Black sinks give a touch of timeless elegance to the kitchen or bathroom. In addition, they are manufactured with a mixture of granite, quartz, slate and other natural materials that make them resistant to scratches. However, these same materials can predispose them more to whitish stains caused by accumulations of soap and limescale (calcium deposits). The good news is that doing a simple daily cleaning helps reduce the work required to get rid of any soap and limescale residue.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Perform a Daily Cleaning
Step 1. Use a vinegar solution
In a spray bottle, mix equal parts of water and distilled white vinegar. Spray the solution on the soap residue and / or food particles. Rub the stain with a soft, clean microfiber cloth. Make gentle circular motions. If you notice a streak in the sink, proceed in the same direction as it is cleaning to avoid damaging the surface.
Step 2. Rinse the sink
Typically, just use cold or lukewarm water. Concentrate the jet of water on the last residues with the help of the shower head or your hands. Continue rinsing until all dirt particles are removed.
Step 3. Dry the sink
Use a clean, dry cloth. Make sure it has a soft texture to avoid damaging the surface. Make gentle circular movements following the grain of the material until the sink is completely dry.
Method 2 of 3: Remove Soap Residue
Step 1. Get a clean cloth or tea towel
Make sure it has a soft texture to avoid damaging the sink. Moisten it with warm tap water. Squeeze it to get rid of excess liquid.
Step 2. Use dish soap
Squeeze a drop or two of mild dish soap onto the cloth. Rub it on the surface using gentle circular motions until all the dirt begins to go away. Clean the sink by following the grain of the material.
Step 3. Rinse the sink
Remove all detergent residues with cold water. If the faucet does not have a hand shower, direct the jet of water with your hands or a cup. Focus on the suds left by the detergent and any soap residue. Continue rinsing until every single particle of dirt is removed.
Step 4. Dry the sink with a soft cloth or clean cloth
Make gentle circular movements following the grain of the material. Proceed until the surface is completely dry.
Method 3 of 3: Remove the limescale
Step 1. Sprinkle a handful of baking soda on the stain
Use enough to lightly coat the affected areas. The amount of product to use depends on the extent of the stain. It is not necessary to measure a precise dose. Let it sit for up to 30 seconds.
Step 2. Scrub the stain using a soft, clean cloth
Make gentle circular movements until the limescale softens. Always follow the grain of the material during the procedure.
Alternatively, you could make a paste by adding a few drops of water to the baking soda. Make the same gentle circular motions to soften limescale deposits
Step 3. Rinse the sink
Let lukewarm water run over the surface. If the faucet is equipped with a shower, use it when rinsing, otherwise direct the jet of water on the surface with the help of your hands or a cup. Continue rinsing until all traces of baking soda and limescale have been removed.
Step 4. Dry the sink
Use a clean, soft-textured cloth or tea towel. Make gentle circular movements following the grain of the material. Continue until the surface is completely dry. If there are traces of water left, the limestone or calcium inside it will contribute to the formation of new deposits.
Advice
Avoid leaving wet sponges or rags in or near the sink. Wet sponges and cloths can leave soap residues and streaks. If the water is hard, they can also contribute to the formation of limescale deposits
Warnings
- Scratch resistant surfaces are not actually scratch proof! Therefore, avoid using abrasive sponges, steel wool or other materials that could damage the sink.
- Never use bleach, ammonia, dyes, abrasive powders, drain cleaners or oven cleaners on the sink. They too can damage the composite material of the surface.