- Always read manufacturers instruction for any product you wish to use on your faucet, to be sure it is safe for the finish you have in your home.
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.
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