Every kitchen sink requires some degree of care and maintenance, although some require more complex care. Natural stones, including granite, are a resilient pick for kitchen and bathroom sinks. However, solid granite sinks are less common than granite composite, so we’ll focus on the care and keeping of a composite granite sink.
If you recently purchased a composite granite sink or are weighing the pros and cons, you’re in the right place. We compiled some information surrounding the care of composite granite sinks, so continue reading to learn more!
What Is Granite Composite?
Granite composite is a popular material for kitchen sinks. It offers an array of benefits, from exceptional durability to heat, scratch, chip, and crack resistance. Due to its durability, longevity, and relatively low price tag compared to solid granite sinks, it’s a common material for sinks.
Granite composite sinks consist of a mixture of granite and acrylic resin. Most of the time, the sink is made up of 80 percent granite and 20 percent acrylic resin, but some sinks have slightly different percentages of each material.
Instead of solid granite, manufacturers use an engineered mixture of crushed stone dust and quartz. They mix the crushed material with acrylic resins, then mold the mixture into the shape of the sink.
Granite Composite vs. Solid Granite Sinks
Solid granite kitchen sinks are entirely different than composite granite. Instead of a mixture of crushed granite with acrylic resin, pure granite sinks are solid granite. Some folks use the two interchangeably, but they’re considerably different in their makeup.
How To Clean A Granite Composite Sink
Like most kitchen sink materials, composite granite sinks require specific care to preserve the overall quality of the sink. However, although some sinks require meticulous cleaning, composite granite sinks are pretty straightforward.
Daily Cleaning
Daily maintenance for a granite composite sink is simple. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mild dish soap
- Soft sponge
- Warm water
- Clean, soft cloth
Soak a soft, non-abrasive sponge in warm, soapy water. Use the sponge to scrub the entire surface of the sink gently. It doesn’t hurt to complete this cleaning process after each use, like after washing a sink full of dishes.
Doing this process daily helps avoid limescale, water spots, and stains before they dig in and take hold. Although it might not seem necessary, daily cleaning will save you time later on, as it’ll help avoid tough stains and mineral deposits.
Once you finish cleaning the sink, rinse away the sudsy residue with warm, clean water. Then, dry the sink with a clean, soft cloth.
Tips For Tackling Stains
In some cases, daily cleaning might not be enough to ward off stains. If you have hard water in your home, you might notice small water spots and mineral deposits appearing on areas where standing water dried. The water evaporates, leaving its mineral content behind on the sink’s surface.
Luckily, ridding your sink of these unsightly stains is a simple process. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Spray bottle
- White vinegar
- Water
- Non-abrasive sponge
- Clean, dry cloth
Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and water in a 50/50 mixture. Next, clear any dishes from the sink. Once the sink is empty, spray the vinegar solution on the entire surface of the sink, paying close attention to the problem areas.
Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub it into the sink’s surface with a soft sponge. Again, target the problem areas with stains or mineral deposits. Once the stains and trouble areas lift, rinse the sink with warm water.
Dry the surface thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth. Be sure not to allow the solution to sit for too long, and ensure you rinse away all of the vinegar from the sink’s surface.
Tips For Stubborn Stains
Although a vinegar and water solution will do the trick for lighter stains, it might not lift deep-set stains. So, you’ll need to use something stronger. However, before reaching for a harsh chemical cocktail, try baking soda and vinegar.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar/water solution
- Soft sponge
- Clean, dry cloth
Keep your spray bottle of vinegar and water on hand for this method. Start by clearing out the sink, and emptying any dishes, dish rags, and soaps. Once the sink is empty, sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda over the stubborn stain.
Next, spray your vinegar/water solution over the baking soda. You’ll see a mini science experiment taking place as the vinegar and baking soda react, fizzing and bubbling. Using a soft sponge, gently scrub the solution into the stain.
After you finish scrubbing, use fresh, warm water to rinse away the baking soda residue. Make sure you rinse all the vinegar and baking soda from the sink’s surface. Wipe the sink dry with a clean, dry towel.
What Should You Not Put On A Composite Granite Sink?
Despite the relatively easy care and upkeep required for composite granite sinks, there are quite a few things you shouldn’t use on your sink. Harsh cleaners and abrasive scrubbers can damage the sink, leaving etching and scratches on its surface.
Here’s a list of what you should avoid using/leaving on/in your composite granite sink:
- Abrasive scrubbers, like steel wool
- Harsh chemicals, like ammonia, straight bleach, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloride, and sulphuric acid
- Wet sponges: They can leave mineral deposits behind as they dry and may even discolor the sink in some cases.
- Plastic bowls and strainers: These are notorious for collecting grit on the bottom of the bowl/strainer, which can scratch your sink.
- Vibrant-colored foods: Leaving brightly-colored foods and drinks, like red wine, fruit juices, tea, coffee, and tomato-based sauces, can leave stains on the surface of the sink if they sit for very long.