Cleaning & Care
Stainless Steel Sinks
Regular cleaning of your sink is the best means of preserving and extending the life of your stainless steel sink while maintaining its original beauty. The following is a guide is to help you care for your stainless steel sink:
- To prevent surface spots and lime build up stains caused by the water we use, rinse and towel dry your sink on a regular basis to keep the sink as dry as possible when not in use. The towel you use should also be soft and dry
- Use mild non-abrasive cleansers, preferably liquid cream cleansers that do not contain chlorine, sodium hypochlorite or hydrochloric acid to help maintain the original appearance of your sink. Do not use steel wool or metal scrub packs as these items will scratch your sink as well as dull the finish.
- If you use cleansers ensure that you thoroughly rinse your sink and wipe it dry again to prevent the development of water spots.
- To remove any mineral deposits that may have built up on your sink, we recommend the use of a mild solution of water and vinegar. Again, rinse thoroughly and wipe dry to prevent water spots.
- Stainless steel polishers are also available to maintain the lustre of your sink: however, extra care is required when using these products (read directions carefully). When using stainless steel polishers use a damp cloth and follow the grain of the steel. Rinse thoroughly with water and buff with a soft static-proof cloth. A small test area may be prudent before you polish the entire sink.
- Your stainless steel sink can be scratched or damaged and therefore it is not recommended to cut objects on the surface of your sink or to drop objects into the sink, especially sharp objects. Generally material that is harder than stainless steel such as glass, ceramic, diamonds, abrasives and stone can scratch your sink.
- The use of a stainless steel grill or grid that fits inside the bottom of your sink bowls will protect the sink from scratches that could be caused by the utensils and pots you wash in your sink. Grills or grids are available from BOSCO that are custom designed to fit your sink.
- Stainless steel does not rust: however, tarnish stains may occur if other iron materials come in contact with the sink. Iron particles from metal cookware, steel pads, etc … will react with water and can cause rust deposits to bond to the sink surface. To remove tarnish spots or stains which develop use metal cleaners specifically designed not to damage stainless steel.
- Do not pour paint into your sink or mark the surfaces with any form of ink product. The chemicals in paint and ink will permanently mark your sink. If this does occur consult the paint remover manufacturer before using any paint remover product on your sink. In some cases, the use of nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol may assist in removing the paint residue. A small test area may be prudent before you try to remove all the paint from inside your sink.
- The use of rubber coated mats may discolour the sink under prolong use. Similarly, do not leave wet sponges or cloths in or on the sink surface for long periods of time as they too may discolour the sinks
- Do not defrost frozen food directly on the surface of your sink as it will discolour the stainless steel and may cause condensation to occur on the underside of the sink. It is recommended to use a plate or pot which is placed on a cloth in your sink.
Granite Sinks
Your Granite sink is manufactured to the highest possible standards; however, to maintain its appearance, proper maintenance is required. BOSCO Canada provides the following suggestions to keep your sink looking as good as new:
How to Clean White Haze on Composite Granite Sinks
Two common issues resemble a white or chalky haze on black granite composite sinks. One is caused by mineral deposits (calcium and lime), and the other is surface damage. Damaged surfaces are particularly noticeable on dark colored sinks, and are likely caused by an abrasive pad or some type of non-scratch textured pad. Various types of cleaning solutions / chemicals also contribute. Although removing mineral deposits is easy, we recommend you learn a couple simple steps to avoid advancing to bigger issues: surface wear, damage or etching. First identify which issue exists, and start with a thorough cleaning. You’ll need to remove all soap scum, grease, oil, and mineral deposits (calcium, lime and rust).
Mineral Deposit Buildup: Calcium & Limescale Causing the White Haze
Many homes have varying degrees of hard water, and this is typically where the issue starts; even if you have a water softener connected. Unless you wipe your sink out after every use, water will evaporate leaving behind minerals. These minerals (calcium and lime) bond to the surface. Early on they can be seen as water spots located in the corners, and they progressively build up and transition into a white or chalky haze. Although it is highly recommended to use preventative care and maintenance, it is even more important to know how to safely remove calcium and lime without causing surface wear, damage or etching.
How to Clean a Granite Composite Sink
While you can have a sink made of natural granite, many homeowners are also choosing to install sinks made of composite granite. This material is made by a combination of granite dust and acrylic resin. The fixtures are created to mimic the look of natural granite. Because the material is different than natural granite, cleaning granite composite sinks will require different steps. The steps below can help you clean your granite composite sink, as well as remove any water spots, limescale deposits and various other stains.
Step 1
Begin by clearing out any dishes and debris from your sink. You can then use mild dish soap and hot water to scrub the sink clean. After this, dry the sink using a soft microfibre cloth. This step will help you achieve a quick clean. The following steps will help you get a deeper and more effective clean.
Step 2
Apply baking soda all around the sink. If you are trying to remove any particular stains, you can focus on those areas.
Step 3
You can then spray a half water/half white vinegar solution over the baking soda, which will cause the two to react and begin fizzing.
Step 4
Now use a soft sponge to gently scrub the solution into the sink with special emphasis on the stain.
Step 5
After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the sink using warm water and dry using a soft microfibre cloth.
Step 6
Once your granite composite sink is cleaned, you can restore its shine using mineral oil. Apply a tablespoon of mineral oil to a soft cloth and buff using a circular motion. Wait 1 minute, wipe away and enjoy the luster.
Whether you have a natural granite sink or composite granite sink, there are easy and effective ways to clean the fixtures. The above noted DIY job can be accomplished by using non-abrasive cleaning solutions that you can make at home. If you notice cloudy buildup around the edges or various other stains, there is no need to panic. By following the steps above, you can clean your composite granite kitchen sink.
Regular Maintenance
Most deposits can be removed with washing up a mild liquid soap and hot water followed by a clean water rinse. It is also good practice to then dry the sink with a soft cloth to avoid lime scale build up on the surface.
For more stubborn marks, it is recommended that your use a cream or powder cleaner design for cleaning kitchen surfaces. This is applied to the surface of the sink and scrubbed into a paste with a non-abrasive pad before rinsing off with clean water.
The quality of your water can affect the look of your sink by giving the appearance of staining. Extra care is required in those areas with hard water.
Marks On The Surface Of Your Sink
Although Granite Sink are made from extremely hard wearing material. Any metal pots, pans or cutlery dragged across the surface will initially leave marks on the surface. These marks are in fact metal deposits from the metal pots, pans or cutlery that were dragged across the sink surface. These can easily be removed by scrubbing them away with an abrasive pad and kitchen sink cleaner. Then, finish off by rinsing your sink thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue, and then dry it with a soft cloth ta prevent build-up of lime scale.
Things Not To Do:
- Do not leave bleach or cleaning agents containing bleach on your sink surface for any length of time.
- Do not drop sharp objects into the sink as they may chip or damage the surface. They are also likely to be damaged by the hardness of the sink.
- Do not leave wet cleaning aids such as cloths or sponges on the sink surface as these all hold water and when this evaporates it allows lime scale ta be deposited.
- Do not leave any mild steel or cast iron cookware or implements anywhere on the sink for extended periods of time.
- Do not leave rubber dish mats, wet sponges, or cleaning pads in the sink overnight as they will trap water which could lead to staining and discoloration of the sink surface.
- Granite has a high heat resistance of 536° F C280°CJ and will be virtually unaffected by brief exposure to objects at this temperature. However, we do not recommend that the sink be used as a cooling place for hot objects. Use a separate insulated board or tray for that purpose.
- Do not use your sink as a cutting surface.