It is important to note the following when cleaning your granite composite sink: Do not use full strength bleach or cleaners with ammonia. Do not use chemical drain openers. Do not use harsh chemicals.
Granite Sinks: What to Know
The sealing process is quick and easy, and there are many easy-to-use sealers on the market. In addition, it is very important that you never use harsh chemicals such as bleach in an attempt to clean your granite sink.
First, we want to make sure we do not accidentally damage the surface. Avoid using any harsh/acidic/alkaline-containing products on your sink. This means avoiding lemon juice, vinegar, bleach, window cleaner, oven cleaner, and most leading brands formulated to remove Calcium, Lime or Rust, ammonia, et cetera.
Removing Stains and Scuff Marks:
Bar Keepers Friend should remove most stubborn stains with multiple cleanings. If you continue to have trouble, use a mild abrasive cleanser, along with a soft scouring pad. For more stubborn stains, a solution of 50% bleach, 50% water can be used, but only in these situations.
You should always avoid highly harsh chemicals or abrasives such as ammonia and steel wool. Keep in mind that granite composite sinks can be damaged by extreme heat and aluminum cookware. Aluminum cookware can scratch the surface of the stone.
This type of sink is easy to clean
Using a non-abrasive cleaner will keep it clean. Taking care of it properly will preserve its color for many years. Keeping it clean is also important. You can use a magic eraser sponge to remove stains and a 50/50 water-bleach solution for cleaning.
Stubborn Stains – A solution of 50% bleach, 50% water should only be used for tough, stubborn stains. Let the solution sit in the bottom of the sink for one hour; then scrub. Rinse well. Also, the use of Bar Keepers Friend (directions included on bottle) will help remove stubborn stains.
Stain Resistant: Unlike natural granite, this non-porous material requires no sealing and will keep from staining by design.
Yes, composite sinks can withstand boiling water. There is no issue with pouring hot water down a granite, quartz, or solid surface sink.
Composite Granite Sink Disadvantages
Hardness: While some sink materials are more forgiving, composite granite is hard enough to break glassware when dropped onto the surface. This granite composite sink problem is something to consider if you frequently wash breakable dishes in the sink.
If you do notice that there are darker stains, or if you have a light-coloured sink that is showing more surface staining, you can clean these with a mixture of 50% bleach and 50% water. Dip a nylon bristled brush into the bleach solution, and use it to scrub the stains. Rinse well with water when you're done.
Heat Resistance
As with all types of sinks, granite composite kitchen sinks are heat resistant. However, they are not heat-proof, and cannot withstand extreme temperatures such as a hot pan taken off the hob and placed directly into the sink. The acrylic resin in the mix of a granite composite sink could warp or melt.
Composites are non-porous – This makes them much more sanitary than granite, which can conceal bits of food and bacteria in its crevices. Composites also can withstand disinfectant products without damaging the material, unlike granite.
In fact, composite granite is harder and heavier than its natural counterpart, though exponentially less expensive. And, it will maintain its look and strength well, thanks to its non-porous, stain-resistant nature.
Use soft or micro fibre cloths (eg. E-cloth). A 50% mix of water and white vinegar can be used to remove limescale deposits, ensure to rinse thoroughly after use, do not leave the vinegar in contact with the surface. A nylon scratch pad or toothbrush can be used on difficult areas.
Quartz tends to be more affordable, and it comes in a vast array of color choices because it's basically a manmade product. Granite composite, on the other hand, although a little pricier, is indestructible as a countertop or sink because a large percent of the product is actual stone from the earth's crust.
Hard Water Mineral Deposits (Calcium, Magnesium, Lime)
Unless you wipe your sink dry after every use, water left behind will eventually evaporate. When water evaporates, minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and lime are left behind, bonding to the surface. These spots are called mineral deposits.
For a more thorough clean, sprinkle baking soda over the whole sink, then spray with a 75/25 solution of white vinegar and water to create a fizzing solution. A gentle scrub with a soft sponge and an old toothbrush is enough to give your sink a thorough clean.
Step 1: Run some warm water through your composite sink. Step 2: Wipe your sink with soapy water. Step 3: Apply baking soda paste to the stains. Step 4: Use a vinegar/water solution to deal with limescale or water stains.
Use Soft Scrub with Bleach Cleanser or Soft Scrub with Bleach Cleaner Gel to free your sink of soap scum, dirt, and stains. Marble and Granite: Tough on stains, yet gentle on your most delicate surfaces, Soft Scrub's Multi-Surface Gel is a rinse-free gel that cleans and polishes marble and granite sinks.
While some types of countertops and sinks are pretty susceptible to stains, granite composite isn't. Because it is non-porous and tightly packed, there isn't much room for stains to seep in. Not to mention, there is usually a good sealer added to the top and polish that can also keep stains away.
It is very difficult to permanently stain a composite sink, that's one of their main benefits. However, as with many surfaces, some oils and acidic foods may seep down into the surface and cause a stain. Especially if the surface of the sink has been damaged.
GENERAL CARE & CLEANING: Daily cleaning may be done with any non-abrasive cleaner (i.e. Bar Keeper's Friend, Soft Scrub with Bleach, or dishwasher soap). After every use, rinse and wipe the sink dry with a clean, soft cloth to eliminate any water spots or soap film build-ups.