Cleaning up solid surface sink bowls

[Pdevore]

Guys,
I would like to celan up about 12 white sink bowls in our commercial building. These were installed in 2007 with the new countertops. I have no experience with sanding solid surface or the sinks that are in them. We have had many people dump coffee and juice and even wine down these sinks without running water at the time. I have a rotex 125 and a RO 90 on order. How do I go about cleaning these up? what pad and paper do I use? should I try this with the 125 or wait till the 90 shows up to help with getting into the bowl better? Is there a convex pad that can be put on these? Does the same process apply to the tops as what applies to the bowls?

Thanks
Pete

 

[peter halle]

Pete,

I id some searching on the web and found a couple of things you might want to try.  I have not tried this on solid surface.

The first suggestion was a product called Barkeeper's friend.  You use it like a powdered cleaner (Comet, Ajax).  It does contain oxalic acid so read the instructions and possible wear gloves.  I have used this product for a lot of cleaning chores.

The second suggestion that I found was Clorox Cleanup with bleach and a scotchbrite pad.

Peter

 

[Pdevore]

I should have stated that our cleaning company has tried many products. I believe that I am at the point of having to sand down the bowls.

Thanks

 

[tiralie]

Pete:
I have only done cleaned one solid surface (Corian) sink before. I used a schedule of 400 through to 600 wet dry sandpaper and hand sanded the stains away. Looked like nothing happened.
In this case I would buy some 5" Mirka Abranet discs in grits of 400-1000 and put a soft or extra soft pad on my 150 and put it at the slowest speed and carefully work up the speed. 
I would also use a cross light to make sure I removed any small divots and scratches from the sanding.
If you want a high polish I have heard that Plexus plastic cleaner is the best.
Alternatively 3M sells a headlight cleaner (for cars) that might take out small stains.
Good luck.
Tim

 

[Sparktrician]

Pete,

I id some searching on the web and found a couple of things you might want to try.  I have not tried this on solid surface.

The first suggestion was a product called Barkeeper's friend.  You use it like a powdered cleaner (Comet, Ajax).  It does contain oxalic acid so read the instructions and possible wear gloves.  I have used this product for a lot of cleaning chores.

The second suggestion that I found was Clorox Cleanup with bleach and a scotchbrite pad.

Peter

 

I'd append Peter's suggestion with the possibility of using Bon Ami rather than any other powdered cleanser.  This is the only powdered cleanser recommended for use with Pyrex and Corningware due to the lack of harsh chemicals.  I haven't used Barkeeper's Friend, but have successfully used Bon Ami for a number of theings, including melamine-coated MDF. 

[smile]

 

[Chris Hughes]

When I install integrated solid surface sinks I use the same steps as I do for the top.  I use 100 grit to shape a sinks profile and go after any scratches. (I would not advise using that step for a clean up)  I then start with 220 brilliant 2 by hand, an appropriate viles or scotchbrite will do.  I would jump to 400 preferably Mirca on a interface pad and them 600. 

 

[Pdevore]

Chris,
Are you saying that it is all done by hand or are you using a RO at the 400 and 600? wet correct?

Thanks
Pete

 

[Chris Hughes]

If the surface is contoured I would do it by hand.  Generally sink bowls are small and getting equipment in the area to sand and polish evenly is not practical.  It takes me a couple of minutes per grit.  I always use dry sanding and only apply water occasionally when polishing.

 

[Jim Metzger]

If the bowl is just stained and not scratched, I would use Clorox bleach on a paper towel (very wet) and covered with plastic wrap. Let sit overnight and rinse.

Most of my clients have had great success with this.

Jim

 

[Kevin D.]

OK I'm just a hobbiest and master of nothing other than my profession which is completely unrelated.  Have you tried contacting the sink manufacturer for what they recommend?  I'd at least try that first.

Failing that, and seeing as they are prone to staining, even if you sand away the staining, I would think some kind of protective coating may be useful.

I wonder if what was being used to clean them in the past caused what may have been a protective coating to become more easily compromised than what should have been used otherwise?  With that said, if you call the manufacturer, that may in fact be a question they may ask you, as there may be a warranty against that problem although doubtful, but you never know.  Some companies, even in commercial applications, have decent warranties.

Good luck!

 

[fdengel]

OK I'm just a hobbiest and master of nothing other than my profession which is completely unrelated.  Have you tried contacting the sink manufacturer for what they recommend?  I'd at least try that first.

+1

 

[jonny round boy]

...I would think some kind of protective coating may be useful.

I wonder if what was being used to clean them in the past caused what may have been a protective coating to become more easily compromised than what should have been used otherwise?

Kevin,

Solid surface doesn't have, or need, a protective coating.

Some companies, even in commercial applications, have decent warranties.

They do, however I think this statement:

We have had many people dump coffee and juice and even wine down these sinks without running water at the time.

would void any warranty on the product.

 

[MrDanBrown]

Probably to late to add anything useful to this post as it was in feb and I've only just come about this forum online, I fabricate and fit solid surface at least 2 times a month and have worked on some massive projects in casinos, bars, etc, and have had to go back after they have used an abrasive cleaner, or managed to stain the solid surface, it's extremely hard to tool inside the sinks if they are are a small size, and sanding by hand is by far the best way to get the best results from solid surface sinks in situ. But have been able to get my rotex with a polishing pad in there after I've removed the taps if accessible. And as stated in an earlier post bar keepers friend is a brilliant cleaner just make sure you wipe it down after and apply some solid surface cleaner as it is a strong cleaner.