How to Clean Copper Sinks

Copper Sinks add beauty and elegance to your home and are becoming more popular. Overtime your copper sink will change its patina and become more beautiful. Because copper is a metal it will change color due to the environment and chemicals that it comes in contact with. Copper sinks has proven to be more sanitary than stainless steel or porcelain due to its antibacterial elements. Your choices for sinks include a vessel sink, farmhouse sink, apron sink or a custom handmade sink. A handmade sink is hammered and then fired to get different types of finishes. Learn to care for your sink and to clean it properly to enjoy it for many years.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Soap and Water. The best way to clean copper sinks is with plain soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals on your sinks. Your sink's patina will turn a coppery brown as it ages. If you want to maintain a shiny color then you must use a wax or lacquer coating.

2. Avoid Copper Cleaners. Your copper sink could be harmed by using some copper cleaners. Copper cleaners can be abrasive and scratch the surface of your sink. Avoid using a copper cleaner. The best is just to use soap and water with a soft cloth.

3. Hard Water. If you have hard water in your home you already know how the calcium buildup can appear on your fixtures. To keep your copper sinks free of hard water stains you should dry it with a soft cloth after each use. You can apply a wax such as Renaissance Wax to help repel the hard water and to keep your sink looking shiny.

4. Acidic Foods. Foods that are acidic can ruin your sink if left sitting in them. These foods include oranges, lemons, vinegar, pineapple and tomatoes. The copper will become shiny from the acid. If you accidentally have this happen clean the area with soap and water, overtime the shiny spot will disappear. Leave the water running while working with these foods in your sinks to avoid any reaction.

5. Custom copper sinks. A custom copper sink has a natural reddish color but varies from sink to sink. Overtime the patina of the sink will change. You can apply a lacquer to this type of sink finish to protect it.

6. Custom Sinks. A shiny and washed finish can be put on a custom copper sink. To keep this type of finish shiny and bright takes more maintenance. You can use Wrights Copper Cream to periodically clean and buff this type of finish. After cleaning apply a wax coating or lacquer to protect your sink. If you prefer to have an aged patina then you do not need to use the Copper Cream or wax.

Tips & Warnings

• Use Soap and Water to Clean Your Copper Sinks.
• Apply Wrights Copper Cream for a Shiny Washed Finish.
• Use Renaissance Wax to repel hard water.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners and items.

Resources

• Renaissance Wax
• Wrights Copper Cream
• Copper Sinks
• More Articles by Sharon Meier

[remodelmaster]

on 6/3/2009 You refer to copper having antibacterial properties, but suggest using products that totally defeat those properties. You were on the right track when you suggest soap and water. That is exactly what the EPA suggests. Keep you copper sink clean and free of any coatings in order to insure the antibacterial action of the copper.

[starlet67]

on 1/27/2009 Great tips!
5* Good tips and suggestions.