DuPont Corian sinks were all the rage decades after they were first introduced in 1971, but they’re still around today, gracing the kitchens of discerning homeowners everywhere. This is a testament to their quality, longevity, and durability. But how does one clean these sinks properly?
To clean a Corian sink, use solutions with substances like vinegar, denture cleaners, ammonia, bleach, oxalic acid, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, Viakal gel, and kitchen cleaners. Magic erasers are effective too. To maintain a glossy finish, use cleaners that double as polishers.
It takes little effort to clean sinks by Corian, which is still one of the most popular brands in kitchen fixtures. All that’s needed is a bit of know-how. Read on to find out various techniques for removing dirt and stains from your Corian sink.
Why Choose Corian Sinks?
The Corian brand by DuPont offers lots of color and pattern options. As part of the DuPont Quality Network, every Corian sink comes with a 10-year manufacturer-backed guarantee. Each professionally fabricated and installed Corian solid surface is renewable, completely sealed, and non-porous, creating a durable, lasting barrier.
Corian surfaces have limitations. Although they are heat-resistant up to 212°F (100°C), they can be damaged by excess heat. Use trivet and don’t place hot implements directly on them. You can also fill sinks with cold water before placing hot pans and pots in them.
Corian surfaces can also get scratched, dented, and stained. But like concrete and marble, Corian sinks have smooth surfaces. So it’s easy to sand away stains or scrapes. More significant damage can be repaired. Still, observe proper care and cleaning methods to maintain the longevity of your sink.
Ways to Clean a Corian Sink
Spray It With Bleach
To remove grease, fat, and oil, pour a mixture of 3/4 liquid household bleach and 1/4 water into a spray bottle. Plug the sink. Protect faucets and chrome fixtures with tape. Evenly spray the entire sink surface with the solution. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight, up to a maximum of 16 hours. In the morning, rinse off with warm water.
DuPont suggests a different ratio of bleach to water, a stronger 50-50 solution of chlorine bleach and water for both disinfection and stain removal. This is effective for eliminating brown stains from a previously white Corian kitchen sink.
Use Oxalic Acid
To remove stains, use a scrubbing cleaner with oxalic acid (aka wood bleach). Experts recommend Bar Keepers Friend in powder form or Zud in its less-abrasive cream or liquid form. Don’t use oxalic acid if you have a septic system because it will kill bacteria.
Use a Degreaser
Coat the sink’s surface with a household cleaner specially formulated for kitchens or a degreaser. Spread it using a damp microfiber cloth. Let the formula sit for a few minutes, then rinse.
For tough stains, use a Scotch Brite pad to scrub away the grime before rinsing. Repeat the procedure if needed. Note that you shouldn’t use abrasive products on high-gloss or dark surfaces.
Leave household cleaner overnight once a week to prevent grease build-up.
Use a Magic Eraser
For persistent stains, you may want to use a magic eraser. Popular brand is Mr. Clean. These pads are usually gentler than their abrasive counterparts. For more stubborn stains, choose coarser pads, which can also buff out scratches.
Use Ammonia
According to the Corian website’s care section, harsh cleaners aren’t necessary. For most residues, you just need warm soapy water or any ammonia-based household cleaner.
Corian warns against using window cleaners because these tend to leave a waxy build-up that dulls sink surfaces. Although liquids cannot penetrate Corian surfaces, wipe up spills as they occur.
Use Polish
If cleaning and buffing aren’t enough, use a combination polish and cleaner, such as Granite Gold Quartz Brite, to restore your sink’s luster. After applying the polish, buff the surface with a microfiber cloth.
Use Viakal Gel
To remove stains and prevent discoloration caused by exposure to hard water, apply Viakal Limescale Remover Spray. Leave it on for several minutes, then wipe off with a soft damp cloth. Rinse the surface thoroughly with water. Use a separate soft clean cloth to wipe away any residue.
Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
To remove yellow stains, make a paste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Spread onto the stain and let it sit for up to 24 hours. Scrub it gently while rinsing, and repeat as necessary. If you have a colored sink, test the solution first on a hidden spot, as it has a mild bleaching effect.
Use CLR
CLR Clean & Clear Stone Cleaner is a gentler alternative to abrasive cleaners. It is specially formulated for removing food remains, spills, and grime from hard surfaces, including Corian sinks.
It cleans and protects in one step, and restores and maintains surface sheen at the same time.
CLR comes in various formats, but the aerosol can is probably the most convenient, as it can reach nooks and crannies. Shake the can well and hold it six inches from the surface before spraying. Use a kitchen towel or a clean, dry cloth to wipe the surface dry afterward.
For hard-to-reach surfaces, spray CLR onto a cloth, or cotton bud then wipe. Scrub off unusually dirty surfaces beforehand.
Use Vinegar or Limescale Remover
To remove limescale, minerals, and hard water stains, apply vinegar or limescale remover, like LimeAway. Apply it using a microfiber cloth, and leave on for a few minutes before rinsing.
Use Nail Polish Remover
For spilled nail varnish, use non-acetone nail varnish remover. Wash off chemical spills with soapy water only to prevent contamination.
Use TSP
Apply TSP (trisodium phosphate) powder on a wet rag and scrub. To protect your garbage disposal, plug the drain opening beforehand. Flush with lots of water afterward. Substitute white vinegar for water as the wetting agent, if preferred.
Use Denture Cleaners
Fill your sink with warm water and plop around six denture cleaning tablets into it. Let the resulting fizz do its magic for a few minutes before draining.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to clean your Corian sink properly, you won’t be as agitated when guests spill on it. Prevention is always better than cure. However, it’s best to rinse spills right away. Clear your sink regularly. Don’t let food remain, and cooking utensils sit in it for an extended period. Wipe away staining liquids like wine, juice, coffee, and other acidic fluids immediately.
Proper care of your sink will extend its life considerably. It may even outlive other fixtures in your kitchen.
