The Care & Maintenance of Copper Sinks

There are many myths about copper but the one I hear the most often is how difficult these sinks are to maintain. This is almost always heard from someone who does not own one, because caring for copper sinks is simply a matter of using mild soap & water – other cleaners are not necessary. These sinks are virtually maintenance free. Unless you want to maintain a shiny copper finish, do not use copper cleaners. Do not use abrasive materials or harsh chemicals on any of our products – these can harm the surface. If you have hard water, keep your basin and drain clean and dry by wiping it down periodically with a soft cloth to avoid spotting.

A copper finish is a living finish and never really stops changing in color. That being said, the evolution of a copper finish is gradual, and as it ages it takes on a warm medium patina. If you want to slow down this patina process, simply wax your sink on occasion. We recommend applying a product such as “Renaissance Wax” to the copper surface periodically. This will help maintain the luster and provide better water runoff.

Most copper sinks sold today come already “aged” or with a patina. This is simply an acceleration of the patina process. However, a few sinks are sold with no finish in what is normally referred to as “Shiny Copper”. These sinks can and these can be more maintenance intensive. A periodic cleaning with a copper cleaner will bring out the shine, but don’t forget to protect the surface with a wax. This will greatly increase the time between polishing and save you a lot of work!

Enjoy the living qualities of your beautiful copper sink - truly a unique and beautiful work of art!

Jack Healy is part owner of Sinks Gallery and Copper Sinks Online. Sinks Gallery offers the largest collection of artisan and designer kitchen, bath and bar sinks available in North America. Copper Sinks Online offers an extensive variety of hand hammered copper sinks. As a 20 year veteran of the plumbing industry, Jack has written several articles aimed at helping the homeowner make more informed choices when purchasing plumbing products.