Copper is an interesting metal that is known to be a bit temperamental. However, that reputation may not be entirely accurate. Copper has what’s called a “living finish,” which means that its color will change and develop over time – much like how a shiny penny darkens and develops a deep patina with age.
Copper sinks, because they are used so regularly, develop a patina quickly. However, they may also experience spotting and stripping of the patina. These changes in color should not be cause for alarm; they do not indicate that the sink is damaged in any way.
How Often to Clean a Copper Sink
When it comes to copper sinks, the cleaning frequency is both good news and bad news. The good news is that they’re as easy to clean as washing a dish. The bad news is that you’ll have to do it often at least daily in order to keep the sink looking its best.
Copper sinks should be cleaned daily with mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth or sponge. In addition, the sink should be rinsed after each use to wick away any acidic or oily residue that can cause changes to the copper patina.
What to Avoid When Cleaning a Copper Sink
Caring for a copper sink is easy enough, but it’s important to use the right cleaning agents and tools to avoid causing irreversible damage.
To clean a copper sink:
- Use a soft cloth or sponge and soapy water.
- Rinse with clear water and dry with a soft cloth.
- For tougher spots, use a non-abrasive cleaner like vinegar or baking soda.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals, chlorine bleach, steel wool, abrasive scrubbing pads, or abrasive scrub brushes.
How to Clean a Copper Sink
Routine cleaning with a soft cloth and soapy water is all that is needed to keep your copper sink, whether raw or lacquered, looking like new for years to come!
What You’ll Need
- Mild dish soap
- Non-abrasive sponge or dishcloth
- Microfiber or cotton cloth
Step 1: Rinse the Sink
Rinse your sink with warm or hot water to remove any particles or residue that may be on the surface of your sink. By doing this, you will keep your sink shiny and looking new!
Step 2: Wipe the Sink
To clean your sink, start by using a mild liquid dish soap and a non-abrasive sponge or dishcloth to wipe the entire interior. Pay special attention to the rim, as food and liquids can splatter and become lodged in that space, which could cause damage to the finish.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry
To clean your sink and fixtures, start by rinsing away any soapy residue with warm or hot water. Then use a microfiber or cotton cloth to thoroughly dry the area.
Troubleshooting Common Copper Sink Problems
It is inevitable that at some point, your copper sink will be exposed to something that strips its patina. The first thing to do is stave off any panic by reminding yourself that changes to the appearance of copper are part of its natural beauty and that over time the rich tones of copper’s patina will reappear.
- However, there are some steps you can take to reverse the discoloration or stripping of copper’s patina:
- Polish the copper with a soft cloth and a solution of vinegar and salt to bring back its shine.
- Rub lemon juice on the sink to brighten and cleanse it.
- Make a paste out of flour, salt, and water and apply it to the sink to remove any stubborn stains.
- For a more thorough cleaning, mix baking soda and water and scrub the sink with a sponge.
1. Dishes or Food Damaging the Finish
It’s not recommended to leave dishes or food in a copper sink for an extended period of time, as it can cause the copper to tarnish.
A bottom grid can be placed in the sink to keep things from coming in direct contact with the copper surface. This will help to extend the life of your sink and keep it looking shiny and new.
A sponge holder is also a helpful tool to keep sponges and other cleaning tools, like dish wands, from coming in contact with the copper. This will help to prevent tarnishing and keep your sink looking its best.
2. Bright Spots
Bright spots on your copper sink are caused by the stripping of the patina and occur when the copper has been exposed to something acidic, like a slice of lemon or a blob of tomato sauce. These are inevitable and should be regarded as part of copper sink ownership rather than a cause for alarm.
When bright spots occur, wipe away whatever substance caused the change in color and allow nature to take its course—the patina will return with time. In the meantime, enjoy your unique copper sink!
3. Green Spots or Discoloration
Green spots or discoloration on copper known as verdigris occurs naturally and is not harmful to the metal. Verdigris, a buildup of minerals, can be caused by prolonged exposure to moisture and by some soaps.
To prevent verdigris, wipe a copper sink after each use to keep water from pooling and to ensure that soap residue doesn’t linger on the surface. Pay particular attention to the drain, faucets, and other fixtures where water tends to pool and linger, as this is usually where verdigris accumulates the most.
If you find verdigris on your copper surface, simply wipe it away with a microfiber or cotton cloth. You can apply a little extra pressure with your fingernail if needed, but be careful not to scratch the surface. If you need a little more cleaning power, mix up a paste of baking soda and water, and use a sponge to apply it in a circular motion. Rinse it off when you’re done.
