Composite sinks are a popular choice for many discerning homeowners thanks to their durability and modern appearance. They come in a wide range of colours and designs with options for various configurations to suit different kitchen styles.
Composite sinks are considered low maintenance, but to retain their appearance, you must learn how to best care for your sink.
In this guide, we will discuss what a composite sink is made from and look at how to clean a composite sink.
How is a Composite Sink Made?
Composite sinks are manufactured from natural stone held together with resin. Most are made using quartz, while some are made using granite.
The resin binds the natural particles of quartz or granite together and creates a non-porous, durable finish. This resin makes the sinks easier to maintain and clean.
Over time you may wonder why a white composite sink appears discoloured and has lost its shine. Lighter-coloured sinks are more likely to stain and require a little extra cleaning to keep them looking good.
Domestic Cleaners say that a sparkling sink is only achieved by paying regular attention to it.
How to Clean a Composite Sink
Let’s look at how to keep a composite sink looking its best.
Regular Cleaning
QS Supplies suggest regular, daily cleaning is the best way to keep your sink stain-free. You should only need to rinse the sink with water and wipe it with a dry lint-free cloth to remove most substances and dirt.
While you might have the best intentions, your sink will naturally get attacked by liquids, dirt, and food particles on a daily basis. This could lead to some minor surface stains.
The good news is that you can use any of your favourite cleaning products on a composite sink, provided you avoid anything that is excessively acidic. Acidic substances will weaken the particles over time, so anything with vinegar, lemon juice or citric acid should only be used occasionally.
A good technique for removing food stains is filling the sink with water and washing-up liquid. You can let the sink soak for up to an hour to loosen the stains. Next, take a nylon brush and work on the stains in a circular motion.
After draining the sink, rinse with water and repeat if needed.
How to Remove Limescale from a Composite Sink
Limescale will often build up, especially in hard water areas. Hard water stains are particularly noticeable on darker-pigmented composite sinks.
It is best not to use undiluted vinegar, but you can make a solution with 50% water and 50% vinegar to use on your composite sink.
Spray the solution onto your sink, focusing on the limescale stains. Scrub away with a nylon brush until it is removed. Finally, rinse the sink with some clean water.
How to Care for a Granite Composite Sink
Granite is a naturally porous material and needs some special care and maintenance, but a granite composite sink benefits from resin that makes the sink non-porous.
Daily it would help if you rinsed the sink thoroughly after use to avoid stains building up. Darker sinks are prone to hard water stains, so remember to dry the sink with a lint-free cloth after each use.
Use a mixture of warm water and washing-up liquid with a nylon brush to remove any minor stains and prevent deeper stains from forming.
On a lighter-coloured sink, you can use bleach diluted with water (50/50) to scrub the stains with a nylon brush.
Rinse with clean water after cleaning.
Top Tips to Keep Your Composite Sink Clean
Most of the time, you will find that a quick rinse after use is enough to keep your composite sink clean. They are known to be durable and easy to maintain.
For the best results, use these simple tips to protect your sink.
Hard water stains can be avoided by drying the sink after use, especially in hard water areas.
Use micro fibre cloths to dry your sink.
Limescale deposits can be removed with diluted vinegar and water (50/50) but don’t leave the vinegar on too long. A toothbrush makes an excellent scrubber to remove limescale.
Rinse the sink with water after draining liquids or preparing food.
Things You Must Not Use on a Composite Sink
To look after your sink, there are some products you should avoid.
– Neat Bleach
– Abrasive Creams
– Descaling Solutions
– Oven Cleaning Products
– Food or hair dye
– Ammonia
– Drain Cleaners
– Steel Wool Pads
– Nail Varnish Remover
There are also some things you should not do with your composite sink.
– Do not leave wet cloths sitting in the sink.
– Do not place hot pans straight into the sink.
– Avoid using a plastic bowl, as dirt ingrained on the bottom may scratch the sink.
– Take care with aluminium cookware that can leave streaks on the sink surface.
– How to Deep Clean a Composite Sink
If you follow the regular cleaning advice, you should not need to carry out a deep clean, but if you notice a stubborn build-up of stains, this is how to carry out a deep clean.
Deep cleaning is the last resort and not something you should often do, as it may damage your sink.
– Remove any particles and substances with some kitchen roll
– Rinse the sink with plenty of hot water.
– Use a cleaning product that contains less than 5% bleach and a stiff nylon brush or pad. Cif or Bar Keepers Friend are ideal products for a deep clean.
– Rinse sink thoroughly with water
Composite sinks are often installed in kitchens with premium worktops as they work well under mounted. When using cleaning products on your sink, it is worth noting that you should not allow acidic cleaners to leak onto your quartz or granite worktops as they can cause damage.
If you want advice about choosing a premium worktop to go with a composite sink, get in touch with us at Mr Kitchen Worktop Fitter. We offer a wide range of quartz, granite and marble worktops to suit many different kitchen styles.
