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Kitchen sinks made of artificial stone look very impressive. However, they can quickly lose their beauty and luster if they are not wiped daily. And with severe pollution, a special approach will be required.
In this article, we have collected instructions and recommendations for everyday and “emergency” cleaning of a faux stone sink.
What products are suitable for cleaning artificial stone
It is best to use a special profile tool. But if you don’t have it at home, and you need to wash the sink urgently, you can use one of these methods:
Dilute baking soda with water to the consistency of sour cream. Cover the contaminated area with the composition, but do not rub. Let the mixture work for a few minutes and wash it off. After that, you can gently rub the stain with a sponge.
Pour bleach and water into a plastic bottle in a ratio of 1 to 3. Screw it with a spray bottle. Shake the bottle gently to mix the solution. Open a window or turn on the hood. Spray the bleach solution all over the sink and let it sit for 10 minutes. Wash the sink with a sponge or cloth. When working with bleach, be careful, use eye and hand protection. You should not do this treatment often, especially if you have a dark sink – chlorine bleach contains a strong alkali.
You can wash the sink with lemon juice. Unlike granulated citric acid, it is non-abrasive and not so caustic as to harm the stone. Lubricate the contaminated surface with lemon juice and leave for 10 minutes. Rinse off the juice and rub the stain with a sponge.
With stains from fruits and vegetables, plaque and rust, regular soda does an excellent job. Heat it up a little, pour it into a covered sink and wait a few minutes. Drain the soda and rub the stains with a sponge. Rinse with water. It is best to use a clear soda, such as Sprite.
Some stains can be removed with gel toothpaste. In addition, it will help restore the shell to its former shine.
The melamine sponge does not scratch the surface of the sink and does an excellent job with plaque, rust and other contaminants.
Problematic dirt can be eliminated with table vinegar. In a deep bowl, mix water and table vinegar in a ratio of 1 to 1. Rub the sink with a sponge soaked in the solution for several minutes. After treatment, rinse the vinegar well with water. Do not use vinegar essence – it can harm the stone.
Composite stone may contain different materials, so acceptable cleaning methods for an artificial stone sink may vary. Before proceeding with processing, it is recommended to read the care recommendations on the product manufacturer’s website or in the instructions for the plumbing item itself.
How not to clean artificial stone
When cleaning, do not use strong chemicals that can damage the resins that hold the composite stone together, as well as tools and products that can scratch the surface:
abrasive powders;
products with a high alkali content;
strong acids;
solvents;
essence of vinegar;
metal brushes and sponges.
Exposure to strong chemicals may cause the material to fade, stain, or lose its luster.
Tips for caring for a sink made of artificial stone
Composite stone products are durable and have good strength, but they need special care. To prolong the life of your sink and prevent the recurrence of plaque and rust, follow a few simple tips:
Wash your sink regularly with dishwashing detergent. If debris or dirt remains in the sink, it is better to remove it immediately so as not to aggravate the situation. Use a soft sponge and rinse off any remaining detergent.
After washing dishes, wipe the sink with a dry cloth to avoid white spots from hard water.
Olive oil also helps prevent the formation of limescale. Take a clean, dry rag and soak it in olive oil. Cover the stone with a thin layer of oil and leave for a couple of minutes. Then wipe the sink with a clean part of the rag (or just get a new one) to remove the excess. The stone should shine, but not leave traces of oil if you run your finger over it.
It is not recommended to drain the remains of coffee or tea into the sink – they can leave rather caustic stains. Again, because of the alkali in the composition. If you still need to drain the drink, rinse the sink with water afterwards.
Do not place metal cutlery on the bottom of the sink. This can leave rust marks.
Avoid sudden changes in temperature, for example, do not fill the sink with cold water after taking out a hot pot. Otherwise, cracks may appear on the surface.
Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.