Cast iron kitchen sinks and bathtubs, such as those made by Kohler, are incredibly durable and meant to last a lifetime. Even the most abused cast iron sink or bath should give around 25 years of service. With careful maintenance, they can last even longer.
The most important thing when it comes to cleaning a cast iron sink or tub is using products that will not wear away the vibrant shine of the porcelain surface. Aggressive cleaners like comet can dull the finish of cast iron over time. It will make the surface start to feel grainy and look dull. At this point, it becomes impossible to restore the original finish.
The best type of cleaner to use is liquid dish detergent. However, especially in the kitchen, at times black marks may appear on the surface of the cast iron and dish soap will not remove it. In this case, it is ok to use a cleaner like Soft Scrub with a soft nylon brush. Simply spot clean the marked area and do not go beyond it. This situation should be rare with cast iron, but it is much more likely to happen in a kitchen sink than in a bath.
For the kitchen sink it is wise to get some bottom basin grids from the sink’s manufacturer that will help prevent wear and tear on the bottom of the sink bowls – the most abused part of them. Some people prefer rubber mats and Rubbermaid makes those in a variety of sizes.
Cleaning Tips
- Rinse thoroughly and use a soft cloth to wipe the product dry after each use.
- Do not use steel wool, wire brushes, or abrasive sponge pads. Use only nonscratch cleaning pads.
Kohler Company is so confident in the strength and durability of their cast iron products that they back them up with a lifetime warranty. Some people worry about their sinks or tubs chipping and that is covered by this warranty. Kohler backs up their cast iron with such a warranty because a chipped tub or sink is extremely rare.