Wondering how to clean black acrylic sink surfaces? A black sink can make a striking addition to any kitchen, but it requires extra care.
Sinks made from acrylic materials resist the cracking and corrosion that porcelain or metal sinks may endure. However, acrylic surfaces can scratch and stain easily.
Over time, dirt and grime can collect in these small scratches if not cleaned and cared for properly and dull the finish of your black acrylic sink. Also, a black sink can sometimes highlight imperfections even more than a white or lighter-colored sink, which makes regular cleaning all the more important.
You may be asking yourself, “What should I use to clean a black acrylic sink?” You may also want to know how you can prevent any damage to your sink from occurring. This cleaning guide hopes to answer these questions.
Table of Contents
How to Clean a Black Acrylic Sink:
Different methods may be used to clean your black acrylic sink. Some of these options include ingredients that are usually found in your cupboards as well as more potent chemicals.
A variety of methods are being provided here in case one does not work. Simply rinse your sink before trying another method. Avoid combining certain substances where indicated.
Method 1: Vinegar and Water Spray
How it Works:
Vinegar is a nontoxic cleaner with microbial properties that can leave your sink smelling fresh. Because it is acidic, it’s best to dilute it in water so it is not as concentrated.
Materials needed:
- Empty spray bottle
- White vinegar
- Sponge or rag
- Hot water
- Essential oils (optional)
Step One: Mix Vinegar and Water
Before you begin, towel your sink dry so that it is ready to receive the full effect of the vinegar mixture. In your empty spray bottle, combine a 2:1 ratio of water to vinegar. There should always be more water than vinegar in your spray mixture.
Note: If you wish to add a drop or two of essential oils such as lemon or orange, add them at this time. They are not necessary to the cleaning process but can help make everything smell great.
Step Two: Spray
Spray down all areas of your sink generously. All sides should be visibly wet. You can let the spray set for five to 10 minutes if your stains are stubborn or caked-on.
Step Three: Drain Your Sink and Rinse
Wet your sponge or rag and wipe down all sides of your sink, and scrub if necessary to lift stains. If they’re stubborn, dry out your sink and try a second treatment.
The great thing about vinegar is that it is all natural, so you don’t have to worry about damaging the surface of your acrylic sink.
Method 2: Diluted Bleach Soak
How it Works:
Bleach is the go-to kitchen cleaner. Not only does it remove stains, it disinfects and removes dangerous bacteria and viruses that can cause illness.
Though using bleach on a black sink may seem counter-intuitive, keep in mind that the sink’s surface is not dyed black. Black acrylic sinks are made by being poured into molds and are pigmented before they set.
Therefore, acrylic cannot be lightened or stained by bleach like most fabrics can. If you still have doubts, check your sink’s cleaning instructions for specific warnings and advisories.
Note: Never combine vinegar and bleach. The chemical reaction of these combined products creates a toxic gas that could be harmful if breathed in.
If you have used vinegar in your sink recently, rinse your sink thoroughly with hot water and allow to air-dry before using bleach, and vice-versa.
Materials needed:
- Chlorine bleach
- Hot water
- Sponge
- Gloves
Step One: Fill Sink and Pour in Bleach
Make sure your room is well-ventilated. Open a window if you can, or turn on the exhaust fan if your kitchen has one. Place a stopper in the sink drain and put on your rubber gloves.
Fill the sink with hot water and pour in bleach in a 1:10 solution. That means there should be one part bleach to ten parts of water.
For example, 1/2 to one cup of bleach should be used per gallon of water. Check your sink’s dimensions to see how many gallons of water it holds and adjust this ratio accordingly.
It’s important that the solution is not too concentrated for your own health and for the health of your sink.
Step Two: Wait, then Drain
Leave the bleach dilution to soak anywhere from 15 minutes to one hour depending on what’s convenient for you and how deep a clean you wish to achieve.
Make sure no adverse reaction is happening within the sink. When the time is up, don your gloves again and pull the sink plug. Allow the sink to drain.
Step Three: Wipe Your Sink Down with Rag or Sponge
Your sink should look and smell sparkling clean by now. However, feel free to take a sponge dampened with plain water and give your sink an all-over wipe-down to make sure all areas were covered. Allow to air-dry.
Method 3: Rubbing Alcohol Wipe-Down
How it Works:
Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, can be a very inexpensive and effective method of cleaning acrylic sinks. The alcohol serves as an astringent that removes any unhealthy bacteria while lifting away stains.
Materials needed:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Sponge or rag (non-abrasive)
- Hot water
Step One: Apply Rubbing Alcohol
When using cleaning products, always read the label. Rubbing alcohol is fairly harmless, but it never hurts to be cautious.
Take your rag or sponge and dampen it first with water. Pour a cap-full of rubbing alcohol directly onto your sponge or rag. Be sure to use a soft sponge or rag that has no abrasive materials in it, as these could scratch your acrylic sink.
Step Two: Apply Elbow Grease
Begin scrubbing the surface of your sink. Since you will not be leaving the rubbing alcohol to soak, a little extra effort is required. The rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, too, so it’s imperative that you are energetic in your efforts.
Step Three: Rinse out Sink and Use Towel to Dry
The rubbing alcohol will dry almost as quickly as you apply it. If you dislike the smell, try rinsing your sink with plain water afterward. Be sure to rinse and squeeze out your sponges and rags before putting them away. If you rinse your sink after, dry your sink with a towel.
Preventing Stains and Marks on Your Sink
Each day your sink comes into contact with cooking grease, soap scum and other things that can mar its surface. Daily maintenance is key.
Be sure to rub down your sink daily with a mild dish detergent and dampened dish rag or sponge and dry your sink with a towel. Try do this each time you use the sink.
When using strong drain cleaners or other corrosive materials to clean black slime in sink drain near your acrylic sink, make sure none of the product makes prolonged surface contact with your sink.
Black acrylic sinks usually have a sealed or resin finish that can be removed by harsh chemicals. Be sure to check your sink’s care instructions for a full list of what chemicals to avoid.
Abrasive sponges like steel wool should also be avoided. These items can cause scratching. These micro-scratches can wear away your sink’s finish in some areas and create dull spots. Stains love to settle into these areas.
Conclusion
With regular cleaning and daily maintenance, your kitchen sink will almost certainly smell and look brand new. Follow these tips and your black acrylic sink should retain its original finish without dulling or staining.
Above all, avoid scratching your sink with abrasive materials. With these methods in your toolbox, your acrylic sink will continue to make a statement for a long time.
