Hi Betsy I did this one for you but I have been away and could not get to doing it until yesterday.
When we put our new counter tops on we installed a new sink which had to be replaced because it had a fault in it. The plumber said that if people stored pool chemicals under their sinks the fumes off the chemicals destroyed the stainless steel and the warranty was void. There is a warning label under the sink telling you what not to store under there. But unless you get someone to tell you when installing for us people it goes unnoticed. I do not think they make stainless steel sinks like they used to years ago. Regards Ray From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Betsy Whitney Sent: Saturday, 25 April 2009 12:17 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Care and Cleaning of Stainless Sinks Aloha Ray, Great post. I was almost convinced that I was going to keep my old sink when we finalize the remodel, and this post did it. My sink is 30 years old and still looks great. This house was a rental before we bought it and the sink is still shiny and unpitted. Betsy At 10:22 PM 4/23/2009, you wrote: >Stainless steel sinks aren't "perfect"; no material is perfect for all >conditions/situations. We are not aware of any material that is more durable >and more "ideal" for sinks than quality stainless steel. > >Stainless steel sinks are made from nickel bearing stainless steel. The >mellow satin surface is compatible with any décor and color scheme. It is >timeless and elegant, and like fine silver, its beautiful finish becomes >lovelier with use and age. A quality stainless steel sink, with proper care >and maintenance, will give you a lifetime of service. > >Why Stainless Steel is "Stainless": > >When the chromium in the stainless steel is exposed to oxygen an invisible >layer of chromium oxide (Cr2O3) is formed. This layer is impervious to water >and air giving the stainless steel exceptional corrosion resistant >properties. > >6 Reasons Why We Like Stainless Steel Sinks: > >· Tough - Stainless steel is more durable than porcelain and cast iron, and >more forgiving than composites. Stainless steel sinks won't chip, nick or >crack. Thin stainless sinks can get dented, but "cheap" sinks of any other >materials tend to have less life (longevity) than a "cheap" stainless steel >sink. > >· Luster - Stainless steel will not rust, stain or fade, and the finish >resists scratches. It keeps its luster longer while other materials will >show their age. > >· Absorbs Shock - Stainless steel sinks on impact will "give" to cushion >glasses and dishes against breakage. > >· Easier to Clean - Stainless steel retains its luster when cleaned with >household cleanser and a soft towel. Healthcare facilities trust stainless >steel sinks due in part to their sanitary surface. > >· Greater Capacity - Stainless steel has strength and flexibility that >allows for deeper sink bowls. It has more overall usable space than >porcelain or cast iron. > >· Compliments Any Décor - Stainless steel sinks have clean lines and a cool >texture that reflect surrounding colors and patterns. Also, it compliments >any décor long after trendy colors are out-of-style. > >Chlorides: > >Today, chlorides are found in most soap, detergents, bleaches and cleansers; >chlorides can be aggressive to stainless steel. However, chlorides are very >water-soluble. Therefore, thorough rinsing of your sink after each use to >remove any chloride residue and a weekly scouring is all that is required to >keep your sink looking bright and shiny. > >Scratches > >Like many metallic surfaces, your stainless steel sink will scratch. These >are merely usage scratches and over time will blend into the overall finish >of your sink. > >Water Quality > >The quality of your water can affect your sink's appearance. If your water >has high iron content, a brown surface stain can form on the sink giving the >appearance of rust. Additionally, in areas with a high concentration of >minerals, or with over-softened water, a white film may develop on the sink. >To combat these problems, we suggest that the sink be towel dried after use, >and again, on a weekly basis, the sink should be cleaned. > >Food > >Heavy salt concentration or foods containing high levels of salt should not >be allowed to dry on the sink surface. Rinse your sink thoroughly after use. > >Cutting > >Your sink is designed to serve as many things, but should not be used as a >cutting board or chopping block. This type of use will lead to deep >scratches in the sink finish and will dull your knives. > >Routine Care: > >· Most dirt & stains: Use soapy water or ammonia-based cleaner. > >· Watermarks: Wipe with damp cloth then towel dry. > >· Disinfecting: Occasionally wipe surface with diluted household bleach (1 >part water /1 part bleach). > >· Maintenance: Occasionally clean by filling the sink one-quarter full with >a 50/50 water/bleach solution. Let soak for 15 minutes, then wash sides and >bottom as solution drains and thoroughly rinse. > >Precautions: > >· Do... It is best to rinse sinks thoroughly after each use. Thorough >rinsing can be done by running the water for a few minutes and rubbing the >cleaned area with a sponge. > >· Do... Avoid exposing sink to strong chemicals, such as paint removers, >oven cleaners, etc. If contact occurs, quickly flush the surface with water. > >· Do... Run cold water when pouring boiling water into sinks to try to >minimize temperature shock. With stainless it isn't as important to remember >that compared to other materials though. > >· Do... Towel dry after each use to prevent mineral deposits from building >up on the surface of the sink (although with a good quality stainless sink >you can buff it back to the original "new" finish even after many years of >scale and mineral build-up. > >· Do... Scour the sink once a week, being sure to rub in the direction of >the satin finish lines (best not to purchase a "mirror" finish). > >· Do... Remove nail polish with a non-acetone based nail polish remover and >flush with water. > >· Don't... Allow food or beverage residue, metal canned products, or mild >steel or cast iron cookware to remain on sink surface for long periods of >time as this can result in permanent staining of the sink. > >· Don't... Cut directly on sink surfaces. > >· Don't... Set hot pans directly into sinks. > >· Don't... Scour the sink across the satin finish lines. Scouring across >the satin finish lines can damage the original sink finish. > >· Don't... Allow liquid soap or other household cleansers to dry on the >surface of the sink. Most brands contain chemical additives, which will >affect the finish. > >· Don't... Use drain cleaning products that contain sulfuric or >hydrochloric acid. > >· Don't... Leave standing solutions of chlorine bleach and water in the >sink for extended periods of time. Chlorides, which are found in most soaps, >detergents, bleaches, and cleansers, are very aggressive to stainless steel. >If left on the sink too long they can cause surface pitting. > >· Don't... Use a steel wool pad to clean your sink. Steel wool pads have a >tendency to break apart and small particles of steel can become embedded in >the surface of the sink. The steel particles will rust and will give the >appearance that the sink itself is rusting. > >· Don't... Use rubber mats or dishpans in the sink to protect the finish. >Leaving rubber mats or dishpans in the sink can lead to surface rust or >possible pitting. Instead use stainless steel bottom grids. If you do use >mats or dishpans please remove them after each use. > >· Don't... Leave wet sponges, cloths, or cleaning pads on the sink. This >can lead to surface rust. > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
