The essentials in 30 seconds
Every kitchen sink gets the same daily routine: a little washing-up liquid on the soft side of a damp sponge, small circular movements, a rinse and a dry microfibre cloth. Limescale is the main enemy: hard water leaves chalky marks, and in composite granite sinks (such as BLANCO's Silgranit) stains stick to limescale, not to the sink, so removing the limescale removes the stain. Metal marks from pans come off a composite sink with a little cooking oil on the soft side of a wet sponge. Never use bleach, chlorine cleaners, drain cleaners, lyes, solvents or abrasive cleaners on composite. On ceramic, avoid scouring powder, strong tap or steel cleaners, aggressive drain cleaners, prickly brushes and steel sponges, which can leave the surface matt. Stainless steel has its own routine: see our stainless steel sink guide.
- Dry the sink after use: less water left behind means less limescale.
- Don't put a pan straight from the hob onto a composite sink; let it cool on a mat first.
What is your sink made of?
| Material | Daily | Limescale and deep clean | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite granite (e.g. Silgranit: 80 % quartz sand, 20 % acrylic matrix) | Washing-up liquid, soft sponge, microfibre cloth | Limescale remover; stains disappear with the limescale; metal marks with cooking oil on a sponge | Bleach, chlorine, drain cleaners, lyes, solvents, abrasive cleaners; pans straight from the hob |
| Ceramic | Washing-up liquid on the soft side of a sponge, circular movements, dry with microfibre | Ceramic cleaner every 3 to 4 weeks for stubborn limescale | Scouring powder, aggressive drain cleaners, strong tap and steel cleaners, prickly brushes, steel sponges |
| Stainless steel | Warm soapy water, soft sponge, rinse and dry | See the stainless steel guide | Steel wool, scourers |
Not sure? Check the sink's manual or the maker's name stamped on the sink or the paperwork, and use their care guide.
The daily routine for any kitchen sink
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01
Clear
Remove food scraps and empty the strainer basket.
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02
Wet the sponge
Slightly dampen a standard sponge under the tap.
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03
Washing-up liquid
Put a small amount on the soft side of the sponge.
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04
Circles
Rub the whole sink in small, circular movements, including the edges and drainer.
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05
Rinse
Rinse with clean water.
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06
Dry
Rub dry with a microfibre cloth so that hard water doesn't leave limescale.
How to clean a composite granite sink
- Stains (coffee, tea, red wine, beetroot): according to BLANCO, they don't stain Silgranit itself; they cling to limescale deposits. Remove the limescale with a limescale remover suited to the material and the stain goes with it.
- Metal marks from pots and baking trays: put a little cooking oil on the soft side of a wet sponge, rub in circles, rinse with clear warm water until the oil is gone, and dry with a microfibre cloth.
- Heat: the material is heat resistant, but BLANCO advises against putting a hot pan straight from the hob or oven into the sink; let it cool on a heatproof mat or pan rest first.
- Impacts: normal knocks won't crack it, but a very heavy or pointed object, like a dropped knife, can damage it.
- Colour: the colour goes all the way through. Apparent discolouration comes from limescale that has absorbed liquids.
- Never: bleach (even diluted), chlorine cleaners, drain cleaners, lyes or solvents, abrasive cleaners.
Other composite brands may give different instructions: check your maker's care guide.
How to clean a ceramic sink
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01
Daily
Washing-up liquid on the soft side of a damp sponge, small circles, then dry with a microfibre cloth.
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02
Every 3 to 4 weeks
Use a cleaner made for ceramic to remove stubborn limescale; BLANCO's is applied with a sponge, left to work a few minutes and rinsed off.
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03
Coated sinks
Some ceramic sinks have a water-repellent coating (BLANCO's is called PuraPlus) that is refreshed with the maker's own two-step product.
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04
Avoid
Scouring agents or powder, aggressive highly concentrated drain cleaners, strong tap and steel cleaners, prickly brushes and steel sponges; they can leave the surface matt.
Cleaning a kitchen sink: FAQs
What is the best way to clean a kitchen sink every day?
Washing-up liquid on the soft side of a damp sponge, small circular movements, a rinse and a dry microfibre cloth.
How do I clean a composite kitchen sink?
Daily with washing-up liquid; remove limescale to remove stains; cooking oil on a wet sponge for metal marks; no bleach, chlorine, drain cleaners, solvents or abrasives.
Can I use bleach in a composite sink?
BLANCO says no: bleach, diluted bleach and chlorine cleaners can cause lasting damage to Silgranit. Check your own maker's guide.
Why does my composite sink look stained?
According to BLANCO, stains cling to limescale deposits, not to the material; remove the limescale and the stain goes.
How do I clean a ceramic sink without dulling it?
Use a soft sponge and washing-up liquid, a ceramic cleaner for limescale every few weeks, and no scouring powder or steel sponges.
Sources
Manufacturer care guides, checked on 2 November 2026 (02/11/2026).
- BLANCO UK · How to care for your Silgranit sink ↗Stains cling to limescale; metal marks with cooking oil on a wet sponge, rinse with warm water, dry with microfibre; no hot pans straight from hob or oven; heavy or pointed objects can damage; 80 % quartz sand, 20 % acrylic matrix, coloured through; avoid bleach, diluted bleach, chlorine cleaners, drain cleaners, lyes or solvents, abrasive cleaners. Read.
- BLANCO UK · Cleaning ceramic sinks ↗Daily washing-up liquid on soft side of a sponge, circular movements, dry with microfibre; deep clean every 3 to 4 weeks; PuraPlus coating refresh; avoid scouring agents, aggressive drain cleaners, strong tap and steel cleaners, prickly brushes, steel sponges. Read.
- BLANCO UK · BLANCO Care ↗Three steps: daily cleaning with washing-up liquid and microfibre cloth, regular limescale removal, deep cleaning with material-specific products; hard water leaves chalky residue. Read.
Limescale back already?
Dry the sink after use, remove limescale regularly with a cleaner suited to the material, and keep bleach and drain cleaners away from composite and ceramic.