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]
