Care and Cleaning

Care and Cleaning for Sinks (Stainless)Care and Cleaning for Sinks (Vikrell)Care and Cleaning for Bath & Shower DoorsCare and Cleaning for BathsCare and Cleaning for Showers & WhirlpoolsCare and Cleaning for Toilets & Lavatories
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
STERLING® stainless steel sinks are constructed of high-grade stainless steel with nickel and chrome content for excellent corrosion resistance. The satin and buffed finishes are made to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. Regular cleaning will retain the sink's good looks for years to come.
How To Care For Your Stainless Steel Lavatories & Sinks
  • Clean stainless steel once a week.
  • Always apply stainless steel cleaner/polish with a non-abrasive cloth or sponge, working with, not across, the grain.
  • Do not use steel wool, wire brushes, or abrasive sponge pads.
  • Cleaners containing chloride are not recommended. If used, rinse the surface immediately to prevent corrosion.
Products To Consider
  • Fantastik Antibacterial Heavy Duty
  • Formula 409 Antibacterial All Purpose
  • Formula 409 Glass & Surface
  • Lysol Bathroom Cleaner
Care Tip

Allowing water to evaporate on metal will form water deposits. To avoid this, it is important to use a dabbing action to dry metal, not an abrasive or rubbing action. Cleaning with a damp sponge and drying will keep your product looking beautiful.

General Care & Cleaning

For best results, keep the following in mind when caring for your STERLING® product:

  • Test First - Always test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before applying to the entire surface.
  • Wipe Clean - Wipe surfaces clean and rinse completely with water immediately after applying cleaner. Rinse and dry any overspray that lands on nearby surfaces.
  • Don't Let Cleaners Soak - Do not allow cleaners to sit or soak.
  • Avoid Abrasive Materials - Use a soft, dampened sponge or cloth. Never use an abrasive material such as a brush or scouring pad to clean surfaces.
Vikrell® Material
Vikrell® Material
STERLING® composite sinks and lavatories are made from solid, high-gloss or swirl-gloss Vikrell material which provides exceptional strength and uniform color. This incredibly durable material also provides superior resistance to stains and scratches.
How To Care For Your Sinks & Lavatories Made Of Vikrell® Material
  • Do not use abrasive cleansers or acidic solvents on Vikrell surfaces, as they may cause surface dullness or discoloration.
  • Wipe your sink or lavatory with a soft cloth after each use to prevent a buildup of soap and scum.
  • Extreme heat such as that generated by cigarettes or portable heaters can damage Vikrell surfaces. Do not use such items near your sink or lavatory.
Products To Consider
  • Cinch Streak Free Multi-Surface Cleaner
  • Fantastik Antibacterial Heavy Duty
  • Lysol Disinfectant Mildew Remover with Bleach
  • Scrub Free Mildew Stain Remover
  • Super Iron Out Multi-Purpose Rust Stain Remover
Care Tip

Sterling recommends the use of mild cleaners for weekly cleaning of your sink or lavatory made of solid Vikrell material.

General Care & Cleaning

For best results, keep the following in mind when caring for your STERLING® product:

  • Test First - Always test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before applying to the entire surface.
  • Wipe Clean - Wipe surfaces clean immediately after applying cleaner.
  • Don't Let Cleaners Soak - Do not allow cleaners to sit or soak. Rinse completely with water after applying solution.
  • Avoid Abrasive Materials - Use a soft, dampened sponge or cloth. Never use an abrasive material such as a brush or scouring pad to clean surfaces.
CleanCoat Technology
Bath & Shower Doors
The use of cleansers or abrasives is not recommended for STERLING® glass doors treated with CleanCoat. Simply wipe down CleanCoat doors regularly with a soft cloth and water to keep the glass looking clean.

IMPORTANT: Any care and cleaning recommendations on this page that call for cleansers apply only to glass doors NOT treated with CleanCoat.

