How to Clean a Black Composite Sink So It Looks Brand New Again

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Plus, how to oil and seal your sink to restore its luxurious shine

Co-authored by Alicia Sokolowski and Dan Hickey

Last Updated: September 11, 2024 Fact Checked

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Cleaning a Black Sink

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Restoring a Black Sink's Shine

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Black Sink Maintenance Tips

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Expert Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

Black sinks add a touch of timeless elegance to your kitchen or bathroom. As a bonus, they're made of a mixture of granite, quartz, slate and other natural materials that keep them scratch-resistant. However, those same materials can make black sinks more prone to white stains like soap buildup and limescale (calcium deposits). Not to worry! A daily wipe down with soapy water can keep your sink cleaner for longer, and a deep clean with natural cleaners like vinegar will remove any buildup you might get. We consulted green cleaning specialist Alicia Sokolowski for more tips on maintaining a black sink, so read on!

How to Clean a Black Sink: Quick Tips

Spray your black composite sink with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water. Scrub with a soft cloth to remove buildup and limescale. Sprinkle baking soda or Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser over stubborn spots and scrub again. Rinse and dry to finish. Wipe the sink with a few drops of mineral oil every 4–6 weeks.

Section 1 of 3:

Cleaning a Black Sink

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1
Wipe down the sink with soapy water to remove light buildup. If your sink looks mostly clean already, a quick wipe down will do the trick. Squirt a drop or two of mild dishwashing liquid onto a soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge and lather it up with warm water.^{[1]
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Research source} Wring it out a bit and scrub in gentle circular strokes around the sides and basin, moving with the grain of the sink.
- Avoid using harsh, acidic cleaners or scratchy scrubbers like steel wool since these can damage the composite material.
- A quick wipe with soapy water is enough to remove daily buildup and keep your sink looking clean throughout the week.
- If there's any dry debris on the sink, wipe it off with a cloth before washing the sink with soapy water. Green cleaning expert Alicia Sokolowski says, “Always remove dust and dry dirt first, before adding water. Use a microfiber cloth for that since it’s most effective.”^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  Alicia Sokolowski
  Green Cleaning Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.}
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Use a 50-50 mix of vinegar and water for heavier buildup. If you spot calcium deposits, limescale, or soap scum buildup, go for a stronger cleaner. Mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on soap scum, stains, and spots (especially around the drain).^{[3]
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Research source} Use a clean, soft cloth or sponge and move in gentle circular strokes. If you notice a grain in the sink, move with it to avoid damaging the surface.
- If the sink is particularly dirty, Sokolowski says to “let [the vinegar] sit for a few minutes or longer if necessary” to make the buildup easier to remove.^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Alicia Sokolowski
  Green Cleaning Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.}
- For an even stronger cleaner, add a squirt of dish soap to the vinegar mixture.^{[5]
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  Research source} Or, Sokolowski says you can combine a natural bathroom cleaner with baking soda and a few tablespoons of white vinegar for a tougher clean.^{[6]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Alicia Sokolowski
  Green Cleaning Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.}
- Vinegar is a natural, gentle cleanser that won’t hurt your porous composite sink. If the smell bothers you, add a few drops of a fresh essential oil like lavender or lemon to the spray bottle.^{[7]
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Sprinkle baking soda over any stains or tough spots and scrub them. Add a thin layer of baking soda to tough spots and let it sit for 30 seconds. It will fizz with the vinegar mixture and help breakdown thick limescale deposits or other nasties stuck to the sink. Once the bubbles subside, grab a soft cloth or sponge and scrub the spots again in gentle, circular motions.^{[8]
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- Cleaning with baking soda is abrasive enough to be effective, but not so harsh that it will scratch your sink.
- Pay extra attention to buildup around the drain or garbage disposal. Try using an old toothbrush to scrub any hard to reach areas.^{[9]
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- For extra tough stains or buildup, lots of people have had success with using Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser. Apply the cleanser to any tough spots and scrub with a non-scratch sponge to restore any extra grimey areas.
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Rinse and dry the sink. Use cool or lukewarm water to dilute the vinegar mixture completely. If you don't have a sprayer, direct the water with your hands or a cup. Target soap suds, baking soda patches, and any remaining soap or vinegar buildup. Continue to rinse until all debris and cleaners has been flushed down the drain.
- Use a soft, fresh towel or cloth to dry the sink afterward. Move in a gentle circular motion with the grain and continue until the sink is completely dry.
- Sokolowski advises, “Wipe with a clean, dry microfiber cloth for extra shine.”^{[10]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Alicia Sokolowski
  Green Cleaning Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.}

Section 2 of 3:

Restoring a Black Sink's Shine

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Oil your black sink about every 4–6 weeks to keep it shiny and glossy. First, make sure the sink is totally dry and dust-free. Then, spread a thin layer of mineral oil all over the sink with a clean rag or paper towel and let it dry for an hour.^{[11]
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- If you don’t have mineral oil on hand, a high-quality cooking oil (like olive oil) will work too.^{[12]
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- The oil also forms a protective coating on your sink that can prevent hard water mineral deposits from forming.

Section 3 of 3:

Keeping a Black Sink Cleaner for Longer

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Do a quick, light cleaning with hot, soapy water each day to prevent buildup. The best way to stay on top of your sink’s cleanliness is to give it a quick wipe, rinse, and dry at the end of the day (you could even just use the leftover soapy water from your last load of dishes). This way, you won’t have to do heavy-duty cleanings as often!^{[13]
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Research source} Here are some other tips to keep your sink cleaner for longer:
- Don’t leave standing water or dirty dishes in it for too long (this can lead to hard water deposits or limescale buildup).
- Clean with gentle, natural cleaners whenever possible and avoid harsh, acidic, or abrasive cleaners that can damage the finish (and potentially lead to scratches).

Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I make my black sink shine?

Alicia Sokolowski
Green Cleaning Specialist
Alicia Sokolowski is a Green Cleaning Specialist and the President and co-CEO of AspenClean, a green cleaning company in Vancouver, British Columbia. With over 2 decades of experience, Alicia specializes in creating a healthier, green alternative to chemical-based cleaning products and services. AspenClean develops and manufactures its own line of 100% Natural, EcoCert® certified, and EWG verified™ cleaning products. AspenClean’s glass cleaner was voted Parent’s Green Pick 2020 by readers of the Parents’ magazine. Alicia holds a CPA designation and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Finance from the University of Toronto.

Alicia Sokolowski

Green Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

Once you're done cleaning the sink, rinse it thoroughly and then dry it with a microfiber cloth. The microfiber cloth should give the material a nice shine.

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Can I use bicarbonate of soda and white wine vinegar?

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Use either baking soda or vinegar (I would use plain old white vinegar). If you put the two together they neutralize each other.

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Tips

Avoid leaving wet sponges or dish cloths in or near your sink. Wet cleaning materials can leave soap scum and water spots. If you have hard water, that can also contribute to limescale buildup.^{[14]
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Warnings

Scratch-resistant doesn’t mean scratch-proof! Avoid any scrub sponges, steel wool pads, or anything else that could damage your sink.^{[15]
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Never use bleach, ammonia, dyes, scouring powders, drain cleaners, or oven cleaners on your sink. They can also damage the composite surface.^{[16]
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