Take care of your showers and sinks based on their material; check out these tips!
Believe it or not, there are simple cleaning mistakes you can make that ruin your sink. Before you start cleaning, determine the material of your sink, as each one requires different care and maintenance.
Cleaning Sinks
Ceramic, Porcelain, & Fireclay Sinks
A ceramic, porcelain, or fireclay sink should be cleaned with non-abrasive cleansers and soft cloths. Avoid acidic cleaners, as the material is porous. Clean up stains quickly before they settle in. For tough stains, line your sink with paper towels, saturate them with hydrogen peroxide or oxygen bleach, and let them sit for 30 minutes. Remove the towels and rinse the sink thoroughly. An acrylic sink is nonporous and can be cleaned with warm water and soap. If you have a stain, rub it with warm water and bleach solution.
Stone Sinks
Stone, composite stone, or engineered stone sinks should be cleaned daily using a mild detergent, warm water, and a soft cloth. Rinse and thoroughly dry with a soft cloth. Avoid acidic cleaners and clean up spills immediately.
Metal Sinks
You can clean metal sinks the same way; however, avoid scrubbing or abrasive cleaners, as they scratch the metal. Make a mixture of salt and vinegar and rub it on the sink if oxidation occurs. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse, and it will restore a lot of the color and shine of the sink.
Cleaning Showers
It is essential to clean your shower regularly at least twice a week to prevent mold and mildew buildup. Here are some tips to make your shower sparkle.
Ceramic Showers
The most significant burden in keeping a ceramic shower clean is the grout which can build up mildew. Empty the shower of any products, use a dry non-scratch scrubber to loosen any soap scum, and then spray the entire shower, especially the grout, with a tile cleanser and let it soak for 10 minutes. Scrub the surface with an all-purpose scouring pad, not a metal or hard-bristle scrubber, until the surface is clean. With warm water, rinse and dry the walls, avoiding water spots.
Natural Stone Showers
If your shower is granite, marble, or stone, it requires extra attention, as certain cleaning products and methods can damage and discolor the stone. Use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for stone surfaces. Acidic cleansers, such as vinegar or lemon juice, can etch the stone’s surface. Gently scrub the stone with a soft cloth or sponge. To remove tough stains or soap scum, use a small amount of mild abrasive cleanser such as baking soda. Rinse the stone thoroughly and dry with a soft, dry cloth to prevent water spots. Applying a stone sealer every year will help prevent stains and maintain the appearance of the stone.
Shower Curtains
If you are using a shower curtain, don’t forget to clean it thoroughly with a detergent every time you clean your shower to prevent mold or mildew.
We love designing and remodeling bathrooms using marble, granite, or ceramic tiles, but it is up to you to keep them sparkling.
Working With Magazi Kitchens and Baths
Magazi Kitchens and Baths and A.G. Building and Remodeling will work with you to meet your budget and accomplish improvements that will make a statement and allow you to enjoy your space. Relying on 30 years of experience with kitchen and bath planning and remodeling, Magazi Kitchens & Baths works with you to understand your dream for the space. By combining the talents of a designer and installer that work together every step of the way, we ensure your project is built in the most efficient and economical way. Our work spans Montgomery, Howard, Baltimore, and Anne Arundel Counties, including the towns of Bethesda, Silver Spring, Rockville, Kensington, Olney, Gaithersburg, Columbia, Ellicott City, Annapolis, and more. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn!