KITCHEN SINK/FAUCET

STAINLESS STEEL SINKS CARE AND CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

Häfele kitchen sinks are made of high-quality type 304 stainless steel and offer long-lasting durability. However, the product still requires proper cleaning and maintenance to ensure its shine and lifespan over many years to come. Below is a detailed guide on how to care for and clean your Häfele stainless steel sink:

1. Methods for Removing All Stains in Stainless Steel Sinks.

1.1 Daily Care.

• Most water contains minerals such as calcium and chemical additives like chlorine, which can easily leave marks on the surface of your sink when water evaporates. The best practice is to dry off the sink with a clean, dry cloth after each use.

1.2 General Care.

• Once a week, mix a detergent with a small amount of ammonia, then use a soft cloth to wipe the surface gently. After cleaning, rinse it thoroughly with cold water and clean it dry with a clean cloth.

1.3 Smears or Fingerprints.

• Apply a glass cleaner that contains ammonia to a clean cloth and wipe gently until the smears and fingerprints are removed. After cleaning, rinse it thoroughly with cold water and then clean it dry with a clean cloth.

1.4 Stubborn Spots or Stains.

• Apply a non-abrasive, specialized stainless steel spray cleaner to a clean cloth and wipe gently until the stains are removed. After cleaning, rinse it thoroughly with cold water and then clean it dry with a clean cloth.

1.5 Hard-water or Rust Spots.

• Iron particles in water, cookware, or steel wool pads are the causes of rust stains on stainless steel. Swab vinegar onto the affected area, rub gently, and let it stand for 10 minutes. Then, apply baking soda to the same area and let it stand for 2-3 minutes. Afterwards, rinse it with cold water and dry it with a clean cloth.

2. Questions & Answers (Q&A).

2.1 Why do stains appear on the surface of the sink?

• High-quality stainless steel does not rust on its own. These stains are mostly related to limescale deposits from hard water, which retain dirt particles and cause stains to form in just a short period of time.
• Additionally, small iron or rust particles from the water mains network (particularly in new buildings or during repairs of cast-iron pipelines) can attach to the sink surface, creating the appearance of rust marks. 

2.2 How can these stains be prevented and treated?

• The best way to prevent them is to form a habit of wiping your sink dry after each use
• If stains do appear, you can simply remove them using standard commercial cleaning agents suitable for stainless steel sinks. For optimum daily cleaning results, the combination of Stahlfix and a SPONTEX stainless steel cleaning sponge is highly recommended. 

2.3 Why do new sinks show scratches within a few weeks of use?

• Our stainless steel sinks are manufactured with modern processes and advanced technology. The material is subject to strict quality control, yet current state-of-the-art technology cannot guarantee that stainless steel (even high-grade types like 18/10) is completely scratch-resistant. Therefore, the appearance of minor hairline scratches during the first few weeks of use is completely normal and does not affect the durability of the sink. 

3. Precautions When Using the Sink - Avoid Immediately.

❌ DO NOT use steel wool pads, abrasive cleansers, or cleaning pads to clean your sink.

❌ DO NOT use chemical "silver cleaners", bleaches, or detergents containing chlorine or any of its derivatives.

❌ DO NOT leave rusty objects in contact with the sink. Rust can cause staining, cracking, or even permanent damage to the sink surface. Không để các đồ vật bị gỉ tiếp xúc với chậu. Vết gỉ có thể gây ố, nứt hoặc hỏng bề mặt chậu

❌ DO NOT place very hot objects directly on the sink. Place them on a special surface (board) made from wood, plastic, etc.

❌ DO NOT leave food or any material with corrosive properties—such as juices, salt, vinegar, mustard, etc.—on the sink for a long time to avoid staining the surface.

❌ DO NOT allow the sink to come into contact with acidic materials. If it does, rinse immediately with plenty of water and wipe with a soft, dry cloth.

❌ AVOID scraping the sink basin or draining board with utensils to prevent scratching the sink.

❌ AVOID dropping heavy or sharp objects onto the sink surface.