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Because it makes such a dramatic statement in the bath, more and more people are opting to bring a piece of nature into their homes, in the form of a stone vessel sink. Whether it’s granite, marble, onyx, or sandstone, it’s important to keep it looking as clean and natural as the day it was installed. Here are a few precautions and maintenance tips to help in the effort.
Wipe down the sink after each use. Sure, this can be a nuisance at first, but after a short time it’ll become automatic, and establishing this habit will prevent damage from acidic substances. There are plenty of villains like toothpaste and makeup creams lurking around your sink, just waiting to attack. And, if your water is considered hard, as 80% of our fresh water systems are, wiping the sink dry is mandatory. Otherwise, the lime, calcium, and salts in the water itself will set on the stone, potentially becoming a permanent stain. Take a look at your showerhead!
On a regular basis, an overall cleaning with a mild dishwashing detergent, water, and a soft cloth is strongly advised. But don’t start thinking that something coarser or stronger will work better on such a rugged material as stone. Abrasive scrubbers, steel wool, and highly acidic cleansers can scratch, etch, and ruin the finish of the stone. The best option is one of the many cleaning solutions specifically formulated for stone.
All stones are porous in varying degrees, so a sealant should be applied to fill the microscopic pores. Even if it was pre-sealed at the factory, it will need periodic re-sealing. If your vessel is dense, like granite, this can be done every couple years. But if it is very porous, like sandstone, it should be done once or twice a year, depending on use and the quality of the sealant applied.
Polishes add even further protection against moisture and give varying degrees of glossiness to the stone. There are many manufacturers of these types of products, and some offer blends of sealants and polish. Similar to paints, polishes can be in semi or high-gloss finishes. Read the labels carefully, so you know whether you are buying a sealant, a polish, or some combination of both.
Stone vessels are in a class by themselves, earthy and bold, and can be kept strong with just a little regular attention.
