Designed with durability in mind, a composite granite sink is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. However, regular cleaning is essential when it comes to keeping your granite composite kitchen sink in tip top condition. In this guide we take you through how you can keep your granite composite looking its best and things you should avoid.
How To Clean Your Granite Composite Sink:
Daily Cleaning
The best way to avoid the need to 'deep clean' your composite sink to remove any stains is to clean it regularly after every use. For a daily clean, use some soapy water and a sponge and be sure to dry off the sink when you're finished. This will allow you to remove any stains, limescale and water spots before they have a chance to take hold. Although it may be a difficult habit to keep up, this quick everyday clean will save you a lot of hassle in the long run and will help keep your sink looking its best.
Remove Stains With White Vinegar
If your daily clean hasn't stopped stains appearing you'll need to try and remove them. Although specific cleaners are available, white vinegar can often be just as effective.
Take a spray bottle and mix in half water and half white vinegar. You can then spray your whole sink with this solution and gently scrub the surface, paying close attention to any problem areas. Once you're happy you've cleaned the whole sink, rinse all the vinegar away and dry it with a separate cloth. It's important not to leave the vinegar on the surface too long so once you've finished, be sure to completely rinse it off.
Baking Soda & Vinegar
If the stains on your granite composite sink aren't budging, you can try a combination of baking soda and vinegar.
First, sprinkle some baking soda over the persistent stain. You can then spray a half water half vinegar solution over the baking soda, which will cause the two to react and begin fizzing. Now use a soft sponge to gently scrub the solution into the stain. When you're finished, it's important to properly rinse the baking soda and vinegar away and dry the area completely.
With a Granite composite sink, prevention of stain and limescale build up is key. These 'harsher' measures should always be seen as a last resort when your daily cleaning hasn't been effective.
What Not To Use On Granite Composite Sinks
Although there are some things you should be doing to keep your granite composite sink looking great, the list of things not to do is arguably more important. The list below outlines some of the things we recommend you avoid doing to keep your sink at its best.
Abrasive Materials
When cleaning your sink, it’s important not to use anything abrasive. Steel wool, abrasive brushes and scouring pads will leave scratch marks. Instead, clean your sink with soft sponges to protect the exterior.
Harsh Chemicals
While composite sinks are built to withstand dropped pans and crockery (or in Schock’s case, the power of a gunshot), they aren’t much good when it comes to surviving chemicals. Harsh chemicals can damage the colour and leave your sink looking far, far worse than before. Chemicals to avoid include ammonia, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloride and sulphuric acid. If in doubt, check with your manufacturer or stick to something that’s designed specifically for a composite sink.
Other Things To Avoid:
Leaving Wet Sponges In The Sink
We’re all guilty of this, but it’s important to be mindful of leaving wet sponges in your sink. If left for too long they’ll leave water marks or limescale deposits. Ultimately, this’ll mean more work for you in the long run.
Using Plastic Bowls Or Drainers
Plastic drainers or plastic bowls can accumulate grit on their underside. This grit can then cause scratches when moved around so plastic bowls aren't recommended.
Heat
Some composite sinks can be damaged by heat, but purchasing a high-quality sink which has been designed for heat resistance is the best way to avoid this. It’s also best to avoid putting extremely hot pots and pans on the surface. If in doubt as to your sink’s heat resistance, check with your manufacturer.
Impact With Aluminium Cookware
As granite composite sinks are very hard, dragging softer aluminium cookware across the sink may cause some aluminium streaks, so this should be avoided.
Leave Food Stains To Sit
Certain types of food & liquids can stain your composite sink very easily, so don't be tempted to leave these stains for clean up at a later date. You should be particularly careful of fruit juice, tea and coffee stains.
If You Are Unsure - Check With Your Manufacturer!
Different sinks are built to withstand different things, so it’s best to check with your manufacturer about the best way to look after your sink.
Even though they are higher maintenance than other kitchen sinks, granite composite sinks are a great choice thanks to their long-life, high durability and huge choice of colours. While they certainly withstand many stresses of modern life, they will start looking dull and discoloured if not taken care of. Getting into the habit of treating your sink with care will ensure it lasts for long time, requiring far less time and attention in the long run.
