For standard cleaning, we recommend using any non-abrasive cleaner, such as Bar Keeper's Friend, Soft Scrub/Soft Scrub with Bleach, or standard liquid dish soap. To eliminate any water spots or soap film buildups, rinse and wipe the sink dry with a clean, soft cloth.
While composite sinks are quite resistant to stains and scratches, it's important to note that they can be damaged by harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbing devices.
Applying a light layer of food grade mineral oil will add a protective repellent layer to your sink - simply leave the oil on the surface for 45 minutes then buff with a cloth. Repeat the process if needed. With a granite composite sink, prevention of stain and limescale build up is key.
The composite material is easier to clean and won't require constant babysitting, which makes it a better choice for households with children. The low maintenance cost of a granite composite sink makes it ideal for households. This means that harsh cleaners can damage the surface of the sink.
The key is not to use straight vinegar on the sink, but to make a mixture that is 50% water and 50% vinegar. Apply the mixture to the limescale stains, and scrub with a nylon brush until clean.
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.
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.
Tips For Keeping Granite Sinks Clean
We recommend using a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar to deep clean your granite sink. 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.
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.
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.
Granite composite sinks do not typically need to be sealed, as the acrylic resin used in their construction helps to make them resistant to stains and water penetration.
Cleaning Instructions
Wipe with a Mr. Clean® Magic Eraser® and either water or a 50/50 white vinegar and water solution. Towel dry with a cotton cloth.
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.
Frequent use of vinegar, Windex or bleach will dull the granite and weaken the sealant. Instead, a little soap and water should do the trick. Add dish soap and warm water to a sponge, get a good lather and begin cleaning. Avoid using abrasive pads, as granite can be scratched.
Some black sinks may show smudges or scratches, but this depends on the sink's material. Black stainless steel is more resistant to smudges, fingerprints, and water spots. Black granite composite sinks are more likely to show hard water spots and limescale deposits.
Well for those of you who don't like either and are interested in something new, granite-composite sinks have some great benefits but some downfalls as well. Granite composite is the most scratch resistant sink material on the market today.
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.
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.
Whether your black granite sink is pure or composite, overtime it may develop scale buildup, which causes an undesirable cloudy appearance. Regardless of how many times you scrub it with your dish soap, that white scale will continue to reappear day after day; that is, until you find the actual solution.
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.
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.
However, it is important to note that granite sinks can be susceptible to staining if they are not properly sealed. On the other hand, stainless steel sinks are also extremely durable and resistant to scratches, chips, and heat. They are also easy to clean and maintain, making them a popular choice for busy kitchens.