USE & CARE OF COPPER
The sinks will weather/age/patina minimally with time and normal use. To prevent this dry it after every use or apply normal wax at least once in 15/20 days to minimize rinsing and drying.
Copper is a natural antibacterial product that requires minimal care. For regular maintenance, simply rinse the sink after each use. Otherwise, wash occasionally with dish soap and a sponge for a more thorough cleaning. All our sinks have a living finish, which evolves over time, which can be prevented by use of wax. The sinks from Harvest Kitchen and Bath have been coated with an antique stain which minimizes the color change. These sinks will not patina to the degree that raw or untreated copper will
Copper is a natural antibacterial product that requires minimal care. For regular maintenance, simply rinse the sink after each use. Otherwise, wash occasionally with dish soap and a sponge for a more thorough cleaning. Newly constructed copper sinks go through a natural aging process and may appear unsightly for a very short, break in period. Initially they will be pink in color and evolve into a rich, golden or caramel-brown color. In a short time, your sink will develop dark spots and marks where water or other products have caused natural oxidation. This is normal. These spots will blend together and transform your sink into a beautifully vibrant display of color. Acid products, like ketchup or lemon, will remove the patina on your sink if left on for a while. Not to worry... The patina will revive quickly and any spots will vanish in a short time, depending on the minerals in your water.
. A quality car or furniture wax may also be applied to the surface of a freshly cleaned sink to protect its finish. The wax will inhibit the antibacterial properties of the copper.
Generally, copper sinks should be left to age naturally.
The dark patinas of copper also complement the deep rich tones of countertop stones like granite.
Copper has the unique advantage of oxidizing over time, which means that its color continues to evolve with the life of the sink. The older it gets, the more attractive it looks. Any scratches and flaws that occur on its surface will disappear into the metal as it oxidizes.
Studies have shown that copper has the added benefit of being significantly more effective at inactivating infectious diseases than any other surface.
Common disease-causing bacteria, such as E.coli, streptococcus and the common flu virus have trouble surviving on copper, which means that whatever germs your fingers bring to the sink, they will not survive for long if your sink is made of copper.
