How to Clean a Cloudy Sink?

December 11, 2005 4:31 PM

I have one of these sinks and can't get it clean!

After a year, it has started to look "cloudy" and I cannot get it clean. Is this just something I'll have to live with or has someone found some kind of cleanser that gets such a sink back to its original condition? I've come to believe you're asking for heartache when you buy a black sink.

posted by loosemouth to home & garden (9 comments total)

Have you tried the manufacturer's cleaning instructions?
posted by trevyn at 4:42 PM on December 11, 2005

They recommend Bar Keeper's Friend and I'd advise trying that, perhaps with some coarse salt. This works wonders for most delicate kitchen things, like good cookware. It's pretty cheap and available, too, plus it's non-toxic and very mildly abrasive. Every kitchen needs a can.
posted by kcm at 4:51 PM on December 11, 2005

We've tried everything listed in the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. I guess Bar Keeper's Friend with some coarse salt is next. Thanks, kcm.
posted by loosemouth at 5:01 PM on December 11, 2005

I use it All-Clad stuff and other non-hand-washables, and it WILL take some elbow grease -- it's not very abrasive, but, it does a good jorb. Godspeed.
posted by kcm at 5:02 PM on December 11, 2005

Try testing a small area with toothpaste and elbow grease.
posted by hortense at 5:06 PM on December 11, 2005

Is it still smooth, or is it cloudy because the surface has been damaged by abrasives?
posted by Orb2069 at 5:06 PM on December 11, 2005

Could it be limescale? Vinegar works for that but I have no idea if it would harm a sink?
posted by fshgrl at 8:34 PM on December 11, 2005

Franke offers a lifetime warranty on their sinks, call them up and have them replace it. Cloudy sounds like scratches and not something you could clean; the sinks are made from a granite/resin material that should be nonpourous and highly scratch resistant so I think a warranty claim is in order.
posted by zeoslap at 8:45 AM on December 12, 2005

This looks a little different from mine, which is enamel, but the best thing I've found is a sink full of water, with some bleach mixed in. Let it sit for about an hour & drain. Then some gentle rubbing is all that needs to be done...if that. Rinse with water. Be careful with bleach, if your sink is "delicate"; this method works great for enamel, though.
posted by Mrs. Smith at 11:19 AM on December 12, 2005