How To Clean a Copper Sink

Updated: Feb. 01, 2023

Copper sinks add that "wow factor" to your kitchen. If you haven't installed one because you think they're hard to clean, think again. It's easy!

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Cleaning a Copper Sink

A gleaming copper sink can brighten your day, like finding a lucky penny every time you walk into the kitchen.

Naturally antimicrobial, copper sinks kill bacteria on contact and look great doing it. Copper sinks are easy to clean, too, although you need to do it every day to keep them looking great. That’s according to Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean, a green cleaning company based in Canada.

You also have to dry your copper sink after every use to prevent spotting. And never stack dishes or leave cosmetics and personal care products in the sink. Oily foods, citrus and acids in particular can do major damage. Avoid abrasive commercial cleaners like scouring powders and cream cleansers, too.

Sokolowski says this easy daily routine only takes a few minutes, and you probably have the tools and materials in your cupboard already. Here’s how you do it:

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Blue Rag
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Copper Sink Cleaning Tools and Materials

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Water Down the Drain
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First, Rinse

  • Run warm water and wet your copper sink.
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White soapy foam
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Apply Soap

  • Squirt one small pump of dish soap onto your sponge. Less is better.
  • Run the sponge under water and squeeze to make suds.
  • Wipe down the sink, remembering to get under the rim.
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Baking soda
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Remove Stains

  • Add warm water to baking soda to make a paste.
  • Gently scrub stains or stuck-on materials with your sponge and the paste.
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Close-up of folded bath towel on concrete background, top view
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Rinse and Dry

  • Rinse your copper sink well with warm water.
  • Dry with a microfiber cloth.
  • Repeat the cleaning process daily to keep your copper sink shining.