White Haze On Granite Composite Sinks
White Haze on Granite Composite Sinks
What happened to my sink, and why is it turning a milky white color? Follow along, and I'll explain the four most common variations of a white haze, how to fix it, and how to prevent the cloudy look from coming back.
When composite granite sinks are new, they include a durable factory finish and vibrant colors. Over time, it is more common to notice a white or chalky haze appearance with contrasting dark-colored sinks: black, brown, and gray. Let's identify the cause and options you might have to remove, prevent, or possibly repair.
Cause
There are four types of white haze commonly found in/on composite sinks:
- Cleaning Issues
- Abrasive Damage
- Chemical
- Heat
Cleaning Issues:
pH-Neutral Cleaners Can't Remove Mineral Deposits or Soap Scum
Before we go too far down the rabbit hole, it is essential to know the following:
- pH-neutral cleaning solutions cannot remove mineral deposits: calcium, magnesium, lime, rust, or soap scum.
- Stone cleaners and dish soaps that are safe to use on calcareous stones: marble, travertine, limestone, and onyx, are all pH neutral.
This can confuse cleaning soap scum and minerals and, in many cases, the root of a problematic white haze on composite sinks.
Hard Water Mineral Deposits (Calcium, Magnesium, Lime)
Hard water has a high level of minerals: calcium, magnesium, or lime. Unless you wipe your sink dry after every use, water left behind will eventually evaporate. When water evaporates, minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and lime are left behind, bonding to the surface. These spots are called mineral deposits. Early on, these mineral deposits are seen as water spots and, if not treated properly, will spread or form into crustaceans. Mineral deposits require specific types of cleaning solutions to be effective.
Soap Scum
Soap and minerals combine, forming a scum residue that sticks to the surface. This process is commonly referred to as soap scum buildup and requires specific cleaning solutions to remove.
Abrasive and Non-scratch Pads
Non-abrasive pads sometimes have texture. Even though some cleaning pads with texture are considered "non-scratch, they can progressively break down the protective coating found on composite sinks. Don't fret; this is a simple repair! It tends to occur as consumers try and avoid using "harsh" chemicals but don't realize the consequences of using textured pads while removing soap scum buildup or minerals from the surface of their sink.
Chemical Damage
When a composite sink is new, it is resistant to many types of cleaning solutions. However, if the protective coating gets broken down, a barkeeper's friend or calcium lime and rust removers can easily damage composite sinks beyond repair. Harsh chemicals such as oven and toilet cleaners, along with paint thinners, will leave behind a white blemish that cannot be repaired.
Heat
Damage caused by heat appears in two ways: white blemishes and cracks commonly found around the drain. In both cases, the sink cannot be repaired.
Helpful Links:
- Tom Munro
