How to Clean & Protect Your Copper Sink 

Installing a copper sink in the bathroom or kitchen will add a stylish flair and warmth of natural materials. Even better, these sinks have a living finish that continues to become more unique and change with age. However, unlike stainless-steel models, copper sinks require special attention, especially when cleaning them, or else you will end up disappointed. So, how do you clean and protect a copper sink? 

In this guide, I’ll show you how to clean your copper sink step by step. More importantly, I’ll tell you what cleaners to avoid and use when caring for your kitchen or bathroom copper sink! 

How to clean a copper sink 

One notable benefit of copper sinks is that they’re relatively easy to clean. However, it is important to understand what you should not use when cleaning your copper sink. 

But first, let’s look at how to clean a copper sink step by step! 

What you will need 

• hot/ warm water 
• Mild dish soap/ Dishwashing liquid 
• Lint-free cotton/ microfiber dishcloth or sponge 
• 2 cups baking soda 
• 20 drops of essential oil 
• Soft bristle brush 

Cleaning a copper sink (Step-by-Step)

• Rinse thoroughly 

Rinse the copper sink thoroughly after every use to remove any food debris that may be clinging to the surface. Specifically, rinse away any acidic food item or drink on the sink as it can affect the patina. 

• Wipe down the sink with warm water and mild dish soap 

After rinsing your copper sink, wipe it down with a few drops of mild dish soap on a dishcloth/ sponge. Make sure you wipe under any countertop rims to get rid of any splatters underneath as they can damage the finish. 

• Remove tough stains 

To remove any stuck-on food and stains on your copper sink, sprinkle a little baking soda paste into the sink. Then squirt a few drops of mild dish soap into a soft bristle brush, wet with warm water, and gently scrub the sink. Carefully brush all the sink surfaces in a circular motion. The baking soda paste will also help you get rid of the green spots that usually appear on the copper sink when it’s exposed to moisture for too long. 

Alternatively, you can use water and vinegar solution on a soft sponge to remove any discoloration and stain on your copper sink. Moreover, you can avoid this mineral build-up altogether by drying the copper sink after every use.

• Rinse and dry 

Lastly, give your copper sink a final rinse with warm water and dry it with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. 

How to make your copper sink shine 

Some homeowners prefer their copper sinks to be shiny just like their stainless steel appliances instead of developing a darker patina. Luckily, you can easily accomplish that by buying a lacquered copper sink to slow down the development of the patina and maintain the shine. However, you will still need to care for the sink regularly to maintain the shine. 

For instance, you need to clean and wax the lacquered copper sink regularly. Also, you need to use copper polish to restore the shine if the sinks start to get dark. Next, apply copper wax and buff the sink every 4 – 6 weeks to get the desired shine and prevent discoloration. 

Things to Avoid when cleaning a copper sink 

Warm water and dish soap make a simple and effective cleaning solution for your copper sink. Also, you can use a mix of baking soda paste and warm water to remove tough stains on the sink. 

However, as I already mentioned, it’s important to note what not to use when cleaning your copper sink. For instance, you should NOT use any abrasive or harsh cleaning solutions or tools. This includes scrubbing cleansers with abrasive materials, bleach-based cleaners, and harsh chemicals. In addition, you should avoid using cleaning pads with abrasive surfaces and steel wool. 

How often should you clean a copper sink? 

While cleaning a copper sink is easy, you will have to clean it regularly, at least daily, to keep it looking its best. In addition, you should rinse the sink after each use to get rid of any oily or acidic residue that can damage its patina. More importantly, you should dry the sink after each use to prevent the buildup of hard water spots. 

How to preserve your copper sink finish 

The easiest way to preserve the finish of your copper sink is to coat it with an old-fashioned wax for furniture. Alternatively, you can use copper wax or beeswax to stop oxidation and slow down the development of the patina. 

That said, use a soft fabric or cloth to apply the wax on a clean sink surface in a circular motion. If possible, use these waxes on your copper sink after every cleanup to significantly slow down the development of the patina. 

Conclusion 

How you use your copper sink on a daily basis will have a significant impact on its appearance. For that, it’s important to rinse the sink after every use to prevent food debris and residue from building up. To be precise, this helps to remove acidic food and drinks that can damage its patina. Moreover, drying the copper sink after rinsing reduces stain buildup and protects the metal, especially if you’ve got hard water.