Traditional farmhouse sinks are a lot deeper and retain more water than modern under-mounted or top-mounted stainless steel sinks. They originated in an era when there wasn’t much-running water in the taps, so to mitigate this problem, they were designed to hold as much water as possible. farmhouse sinks can complement any kitchen or bathroom design giving them a modernized appearance.
Cleaning a farmhouse sink isn’t as easy as you think; using a simple dish wash with regular soap may not get the cleaning job done. Using something too harsh can scratch the surface. You must take calculated steps to protect the sink as well as using well-known stain removal techniques to get it in top shape.
Before we get into the technical details of how to clean a farmhouse sink, it’s fitting to discuss major materials used to construct a farmhouse sink. In this regard, most sinks come from four materials; Fireclay, Porcelain, Stainless steel, and copper.
Materials used in the Construction of Farmhouse Sink
Fireclay
Fireclay farmhouse sinks are made from clay and preheated to a high temperature that hardens the sink, giving them a solid appearance. Constructing sinks like this leaves the final product with a high level of resistance to scratches.
Porcelain
Porcelain farmhouse sinks are made from ceramic and like the fireclay alternative, are also preheated to high temperatures during production. They are less expensive than fireclay sinks and more prone to scratches, discoloration, and chipping.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel farmhouse sinks are a more contemporary version than fireclay or porcelain sinks. They are generally more affordable, easy to clean, maintain and associated with retro-style kitchens and other stainless steel faucets.
Copper
As the name suggests, these farmhouse sinks are made from copper. They are the least popular sinks available in the market today. One advantage of copper farmhouse sinks over others is that with time it can develop a beautiful patina on the surface as it reacts with the environment.
How to Clean up Your Farmhouse Sink?
Now that you are aware of the materials used in construction and can choose the best farmhouse sink depending on your requirement. Here are some tips/steps you can take to maintain and brighten up your sink:
Use Vinegar
Vinegar can help you get rid of limescale buildup and also act as a disinfectant. Apply vinegar directly to the sink from a spray bottle before scrubbing the sink with a non-scratch sponge until all traces of limescale is gone. Rinse off with clear running water and you are done.
Use Diatomic Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can be found in any first aid box and acts as a cleanser. Use it to whiten your farmhouse sink just the way we did with vinegar. However, after applying with hydrogen peroxide, leave it to soak overnight. Simply rinse or wipe the sink dry with a kitchen rag the next morning to reveal a shining farmhouse sink.
Use a Glass Cleaner
The main cleansing agent in any glass cleaner is Ammonia. To brighten your sink, spray with a glass cleaner and allow the Ammonia to act for 30 seconds before rinsing.
Cleaning with Baking Soda
To use baking soda, mix a gallon of warm water with a mixture of baking soda and ammonia (1/4 cup each). Soak a non-scratch brush in the mixture before completely washing the sink with it.
Use Chlorine Bleach
Chlorine bleach is very harsh on metal surfaces. It has the ability to eat up metal faucets so we’d advise that you exercise a reasonable amount of caution with this whitening technique. In fact, to reduce the action of chlorine, dilute a tablespoon of chlorine bleach in a spray bottle filled with water. Spray on the sink and allow it to stand for a little while before washing it off.
Also Read: How to Maintain Cleanliness at Home
Cleaning the More Stubborn Stains
While the cleaning techniques discussed above are ideal for light stains, there are stubborn stains that won’t come off with light treatment. You will need to take more proactive actions to get these stains off the sink. Here are three cleaning techniques you can apply now to get rid of stubborn stains:
Use Oxygenated Bleaching Agent
Oxygenated bleaching agents are more potent stain removers than the methods discussed above. Oxygen acts with the dirt forming complex mixture that can be abrasively removed with a brush. Follow this procedure:
- Soak two to three rags in oxygen bleach
- Place the rags at the stain areas located at the bottom of the sink
- Allow the rags to stand for 15 to 20 minutes
- Remove the rags and scrub with a brush to remove the stubborn stain
- Repeat the process over the edges and at areas not covered
Remember that chlorine bleaches are much stronger and generally less safe than oxygen bleaches. We’d recommend using oxygen bleaches over chlorine bleaches to prevent metal eat up and hazard.
DIY Salt and Lemon Juice Combo
All the do-it-yourselfers out there, this technique is for you. The simplicity and practicality mean you can do it now on the most stubborn of stains – Rust. All you need is table salt (Sodium Chlorine) and lemon juice.
To carry this out, sprinkle table salt on stain areas before applying lemon juice on it. Clean of the mixture with a good dish rag and you are set.
Also Read: How to Clean Different Types of Kitchen Countertops
Use Liquid Dishwasher Soap
There is a high probability that the stains on the farmhouse sink came from dishwashing. If that is the case, using a good liquid dishwasher for the cleanup can do the trick. However, you need to allow the liquid dishwasher to stand on the stains for a couple of hours before using a rag or sponge to scrub it off.
We are certain one or a combination of these techniques on how to clean a farmhouse sink will get the job of leaving you with a bright and shining sink done. To improve your chances of a long and lasting sink, ensure you rinse and dry it immediately after every use.
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