Colored / PVD Stainless Steel Sink Cleaning & Care Guide

(For Gold, Black, Gunmetal, Copper, and Other PVD Finishes)

PVD-coated stainless steel sinks are engineered for exceptional durability, corrosion resistance, and long-term color stability. While significantly more scratch-resistant than traditional finishes, PVD surfaces are not scratch-proof. Proper care will help preserve the finish and keep your sink looking new for years.

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General Care

• Avoid excessive weight: Do not overload the sink with heavy cookware or stacked items that may place unnecessary stress on the surface.
• Never use abrasive tools: Steel wool, metal brushes, scouring pads, or harsh polishing compounds can permanently damage the finish.
• Avoid rapid temperature changes: While PVD finishes are highly durable, sudden exposure to extreme heat may stress the surface over time. When draining boiling liquids, run cold water simultaneously to help regulate temperature.
• Limit prolonged contact: Avoid leaving pots, pans, utensils, or food waste in the sink for extended periods, as trapped moisture and minerals may affect the surface over time.
• Dry after use: Wipe the sink dry with a microfiber cloth after cleaning or heavy use to reduce water spots and mineral deposits.

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Preventative Protection

• Always use a bottom grid: A stainless steel grid is strongly recommended for colored sinks. It creates a protective barrier that helps prevent scratches while allowing airflow beneath cookware to minimize trapped moisture → View All Sink Grids
• Avoid rubber mats: These can trap water and minerals against the finish for extended periods.

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Routine Cleaning Instructions

1. Rinse the sink thoroughly to remove debris.
2. Use a non-abrasive, pH-neutral cleaner -specifically safe for finished metals — Stainless Steel Pro Cleaner by Stonetech Laticrete is our preferred choice.
3. With a soft sponge or microfiber cloth, gently clean the surface.
   ✔ Always wipe in the direction of the grain.
4. Rinse immediately with clean water.
5. Dry completely with a microfiber cloth to maintain the finish.

⚠️ Do NOT use abrasive powders or aggressive cleaners such as Bar Keep Friend, unless explicitly approved for PVD surfaces.

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Chemical Use & Dilution Guidelines

White Vinegar

• Must be diluted at a 1:32 ratio.

• Never use full-strength vinegar.

• Do not allow it to sit longer than 30–60 seconds.

• Rinse immediately and dry.

Bleach

• Not recommended for colored finishes.

• If absolutely necessary for disinfecting, dilute heavily (1:32 minimum).

• Apply briefly — never soak the sink.

• Rinse immediately and dry completely.

• ⚠️ Never mix bleach and vinegar.

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Managing Streaks

Some light streaking may appear depending on water quality and daily use.

To restore the finish:

• Fully dry the sink.
• Apply a few drops of mineral oil or food-safe oil to a soft microfiber cloth.
• Gently buff the surface to enhance depth and luster.
• Lightly rinse if needed and dry again.

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Removing Smudges & Hard Water Deposits

Fingerprints, soap residue, and mineral spotting can occur in high-use kitchens.

To clean safely:

• Use a diluted white vinegar solution (50/50 vinegar and water).
• Apply with a soft sponge or cloth and gently wipe the affected area.
• Do not allow vinegar to sit on the surface.
• Rinse immediately and dry thoroughly.

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Important Finish Note

Once a colored finish is deeply scratched or compromised, it cannot be spot-repaired. Restoration requires full refinishing within a specialized PVD chamber. Preventative care — especially using a bottom grid — is the best way to protect your investment.

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Thank you for taking the time to review this guide. With proper care and maintenance, your colored stainless steel sink will retain its beauty and performance for many years.

We hope you love your new colored stainless steel kitchen or bar sink!

Quartz Composite Sink Cleaning & Care Guide

(For Granite / Quartz Composite Sinks Only)

Quartz composite sinks are engineered from natural stone and advanced resins to deliver exceptional durability, stain resistance, and long-term performance. While highly resilient, proper care is essential to preserve the sink’s appearance and prevent avoidable damage.

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General Care

• Avoid dropping heavy cookware or sharp objects into the sink, as strong impacts may cause chips or cracks.
• Do not leave heavily pigmented foods, coffee grounds, tea, or wine sitting for extended periods. While resistant to stains, prolonged exposure can discolor the surface.
• When draining boiling liquids, let cool first or run cold water simultaneously to help regulate temperature.
• Always rinse the sink after use to prevent residue buildup.
• Dry with a microfiber cloth to reduce water spotting and mineral deposits.

