Stone sinks can be very beautiful, but like anything else, they require some basic attention and care to keep them looking beautiful and new. Stone sinks come in an enormous variety of styles, from the blandest white soapstone to the most ornate marble. Stone sinks aren't indestructible, but unlike granite, they are not nearly as resistant to scratching or staining. However, there are just some differences between various types of stone, with a bearing on their cleaning and upkeep, so make sure that you know what type of stone sink you own. Here are some tips on how to take care of your sinks and keep them looking great:

A natural stone sink is one in which the pores of the stone are large enough for the liquid to seep through without being absorbed. Common stones include marble, limestone, travertine, slate, granite, soapstone, and even red sandstone. Each material will have slightly different cleaning requirements, as each comes in slightly different colors, sizes, and shapes. To keep your natural stone sink clean and looking great, here are some quick and easy tips:

Never use harsh chemicals, abrasives, or abrasives on your stone sink. Some common household cleaners can leave deposits on your material, causing hard water stains that are nearly impossible to remove. Other common problems with stone sinks include staining from soap scum, deposits left behind by limescale, and even the occasional stain caused by tiny mineral deposits left behind by microorganisms. Using abrasive cleaning supplies on your stone sink is the quickest way to ruin it, as using something like bleach to clean it will only leave the substance behind to attract more dirt.

Before actually washing the sink, make sure to rinse it completely. The hard water, soap scum, and any mineral deposits can potentially stain your stone sink if they are not removed. Rinsing it with a commercial cleaner is the best way to ensure that all of these potential stains are removed. You can also use a mild unscented detergent mixed with water to wipe down your sink, although make sure to not use anything with abrasive properties.

Once you've gotten all of the stains out of it, you can start cleaning up the rest of it. When cleaning a stone sink, never use steel wool, scouring pads, or other abrasive cleaning supplies as they will scratch the surface and permanently dull the finish. Instead, use a soft, dry cloth with a small amount of water on the area to be cleaned. Wipe in circular movements and stop immediately if the cloth becomes scratchy. For harder stains, simply use the alkaline cleaner designed for cleaning stainless steel appliances. This is a mild cleaning solution that is designed specifically for cleaning stone sinks and should be used sparingly and with proper care to keep the underlying finish intact.

If the spot that needs to be cleaned is blackened, it may be necessary to use a different approach. Since the minerals from hard water can discolor anything, you may have to use a more intense cleaning solution to remove the stain completely. If the stain is heavily mineral deposits, however, it's probably best to just use an alkaline cleaner. Any other solution may cause the minerals to re-soil the sink. If using an acidic cleaner, carefully wipe down the entire area to remove all traces of the acid.

When it comes to washing a stone sink, there are a few different ways to go about doing this. For light staining, simply use a regular old toothbrush and some hot water. Use a gentle scrubbing motion to gently clear off the hard water mineral deposits. This is a simple and cost-effective way to maintain your sink's clean look. On the other hand, if the stain is deeper or has caused the sink to become clogged with hard water mineral deposits, you will probably need to use some type of chemical cleaning agent. These can usually be bought at most hardware stores, and there are many different brands to choose from.

Some of these products are environmentally safe, but some can cause damage to the stone and fixtures made from natural stone. When selecting a natural stone sink made from natural stone or ceramic, it's always a good idea to test a small area before actually using it in your home. Use a drop or two of your favorite household cleaning product to spray onto the area. If the product discolors the area, likely, your stone sink will too. It's important to follow the directions on your faucet or sink made from natural stone when choosing a cleaning product to ensure the protection of your investment.

Guest Contributor: Amory