How to Clean a Copper Sink and Restore Its Patina
Copper is an interesting metal that is known to be a bit temperamental. However, that reputation may not be entirely accurate. Copper has what’s called a “living finish,” which means that its color will change and develop over time – much like how a shiny penny darkens and develops a deep patina with age.
Copper sinks, because they are used so regularly, develop a patina quickly. However, they may also experience spotting and stripping of the patina. These changes in color should not be cause for alarm; they do not indicate that the sink is damaged in any way.
How Often to Clean a Copper Sink
When it comes to copper sinks, the cleaning frequency is both good news and bad news. The good news is that they’re as easy to clean as washing a dish. The bad news is that you’ll have to do it often—at least daily—in order to keep the sink looking its best.
Copper sinks should be cleaned daily with mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth or sponge. In addition, the sink should be rinsed after each use to wick away any acidic or oily residue that can cause changes to the copper patina.
What to Avoid When Cleaning a Copper Sink
Caring for a copper sink is easy enough, but it’s important to use the right cleaning agents and tools to avoid causing irreversible damage.
- To clean a copper sink:
- Use a soft cloth or sponge and soapy water.
- Rinse with clear water and dry with a soft cloth.
- For tougher spots, use a non-abrasive cleaner like vinegar or baking soda.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals, chlorine bleach, steel wool, abrasive scrubbing pads, or abrasive scrub brushes.
How to Clean a Copper Sink
Routine cleaning with a soft cloth and soapy water is all that is needed to keep your copper sink, whether raw or lacquered, looking like new for years to come!
What You’ll Need
- Mild dish soap
- Non-abrasive sponge or dishcloth
- Microfiber or cotton cloth
Step 1: Rinse the Sink
Rinse your sink with warm or hot water to remove any particles or residue that may be on the surface of your sink. By doing this, you will keep your sink shiny and looking new!
Step 2: Wipe the Sink
To clean your sink, start by using a mild liquid dish soap and a non-abrasive sponge or dishcloth to wipe the entire interior. Pay special attention to the rim, as food and liquids can splatter and become lodged in that space, which could cause damage to the finish.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry
To clean your sink and fixtures, start by rinsing away any soapy residue with warm or hot water. Then use a microfiber or cotton cloth to thoroughly dry the area.
Troubleshooting Common Copper Sink Problems
It is inevitable that at some point, your copper sink will be exposed to something that strips its patina. The first thing to do is stave off any panic by reminding yourself that changes to the appearance of copper are part of its natural beauty and that over time the rich tones of copper’s patina will reappear.
However, there are some steps you can take to reverse the discoloration or stripping of copper’s patina:
- Polish the copper with a soft cloth and a solution of vinegar and salt to bring back its shine.
- Rub lemon juice on the sink to brighten and cleanse it.
- Make a paste out of flour, salt, and water and apply it to the sink to remove any stubborn stains.
- For a more thorough cleaning, mix baking soda and water and scrub the sink with a sponge.
1. Dishes or Food Damaging the Finish
It’s not recommended to leave dishes or food in a copper sink for an extended period of time, as it can cause the copper to tarnish.
A bottom grid can be placed in the sink to keep things from coming in direct contact with the copper surface. This will help to extend the life of your sink and keep it looking shiny and new.
A sponge holder is also a helpful tool to keep sponges and other cleaning tools, like dish wands, from coming in contact with the copper. This will help to prevent tarnishing and keep your sink looking its best.
2. Bright Spots
Bright spots on your copper sink are caused by the stripping of the patina and occur when the copper has been exposed to something acidic, like a slice of lemon or a blob of tomato sauce. These are inevitable and should be regarded as part of copper sink ownership rather than a cause for alarm.
When bright spots occur, wipe away whatever substance caused the change in color and allow nature to take its course—the patina will return with time. In the meantime, enjoy your unique copper sink!
3. Green Spots or Discoloration
Green spots or discoloration on copper known as verdigris occurs naturally and is not harmful to the metal. Verdigris, a buildup of minerals, can be caused by prolonged exposure to moisture and by some soaps.
To prevent verdigris, wipe a copper sink after each use to keep water from pooling and to ensure that soap residue doesn’t linger on the surface. Pay particular attention to the drain, faucets, and other fixtures where water tends to pool and linger, as this is usually where verdigris accumulates the most.
If you find verdigris on your copper surface, simply wipe it away with a microfiber or cotton cloth. You can apply a little extra pressure with your fingernail if needed, but be careful not to scratch the surface. If you need a little more cleaning power, mix up a paste of baking soda and water, and use a sponge to apply it in a circular motion. Rinse it off when you’re done.
