Maintaining and caring for our sinks & taps could not be easier; Homestyle recommends the following guidelines in order to prolong the life and look of our sink and taps.

Scratching

Stainless steel by its very nature may scratch, these scratches will not cause any long term effects or problems to the sink, and in fact over time the scratches will become even across the entire surface and appear less noticeable. Surface scratches will not unduly affect the hygienic nature and properties of the sink or affect its performance in any way.
Scratching to the sink can be reduced by following a few basic tips.

1. Avoiding placing plastic washing up bowls in the sink, these have an abrasive affect to the surface of the sink and long term contact should be avoided.
2. When cutting or chopping on a stainless steel sink we recommend the use of a wooden or glass chopping board which has been designed to work in unison with the sink, this will avoid unnecessary scratching to the surface of the sink and prolong its good looks and finish.
3. Homestyle recommends that in order to reduce scratching to the sink, items with rough or textured undersides such as cast iron saucepans and the underside of ceramic items etc are placed carefully on to the surface of the sink and should not to be “dragged” across the surface of the sink.
4. Whilst we recommend daily cleaning of the sink to prolong its life and to avoid staining, we advise that cleaning products that contain abrasive powders or creams are not to be used; we also suggest that scourers, brillo pads and wire wool are best avoided.

Staining to the sink

Stainless steel by its very nature does not stain under normal domestic use. However stains and discolouration may be seen on the surface of the sink from time to time. These stains and discolouration are more often than not caused by “foreign” materials clinging to the surface of the sink. Stains that appear on your sink can be reduced by ensuring that the surface of the sink is cleaned correctly after use and where possible wet items or liquids are not left to dry on the surface of the sink. Homestyle recommends that the sink is thoroughly dried after cleaning and that the end users uses a specialist sink cleanser, such as “Shiny-Sinks” from time to time in order to prolong its finish.

We recommend that acidic liquids and substances such as fizzy drinks, salt, citric fruit juices, vinegar, mustard and pickles etc are not left on the surface of the sink for any length of time and are wiped off and the sink thoroughly cleaned after contact.

Rusting to the sink “Rust Spots”

Homestyle uses only Premium grade SS304 stainless steel across all sink models. This grade of steel will not and cannot rust. However “Foreign” matter can adhere to both the bowl and surface of the sink and give the impression that the sink may appear to be “rusting”. The “Foreign” material that adheres to the surface of the sink could be metallic and it is this “Foreign” material itself that at first sight could be mistaken for rust marks on the sink. We strongly advise that the sink is cleaned and dried carefully and regularly to avoid “Foreign” matter and materials adhering to the surfaces of the sink. We ask that the end user pays particular attention during the installation of the sink and wipes clean and removes any metallic materials, for instance, (copper filings from the tap fittings) and residues that could have settled on the sink surface during the installation process, we also advise that metallic materials that are prone to rusting such as wire wool, brilo pads etc are not left to dry and cling to the surface of the sink. Should spots occur to the surface of the sink we recommend that a specialist cleaning agent such as “Bar Keepers Friend” be used to remove the cause of the “Rust Spots”. The process for removing “Rust Spots” should be carefully repeated over 7 days or so in order to try and completely remedy the affected area and this will hopefully avoid the same “Rust Spots” reoccurring.
Homestyle recommends and endorses daily cleaning of our sinks in order to prolong their life and finish, we also recommend the use of specialist cleaning agents such as “Shiny Sinks” “Bar Keepers Friend” along with specialist E-Cloths (designed to be used for steel sinks and appliances) Please ensure that the manufacturer’s instructions are carefully adhered to when using any one of these products.

Caring for the tap

Whilst our taps will not be subjected to the high amount of daily use as the sink we strongly recommend that to prolong their finish (Chrome/Brushed Steel) that they are only cleaned with a soft cloth and soapy water. Once clean the tap should be buffed with a soft lint free cloth. Should lime scale build up around the nozzle of the tap spout this is best removed with a small brush (with soft bristles) it may also help to apply a small amount of lemon juice or lime scale cleanser (non abrasive only) to the area, taking care to rinse and wipe off any remaining lemon juice or lime scale cleanser from the tap.