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Preventative Protection

• Use a stainless steel sink grid: A stainless steel sink grid helps prevent scratches and allows airflow beneath cookware, reducing trapped moisture. We recommend grids over rubber mats, which can hold water against the surface. → View All Sink Grids

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Routine Cleaning Instructions

1. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
2. Apply a mild dish soap or a non-abrasive household cleaner approved for quartz surfaces.
3. Clean using a soft sponge or cloth.
4. Rinse immediately.
5. Dry completely to maintain a uniform appearance.

⚠️ Avoid harsh scouring pads or aggressive powders unless specifically approved for quartz composite.

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Chemical Use & Dilution Guidelines

Quartz composite is highly chemical-resistant — but concentrated exposure should still be avoided.

White Vinegar

Safe when diluted.

• Use a heavily diluted solution (approximately 1 part vinegar to 32 parts water)
• Do not allow the solution to sit longer than 1–2 minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly and dry.

Bleach

Safe when properly diluted.

• Use a heavily diluted solution (approximately 1 part bleach to 32 parts water).
• Apply briefly with a soft sponge.
• Never soak the sink.
• Rinse immediately and dry completely.

⚠️ Never mix bleach and vinegar.

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Avoid Thermal Shock (VERY IMPORTANT)

Sudden and extreme temperature changes can stress the material.

• Do not place extremely hot pots directly into a cold sink.
• Run warm water when introducing high heat.
• Avoid pouring boiling liquids into an empty sink.

Rapid temperature shifts may cause cracking and are not considered manufacturing defects.

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Avoid Soaking

Do not fill the sink with chemical solutions or allow cleaners to sit for extended periods.

Damage caused by improper chemical use, thermal shock, impact, or failure to follow care guidelines is not considered a manufacturing defect.

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Managing Metal Marks & Scuffs

Occasionally, metal cookware may leave surface marks. These are typically cosmetic.

To remove:

• Apply a non-abrasive cleaner or a paste of baking soda and water.
• Gently clean with a soft sponge.
• Rinse and dry.

Avoid steel wool or metal pads.

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Hard Water & Mineral Deposits

• Use diluted vinegar on a soft cloth.
• Clean gently.
• Rinse thoroughly and dry.

Consistent drying greatly reduces mineral visibility.

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Stain Prevention Tip (Pro-Level Advice)

For deeper cleaning:

• Fill the sink with warm water.
• Add a small amount of diluted bleach (1:32).
• Let sit for no more than 5 minutes, then drain, rinse thoroughly, and dry.

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Important Surface Note

Quartz composite is extremely durable but not damage-proof. Chips, cracks, and heat damage typically result from impact or sudden temperature change rather than manufacturing defects.

Preventative care is the best long-term protection.

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We hope you enjoy your new Strictly Kitchen + Bath quartz composite sink!

Fireclay & Porcelain Sink Cleaning & Care Guide

(For Fireclay and Porcelain Kitchen & Bathroom Sinks)

Fireclay sinks are crafted from molded ceramic clay and kiln-fired at extremely high temperatures to create a dense, non-porous surface with exceptional durability. While highly resistant to stains and scratches, fireclay is not immune to damage from heavy impact or sudden temperature changes. Proper care will help preserve its beauty for decades.

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General Care

• Avoid dropping heavy cookware, cast iron, or sharp objects into the sink, as impact may cause chipping.

• Do not stand or place excessive weight inside the sink.

• Rinse regularly to prevent residue buildup.

• When draining boiling liquids, let cool first or run cold water simultaneously to help regulate temperature.

• Dry with a soft cloth to reduce mineral spotting.

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Preventative Protection

• Always use a bottom grid: A stainless steel grid is strongly recommended for fireclay and porcelain sinks. It creates a protective barrier that helps prevent scratches while allowing airflow beneath cookware to minimize trapped moisture → View All Sink Grids
• Avoid rubber mats: These can trap water and minerals against the finish for extended periods.

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Routine Cleaning Instructions

1. Rinse with warm water.

2. Apply a mild dish soap or non-abrasive household cleaner.

3. Clean using a soft sponge or cloth.

4. Rinse thoroughly.

5. Dry to maintain a uniform finish.

⚠️ Avoid scouring powders, steel wool, or abrasive pads.

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Chemical Use & Dilution Guidelines

Fireclay is highly stain-resistant but should still be protected from prolonged chemical exposure.

White Vinegar

Safe when diluted.

• Use approximately (1 part bleach to 32 parts water).

• Limit contact to 1–2 minutes.

• Rinse thoroughly and dry.

Bleach

Safe when heavily diluted.

• Use approximately (1 part bleach to 32 parts water).

• Apply briefly with a soft sponge.

• Never allow bleach to sit for extended periods.

• Rinse immediately and dry.

⚠️ Never mix bleach and vinegar.

