How To Clean a Farmhouse Sink

At the center of many great farmhouse kitchen designs is a great kitchen sink. A large, wide, and deep vessel with an apron front that extends over the edge of the counter is such a classic way to bring the antique and rustic style into your home. However, a sink like this may need some extra care compared to a builder-grade unit. Let's look at how to clean a farmhouse sink.

Why Your Sink Needs Maintenance

Even new fixtures and furniture need care and maintenance, and sinks are no exception. They see a lot of wear and tear. People drop heavy dishes and sharp cutlery and knives into them, and there is constantly water hitting the surfaces. This can lead to scratches that may hold bits of food or unsightly stains. Regular cleaning can help prevent this.

Being diligent about cleaning your sink is even more important if you have a reclaimed unit. The gorgeous sink you rescued from an old farmhouse has seen a lot of life and is even more susceptible to damage.

Get a Simple Cleaning Solution

Cleaning your farmhouse sink can be a delicate process that requires care. Start with finding the right cleaning solution. Harsh or gritty chemical cleaners could damage the surface of your sink and cause discoloration. A great alternative is to use simple and natural ingredients.

Vinegar is a really good option for disinfecting your sink. It can also help remove limescale without a lot of chemicals. For tougher stains like rust, a combination of salt and lemon juice may do the trick. Use the two to make a paste and then scrub the stains with a safe brush or cloth.

Find the Right Brushes and Cloths

Speaking of brushes and cleaning cloths, make sure you get the right ones as you learn how to clean a farmhouse sink. You'll want something sturdy that also won't scratch your sink's surface. For the interior of the sink, look for brushes that have natural materials. These will be effective for cleaning without creating gouges in porcelain or fireclay.

Apply the same criteria to any kitchen towels or sponges that you will use to wipe the inside and outside of the sink. This will help you maintain the natural shine of your sink for years to come.

Avoid These Materials

Just as you carefully pick the right materials for cleaning your sink, make sure to avoid certain ones. Put away the steel wool and metal scouring pads. They are too abrasive for your farmhouse sink and can create more scratches that could make your sink look worse over time.

Also, avoid very strong chemical cleaners. These can eat away at the finish of your sink and make it dull. If you aren't sure how your sink's surface will react to a certain cleaner, test it out on a small area of the sink and check the reaction.

Prevent Messes When You Can

The best maintenance you can have for your sink is prevention. While your sink will always get messy from time to time you can prevent opportunities for stains. Make sure wet items don't sit in the sink long. For dishes, a nice dish brush makes it easy to quickly wash dirty plates and glasses as they come in so they don't rest in the sink for long, creating the chance for scratches or stains.

Keep wet items off the porcelain around the edge of your farmhouse sink as well. Look at things like your sponges, dishrags, and soaps. Make sure they have a home so they don't just sit on the sink. Get rustic sponge holders that keep your sponges dry and off the sink or counter.

Designate a place for sharp objects like knives to go instead of the sink. Not only will their edges scratch the sink when they're dropped in, but they could also pose a danger if someone reaches in when the sink is full of water and doesn't realize a knife is there.

Taking the time to learn how to clean a farmhouse sink is all about protecting the investment you've made in your home. Keep this timeless fixture looking amazing for generations to come with a few easy steps. To find the best ways to complete your farmhouse kitchen, contact Antique Farmhouse for ideas and inspiration!