If you watch the DIY shows on television or do a lot or renovation or kitchen «Pinning,» youve seen the large copper farm house sinks and round bathroom basins. Theyre a little on the expensive side because copper isnt cheap, but theyre beautiful.
Copper sinks are all the rage these days and it’s easy to see why-they’re gorgeous! My husband loves copper anything and likes when it weathers naturally and turns that green color. To me, copper gives a home character, which is probably why we’re seeing copper bathroom and kitchen sinks grow in popularity.
If you watch the DIY shows on television or do a lot or renovation or kitchen «Pinning,» you’ve seen the large copper farm house sinks and round bathroom basins. They’re a little on the expensive side because copper isn’t cheap, but they’re beautiful.
Let’s pretend you’ve put a large copper sink in your newly remodeled kitchen (or you’re like me and you’re dreaming about it). Whether you already have one or you’re planning out your dream kitchen, it’s useful to understand the maintenance required. Destroying the sink’s finish while trying to clean it would be a costly mistake!
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General Daily Cleaning of Copper Sinks
The first thing you need to determine is whether or not your new sink is truly copper, or if it has a finish that looks like it’s copper. This is important to know when shopping for your copper sink, so ask questions of your salesperson or kitchen and bath designer.
If your sink is actual copper, you’re in luck: nothing special is needed for daily cleaning. That’s right, just use your favorite eco-friendly dish soap and water for daily cleaning. To avoid the water spots, just make sure you dry your sink well after each use. Andrea Decker, professional blogger and queen of helping others live simpler, reminded me that copper sink owners are supposed to appreciate the fact that the patina will continue to change and evolve over time. So, don’t sweat it if your copper sink starts changing color-that’s what it’s supposed to do! It’s what gives your copper sink a unique appeal.
If your sink simply has a copper finish, read on and utilize the techniques in the next section for careful cleaning.
Polishing and Maintenance of Copper Sinks
Your sink will take a beating if you use it day in and day out, which means you might want to give it a good scrub and polish at least once a month. There are many options, but avoiding rough scrub brushes and harsh cleaners is the key because you could scratch your copper sink. If it has a finish, you’ll need to be extra careful.
Here are some tips for deep cleaning and giving your copper sink-finished or pure copper-a nice shine, especially before company arrives!
- Kitchen and Bathroom designer, Jill Brecheisen of Kitchen’s by Design, recommends using Barkeepers Friend™ for general cleaning of copper sinks. It’s gentle but effective and a little goes a long way.
- Make a paste of cream of tartar and lemon juice. Using a soft cloth, clean the copper sink gently and then immediately rinse and wipe dry. You don’t want anything too acidic, like vinegar or lemons, to sit in a copper sink, or they could potentially stain and corrode the copper.
- Try using a dab of ketchup. Danielle Wiley, the blogger behind Foodmomiac.com, suggests trying ketchup because it works so well to clean copper pots. This food product will help to restore your copper sink’s natural luster. Just rub some into your copper sink, rinse well and then dry.
- Lemon and Salt! Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle table salt onto the lemon and gently scrub your sink. Rinse very well and then dry. Remember, you don’t want the lemon to sit too long on the sink.
- Use museum wax to polish your copper sink after you’ve given it a good clean. This will help your copper sink shine! A good friend of mine cleans homes for a living and has two copper sinks of her own and swears by museum wax.
A quick recap for green cleaning your copper sink:
- Actual copper sinks can be cleaned with normal cleaners or your favorite eco-friendly dish soap and water. Nothing fancy or toxic is required. Remember, your sink is supposed to evolve overtime.
- Test your copper sink to make sure it is real copper and does not have a finish. If you dab a small amount of baking soda and vinegar onto the sink and it shines, you’re sink does not have a finish and it is real copper.
- If your sink has a finish, harsh cleaners or scrubbing brushes will damage your sink. Be sure to ask your salesperson!
- When using or cooking with acidic ingredients, rinse immediately.
Do you have a copper sink or dream of having one? If so, take care of it from day one and you’ll enjoy years of classic copper beauty in your kitchen.
SommerPoquette looks for green avenues to do everyday activities and shares what she learns on her blog and for The Home Depot. To find out about , you can visit the company’s website.