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Avoid Thermal Shock (VERY IMPORTANT)

Sudden temperature changes can stress the material.

• Do not place extremely hot cookware into a cold sink.

• Run warm water when draining boiling liquids.

• Avoid rapid temperature swings whenever possible.

Damage caused by thermal shock is not considered a manufacturing defect.

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Avoid Soaking

Do not allow chemical cleaners to sit for extended periods or fill the sink with harsh solutions.

Damage caused by improper chemical use, thermal shock, impact, or failure to follow care guidelines is not considered a manufacturing defect.

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Managing Metal Marks

Flatware and cookware may occasionally leave gray marks on the surface.

To remove:

• Use a non-abrasive cleaner or baking soda paste.

• Gently clean with a soft sponge.

• Rinse and dry.

These marks are cosmetic and do not affect performance.

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Important Surface Note

Fireclay is extremely durable but not damage-proof. Chips or cracks are typically the result of impact rather than manufacturing defects.

Preventative care is the best protection.

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We hope you enjoy your Strictly Kitchen + Bath fireclay and porcelain sink for a lifetime.

Sapele Wood Accessories Cleaning & Care Guide

(For Cutting Boards, Organizers, and Hardwood Accessories)

Crafted from genuine Sapele hardwood, these accessories bring warmth, durability, and natural beauty to your kitchen. Sapele is prized for its strength, tight grain, and resistance to movement — making it an excellent material for culinary and organizational use.

Because wood is a natural material, proper care is essential to maintain its appearance and prevent drying, cracking, or warping over time.

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Understanding Natural Wood

Wood responds to its environment.

Changes in humidity, temperature, and moisture exposure can cause expansion or contraction — this is normal and part of owning real hardwood.

With proper maintenance, your accessory will age beautifully and develop a richer tone.

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Daily Care

• Wash promptly after use.
• Use mild dish soap and warm water only.
• Clean with a soft sponge or cloth.
• Dry immediately and completely.

⚠️ Never allow wood products to air dry while saturated.

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🚨 Never Put Wood in the Dishwasher

Dishwashers expose wood to extreme heat, pressurized water, and prolonged moisture.

This will cause:

• Cracking
• Warping
• Splitting
• Joint separation
• Finish breakdown

Dishwasher damage is not considered a manufacturing defect.

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Avoid Soaking (CRITICAL)

Never leave wood accessories submerged or sitting in water.

Prolonged moisture exposure can permanently damage hardwood and is not covered under warranty.

Wash → Rinse → Dry immediately.

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Ongoing Maintenance (VERY IMPORTANT)

Oil Regularly

Wood must be conditioned to prevent dryness.

Use a food-safe mineral oil or board conditioner.

Recommended frequency:

👉 Heavy use (cutting boards): every 2–4 weeks
👉 Moderate use: monthly
👉 Light-use organizers: every 2–3 months

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Signs Your Wood Needs Oil

• Surface looks dull or chalky
• Wood feels rough
• Color appears faded
• Water stops beading

When in doubt — oil it.

You cannot over-condition wood, but you can under-maintain it.

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How to Oil Your Wood Accessory

1. Ensure the wood is clean and fully dry.
2. Apply food-safe mineral oil generously.
3. Spread evenly with a soft cloth.
4. Allow it to absorb overnight.
5. Wipe away excess.

This process dramatically extends product life.

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Chemical Use Guidelines

Wood is sensitive to harsh chemicals.

Safe:

✔ Mild dish soap
✔ Diluted white vinegar (1:32 ratio) for odor control
✔ Food-safe board cleaners

Avoid:

🚫 Bleach
🚫 Ammonia
🚫 Abrasive cleaners
🚫 Solvents

These can weaken fibers and damage the finish.

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Stain & Odor Removal

For natural deodorizing:

• Sprinkle coarse salt on the surface
• Rub with half a lemon
• Rinse lightly
• Dry immediately

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Temperature Awareness

• Do not place extremely hot cookware on wood.
• Avoid storing near heat sources or vents.

Rapid temperature changes accelerate drying and cracking.

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Natural Variation

Each piece of Sapele is unique.

Expect variation in:

• Grain pattern
• Tone
• Color depth

Over time, the wood will develop a deeper patina — this is a hallmark of genuine hardwood.

Not a defect. A feature.

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How to Restore a Wood Cutting Board

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Important Care Note

Wood accessories are built for durability but require routine maintenance.

Damage caused by soaking, dishwasher use, chemical exposure, or lack of oiling is not considered a manufacturing defect.

Preventative care protects your investment.

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Thank you for choosing Strictly Kitchen + Bath.

We are proud to offer accessories crafted from exceptional natural materials.