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Is 16 gauge stainless steel thicker or thinner than 18 gauge stainless steel?16 gauge stainless steel is 25% thicker than 18 gauge stainless steel.
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What type of stainless steel do you use for your sinks?We use high quality cold-rolled 304 and 300 grade stainless steel for our sinks.
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Are all stainless steel sinks available with reversed side bowls?Although most of are stainless steel sinks are available with reversed side bowls, our dual mount stainless steel sinks are not available with reversed side bowls.
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What is a good gauge for a sink?The lower the gauge number, the thicker the sink is, therefore, a 16 or 18 gauge sink would be a good quality choice.
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How do I repair a scratch in my stainless steel sink?For scratches on the surface of your stainless steel sink, use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner to scour the affected area. Next, use a soft cloth and rub with the grain of your sink to blend in scratches. For deeper scratches, we recommend using a stainless steel scratch removal kit, which is available online or in most hardware stores.
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I have a sink that looks like yours can I just order the grids and/or cutting board?No, our grids and cutting boards are custom made to fit our sinks, therefore, we cannot guarantee that our grids and cutting boards will fit sinks that are not made by MR Direct.
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What is the difference between standard strainers and basket strainers?Basket strainers are able to hold more debris than standard strainers because they internally collect debris with a metal basket that can be removed and emptied as needed.
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What type of wood is used to make your cutting boards?Our light colored Natural board is made of wood from the latex-producing Rubberwood tree, and our dark colored Sapele board is made from the mahogany wood of a Sapele tree. Both are dense hardwoods that have beautiful grain patterns and are naturally-resistant to moisture, molds, and fungus.
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How do I clean my cutting board?
Cutting Board Cleaning
While our cutting boards are made from durable wood, they aren’t maintenance free and should be cleaned immediately after each use by following this tip.
Instructions
- Mix a solution of mild soap and water.
- Using a soft sponge, scrub the mixture onto the cutting board in a circular motion.
- Rinse immediately with pure water and stand board up to dry.
Supplies Needed
To achieve the best results, we recommend that you use Dawn® dish soap.
Mild Soap
Soft Sponge
Bleach Your Cutting Board
While our cutting boards are made from durable wood, they aren’t maintenance free. Use this tip as an alternative to routine cleaning if you do not have access to a mild dish detergent.
Instructions
- With a soft sponge, gently scrub a weak solution of 1 teaspoon of bleach and 1 quart of water.
- Using a soft sponge, scrub the mixture onto the cutting board in a circular motion.
- Rinse immediately with pure water and stand board up to dry.
Supplies Needed
To achieve the best results, we recommend that you use Clorox® bleach.
Bleach
Soft Sponge
Cutting Board Maintenance
Cutting boards are vital tools in the kitchen and odors and stains may occur over time. Odors can be eliminated with baking soda and cutting board stains can be removed with this tip.
Instructions
- Generously sprinkle regular table salt over the entire surface.
- Using a sliced lemon, thoroughly rub the salted surface.
- Rinse immediately with warm water and stand board up to dry.
Supplies Needed
Table Salt
Lemon Slice
Oiling Your Cutting Board
Cutting boards may need to be oiled every few months or every few weeks if you live in a dry climate. When you do so, be sure to use a food grade mineral oil, not an edible food oil.
Instructions
- Apply oil to a paper towel.
- Wipe oil over the entire surface and let sit out overnight.
- Use a damp cloth to remove any excess oil.
Supplies Needed
To achieve the best results, we recommend that you use Howard® Cutting Board Oil.
Mineral Oil
Paper Towels
Microfiber Cloth
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Can all of your undermount sinks be topmounted?No, only our sinks that are labeled for undermount and topmount can be mounted both ways.
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How do I clean my stainless steel sink?
Maintaining Stainless Steel
Regularly rinse away residue in your sink and use this tip weekly to clean & remove fine scratches. Prevent scratches by using a sink grid instead of a rubber mat in your sink.
Instructions
- Douse your sink with a mild abrasive cleaner.
- With a soft sponge, scrub with the grain of your sink.
- Rinse immediately with pure water and dry.
Supplies Needed
For best results, we recommend using Bar Keepers Friend®.
Mild Abrasive Cleaner
Soft Sponge
Microfiber Cloth
Streakless Stainless Steel
Your kitchen sees a lot of action throughout the day and it’s common for your sink to be covered in streaks at the end of the day. Use this tip to remove unwanted streaks from your sink.
Instructions
- Make sure your sink is completely dry and add a few drops of olive oil to a paper towel.
- Wipe the oil over streaked areas.
- Rinse immediately with pure water and dry.
Supplies Needed
Olive Oil
Paper Towels
Smudged Stainless Steel
Busy families tend to get a bit messy in the kitchen and this can leave your sink covered in fingerprints. Use this tip to get rid of those unsightly smudges and hard water deposits.
Instructions
- Pour undiluted white vinegar onto a soft sponge.
- Gently rub the soft sponge over smudges or spots and the surrounding areas.
- Rinse immediately with pure water and dry.
Supplies Needed
Vinegar
Soft Sponge
Microfiber Cloth
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What size sink base cabinet is needed for an apron sink?An apron, or farmhouse, sink requires a custom built cabinet.