Copper sinks, how to effectively care for them so that they keep their charm

A sink as we all know is a bowl shaped plumbing fixture used for washing hands, dishes and other purposes. It is mainly found in kitchens, bathrooms, powder rooms, BBQ areas and alike. Sinks are made from very many materials one of them being copper. We look at how a copper sink is effectively taken care of, so that it maintains its good look and last longer.

Many home owners like copper sinks because they have their own personality. However, maintaining them such that they keep looking that good requires some dedication. Copper is a metal that keeps evolving with time as it reacts with various elements. You will notice that with time, your copper sink will look even more beautiful (or worse depending on how you treat it) than the first time you saw it. This can only become possible if you take proper care for it.

Copper sinks come into a variety of finishes, the most common of them are: clear and dark brown and custom natural reddish color finish. They are achieved as a result of accelerating the aging process of the sinks so that they get these distinctive finishes. To maintain that beautiful look on your copper sink, follow these instructions:

• Cleaners You do not need to have any specific cleaners. In fact, if you use hard cleaners on a copper sink with a patina (weathered finish), chances are that you will hurt the surface of your sink. Use soft cotton cloths to clean your sink. Avoid using hard chemicals too as they will do the same.
  
  
• Hard water If you happen to stay around a place with hard water, always keep your copper clean and dry it with a soft cloth after washing. Hard water effects makes the copper get spots, specially on hammered copper sinks. To prevent this further, apply some wax periodically on your sink. This will make it maintain it's luster and continue looking good.
  
  
• Acid foods Avoid leaving acidic foods on your sink surface for a prolonged period of time. Foods like tomatoes, oranges, lemons contain acids which leave a shiny bad spot on the finish of your copper sink. If this happens accidentally, just wash the sink with soap and water and wait for the finish to recover it's patina. The copper will age with time and the spot will finally continue.

For custom copper sinks with natural reddish color, the maintenance process remains the same as with the dark and clear brown finished sink. However, you are advised to apply lacquer regularly to help protect it and also slow the aging process.

To maintain shiny and washed finishes o your custom sink, you will require to keep maintaining your silk all the time. An acid wash also helps in obtaining a beautiful bright look. Remember to also rebuff and clean your sink with a copper cleaner regularly. After cleaning your sink, protect it's surface with wax coating. If you adhere to these instructions and follow them to the latter, then your copper sink will continue looking like new.