Cleaning a Copper Sink to Achieve an Impressive Shine
Modern Homes Trending with Copper Appliances: From rustic farmhouses to contemporary dwellings, the lustrous charm of copper has found its way into millions of homes. With this trend comes the necessity of understanding how to maintain a gleaming, patina-adorned copper sink.
Cleaning your copper sink requires an approach tailored to the sink's finish, advises professional cleaner Viviana Pedroza. Whether you appreciate the aged, oxidized look of patina or seek a clean, polished shine, the method for care and maintenance differs.
For the Patina Lover: Preserving the unique, evolving character of copper sinks involves a gentle cleaning routine outlined by Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean.
Essential Materials:- Mild, unscented dish soap- Warm water- Non-abrasive sponge or soft microfiber cloth- Dry cloth
Avoid harsh abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, and strong chemicals when dealing with copper sinks to protect the finish.
Step-by-step Guide for Maintaining Patina:1. Start by rinsing the sink with warm water to eliminate food particles or residue.2. Dab a small amount of mild dish soap onto a soft sponge or microfiber cloth and clean in light, circular motions across the surface.3. Thoroughly rinse the sink and eliminate all soap residue with warm water.4. Immediately dry the surface to prevent water spots and mineral deposits.
When it comes to preserving patina, it is essential to avoid leaving dirty dishes or food particulates in the sink for extended periods. Eliminate contact with acids (such as citrus, vinegar, and other acidic substances) to prevent discoloration.
For the Shiny and Polished: For those who appreciate the reflective brilliance of copper, the cleaning process calls for more thorough effort, as suggested by Pedroza. If you see tarnish or patina forming, her advice is to gently buff the sink to restore its shine.
Essential Materials:- Fresh lemon juice- Salt- Warm water- Mild dish soap (unscented is best)- Soft non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth- Dry cloth- Commercial copper protectant
It's crucial to steer clear of abrasive cleaning agents, like bleach or ammonia, to safeguard the finish of your copper sink.
Step-by-step Guide to Maintaining Shine:1. Dampen a microfiber cloth with lemon juice.2. Add salt to the cloth and gently rub the sink to eliminate tarnish and grime.3. Rinse the sink with warm water.4. Dab a small amount of mild dish soap onto a soft sponge or microfiber cloth and clean in light, circular motions across the surface.5. Thoroughly rinse the sink with warm water.6. Immediately dry the surface using a dry, soft cloth.7. To maintain the shine between washes, apply food-grade wax or a commercially-available copper wax protectant to a soft cloth and gently rub it onto the sink to create a protective barrier against moisture and oxygen.
In between cleaning, Pedroza suggests drying the sink after each use to prevent the formation of mineral deposits. Always choose soft, non-abrasive cloths or sponges to avoid scratching the delicate surface of your copper sink.
- Viviana Pedroza, owner and operator of Clean by Vivi, a family-owned residential cleaning service
- Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean
- Viviana Pedroza, from the family-owned cleaning service Clean by Vivi, recommends a specific cleaning routine for those who love the aged, oxidized look of patina on copper sinks.
- To maintain a sink's patina, essential materials include mild, unscented dish soap, warm water, a non-abrasive sponge or soft microfiber cloth, and a dry cloth, as suggested by Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean.
- Martha Stewart might find the step-by-step guide for maintaining patina useful, as it entails rinsing, lightly cleaning, thoroughly rinsing, and drying the sink to preserve its unique character.
- For those who appreciate the reflective brilliance of copper, Pedroza suggests a more thorough cleaning process, using fresh lemon juice, salt, warm water, mild dish soap, a soft non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth, a dry cloth, and a commercial copper protectant to restore and maintain the sink's shine.
