FAQ
Are Copper Sinks Easy To Care For?
Copper sinks require minimal cleaning and care to maintain the patina. Most importantly, you should rinse and dry your sink after using it to avoid stains. Some people add a grate at the bottom to avoid dishes sitting on the copper.
How Do I Clean My Copper Sink?
Every copper sink should be routinely cleaned the same way no matter the type of finish.
1. Rinse Thoroughly After every use, rinse the sink thoroughly to remove any bits of food or beauty products that may be clinging to the surface. It is particularly important to rinse away anything acidic that can affect the patina.
2. Wipe Down With Dishwashing Soap and Water All you need for cleaning is a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap on a sponge or dishcloth. Remember to wipe under any countertop rims that may have splatters underneath that can damage the finish.
3. Tackle Tough Stains For any stuck-on food or difficult to remove stains, make a paste with baking soda and a few drops of water on a sponge. The baking soda paste will also help remove green spots (commonly called verdigris) that may appear around fixtures where the copper is exposed to moisture for too long. This is simply a mineral build-up that can be prevented by drying the area after every use.
4. Rinse and Dry After cleaning, give the sink a final rinse with warm water and use a lint-free cloth to dry the sink and fixtures.
Can I Slow Down The Patina From Changing?
You can maintain a shinier patina by rubbing a thin coat of old-fashioned furniture wax, beeswax or copper wax into the sink after cleaning.
Will The Color Change?
Copper changes and shifts in color over time. That's the nature of the metal, and not something you can completely stop or avoid. However, as a copper sink owner, you can control color changes to some extent with the proper care and treatment.
Copper becomes darker over time, as a way of protecting itself from chemicals and other harsh irritants in the environment. Darkening copper is to be expected, but you can slow that process and keep your copper looking lighter and brighter for longer. You may also find that some things you put in your sink strip the patina from it and create a shinier, brighter patch in that area. This isn't a problem and it's not hurting the sink material.
Copper kitchen sinks will last for a lifetime, and the patina will continue to change and develop for the entire time you use your kitchen sink. Cosmetics, acidic foods, and abrasive types of chemicals can change or remove the patina from your kitchen sink, and even the oil from your fingers can affect it. Don't leave these things in your sink for a long time, or they will strip the patina. Keep your sink as clean as possible, and always clean it after use so it can change color naturally.
How Thick Is The Copper?
The thicker the gauge of copper, the better the quality of the sink. A lower number indicates a thicker gauge. For example, a 14 gauge sink will be much thicker than a 20 gauge sink. It's important to remember this distinction so that you do not confuse a higher number as equating with a higher quality.
If you have a small sink area and live alone, you can very easily choose a thinner gauge without worry. But for people with a large kitchen and a big family who want a roomy sink to go match, it's vital that they consider a thicker gauge. You want a sink that will last a lifetime, and that's much easier to achieve when you make an investment in a quality copper sink.
How Long Do Copper Sinks Last?
Copper sinks are highly durable. Your copper kitchen sink will look beautiful and last a lifetime with proper care, so it's important that you make a wise purchase and get the new sink you really want. With the right research and planning, you can enjoy the form and function of your copper kitchen sink for a long time to come.