What are your maintenance tips to keep a copper farmhouse sink clean?
Copper requires little care and maintenance. In general, you can get it to glow by just cleaning it regularly with mild soap and a soft towel and then buffing it to a dry sheen. Avoid any acidic cleaners or harsh abrasives, as they can scratch the surface unnecessarily.
Will acidic foods/liquids cause spotting and staining?
If acids such as lemon juice and vinegar come in direct contact with the copper in your kitchen sink, you may notice a mark appear. This stain is a natural chemical reaction and will fade over time. To avoid this type of situation, however, never pour acids directly onto the exposed copper. Instead, if you have to drain an ingredient that contains acid, consider filling the sink with water first to dilute the acid as much as possible.
- Acidic foods: citrus, tomatoes, ketchup, pepperoni, soda, etc.
- Cosmetics: toothpaste, make-ups, shaving cream, etc.
- Abrasive chemicals: avoid bleach, drain unclogging chemicals, etc.
If you expose these items to your sink, try to remove them and their residue as quickly as possible. If you leave them on for an extended period, they will strip the patina. Over several days (or weeks), the copper will heal itself naturally and patina over time.
Is there more maintenance with a sink that has texture in the basin than a sealed sink?
No, the maintenance is the same. Copper sinks take care of themselves, assuming you are ok with slight patina variations that will develop naturally in the basin.
Can I clean your copper sinks with Bar Keepers Friend?
Bar Keepers Friend works excellent on our Natural Copper finish. We recommend starting in a small area to get the cleaning powder dialed in. Just use a soft rag or sponge, nothing abrasive.
How can I protect the finish of my copper sink?
After cleaning your sink, you can apply clear wax to help protect the finish. You may want to use the wax every so often to bring a "like-new" luster to your sink.
I have concerns about copper sinks scratching. Can you give me more info on this?
Copper is a softer metal and is susceptible to scratches. The great thing about copper is that it's a living metal, it will patina over time, and heal itself. The other alternative is to choose a sink with an Artisan patina finish, as those finishes do not show scratches as easily.
Will the apron scratch?
Apron scratches are not a common complaint we have had from our customers. The finish could scratch like any other metal or painted surface.
Will the sink apron patina change?
It depends on the finish you select, living (natural) or sealed. Living finishes patina over time; sealed finishes will stay as-is.