How to keep copper sink from turning green? You can easily clean copper sink green spots at home. Apply lacquer finish to the surface to freeze the patina. Copper sinks can naturally turn green color when it comes into contact with certain elements. Turning green color may occur quickly or slowly.
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4 Steps to Keep Copper Sink from Turning Green:
Step 1: Choose a lacquered finish that prevents patina
This choice requires more planning ahead than other options listed here. If you are installing a new sink, consider preparing it first with a coat of protective lacquer.
This clear layer creates a barrier between the copper material and any other substance. Water nor air will reach the sink’s surface, and the chemical reaction that causes copper to turn green will never happen.
This choice can save the most cleaning time in the long run. However, if your sink is already installed, applying lacquer may prove to be a challenge. Depending on what type of lacquer you choose, you may also risk diminishing the beautiful warm shine of untouched copper.
Harsh cleansers can break down the lacquer over time, too, so be sure to use gentle cleaning products and non-abrasive sponges.
Step 2: Regularly wipe down the sink with wax
Patinas form over time, so the right method is consistent maintenance. A wax barrier works much like the lacquer, in that it seals in the natural properties of the copper while repelling water and air. Natural beeswax or furniture wax are suitable for this task.
Because wax is not a permanent substance, you will need to regularly wipe down your copper sink with this material. Again, harsh cleansers can wear away at the wax.
Worse, the wax seal could wear away unevenly, creating unprotected spots in your sink that can darken faster than other areas. Keep an eye on your sink’s appearance and be consistent with waxing.
Step 3: Polish the copper regularly
If waxes and lacquers are off your list, a simple routine of polishing your copper sink with a cream can keep the green layer at bay. Whether your sink is made from brushed, shiny or hammered copper, it will look gorgeous when highly polished.
Polishing it weekly will remove any chemical reactions that may have formed over the prior seven days. Try to maintain a schedule from the time the sink is new for perfect results.
Though polishing it regularly may not prevent your copper sink’s contact with water or air, you will be achieving the same effect of keeping the green patina away. Another plus is that you will continue to enjoy a polished sink that looks like it just was installed yesterday.
Step 4: Clean and wipe dry after every use
Daily maintenance is key no matter what method of patina prevention you use. However, if you take care to dry your sink thoroughly after each use, you will greatly reduce the chance of a green layer forming due to water build-up.
The longer water lingers on the surface of your sink, the more chance a chemical reaction will occur. Drying out your sink each day will go a long way in stopping the reaction from happening.
You can also use a mild dish detergent or hand soap to wipe down your sink each day. This daily upkeep will remove any green discoloration before it forms. Though daily thorough cleaning can take a little more time and elbow grease, it can be an effective preventative measure.
Why Do Copper Sinks Turn Green?
Like many kitchen sink material like fireclay, stainless steel and so on, copper chemically reacts with certain elements. When exposed to oxygen in the air, copper can turn black, and when exposed to oxygen in water, it develops a green or blue-green color.
Since a sink’s main purpose is to dispense water, it’s no wonder that a copper sink is prone to turning green. This color change is called a patina, which is a harmless protective layer that is meant to prevent further corrosion.
Roofs and other outside structures that are made of copper rely on their patina for protection from harsh weather. For an indoor sink, however, there is no reason copper must retain this layer. Many homeowners prefer the natural finish of their original orange, shiny copper.
Though existing green stains can be removed from copper, it usually requires chemicals that might damage your sink’s finish. The right way to take care of the green layer is to stop it happening in the first place.
To prevent a patina from forming on your copper sink, simply reduce its contact with water or air. This goal can be easily achieved if you are committed to maintaining a beautiful sink.
Conclusion
You can keep copper sinks from turning green and fix discoloration as well by following these instructions. Keeping your copper sink lovely and patina-free can improve your enjoyment of it for many years to come.