How To Care For Your Bath & Shower Doors
  • After each shower use a squeegee to eliminate water spots on the inside of the glass panels.
  • For glass surfaces, use a quality glass cleaner and a clean cloth to clean the mirror surface. Carefully follow the glass cleaner manufacturer's instructions.
  • Occasionally wipe the doors with a mild detergent diluted in water to keep the glass panels and anodized aluminum parts looking new.
  • Never use bristle brushes, abrasive sponges, scouring powder or sharp instruments on metalwork or glass panels. They will scratch some metal and glass surfaces.
  • For metal surfaces, never use abrasive cleansers or cleaners containing ammonia, bleach, acids, waxes, alcohol or solvents as they may damage the finish. Use of harsh cleaning agents may void Sterling's warranty obligations.
  • Do not let cleaners sit or soak on surfaces.
  • To avoid soap deposits or lime buildup in hard water areas, make a point to wipe the door dry after each use.
  • Rinse and wipe fixtures after cleaning to prevent soap buildup.
Products To Consider
  • Cinch Streak Free Multi-Surface Cleaner
  • Formula 409 Glass & Surface
  • Mr. Clean Antibacterial Multi-Surface Spray
Care Tip

Keep shower doors ajar and enclosures open so that air can circulate to reduce mildew growth.

General Care & Cleaning

For best results, keep the following in mind when caring for your STERLING® product:

  • Test First - Always test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before applying to the entire surface.
  • Wipe Clean - Wipe surfaces clean and rinse completely with water immediately after applying cleaner. Rinse and dry and overspray that lands on nearby surfaces.
  • Don't Let Cleaners Soak - Do not allow cleaners to sit or soak.
  • Avoid Abrasive Materials - Use a soft, dampened sponge or cloth. Never use an abrasive material such as a brush or scouring pad to clean surfaces.
Vikrell® Material
Baths
STERLING baths are constructed from solid Vikrell material for superior strength and uniform color. This incredibly durable material also provides superior resistance to stains and scratches as well as a smooth, seamless appearance.
How To Care For Your Bath Made Of Vikrell Material
  • Do not use abrasive cleansers or acidic solvents on Vikrell surfaces as they may cause surface dullness or discoloration.
  • Wipe your bath with a soft cloth after each use to prevent a build-up of soap and scum.
  • Extreme heat such as that generated by cigarettes or portable heaters can damage Vikrell surfaces. Do not use such items near your bath.
Products To Consider
  • Clinch Streak Free Multi-Surface Cleaner
  • Fantastik Antibacterial Heavy Duty
  • Lysol Disinfectant Mildew Remover with Bleach
  • Scrub Free Mildew Stain Remover
  • Super Iron Out Multi-Purpose Rust Stain Remover (for Rust Removal)
Care Tip

Sterling recommends the use of mild cleansers for weekly cleaning of your bath, made of solid Vikrell® material.

General Care & Cleaning

For best results, keep the following in mind when caring for your STERLING® product:

  • Test First-- Always test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before applying to the entire surface.
  • Wipe Clean-- Wipe surfaces clean and rinse completely with water immediately after applying cleaner. Rinse and dry and overspray that lands on nearby surfaces.
  • Don't Let Cleaners Soak-- Do not allow cleaners to sit or soak.
  • Avoid Abrasive Materials-- Use a soft, dampened sponge or cloth. Never use an abrasive material such as a brush or scouring pad to clean surfaces.
Vikrell® Material
Showers
STERLING showers are constructed from solid Vikrell material for superior strength and uniform color. This incredibly durable material also provides superior resistance to stains and scratches as well as a smooth, seamless appearance.
How To Care For Your Shower Made Of Vikrell Material
  • Do not use abrasive cleansers or acidic solvents on Vikrell surfaces as they may cause surface dullness or discoloration.
  • Wipe your shower unit with a soft cloth after each use to prevent a build-up of soap and scum.
  • Extreme heat such as that generated by cigarettes or portable heaters can damage Vikrell surfaces. Do not use such items near your shower unit.
Products To Consider
  • Clinch Streak Free Multi-Surface Cleaner
  • Fantastik Antibacterial Heavy Duty
  • Lysol Disinfectant Mildew Remover with Bleach
  • Scrub Free Mildew Stain Remover
  • Super Iron Out Multi-Purpose Rust Stain Remover (for Rust Removal)
Care Tip

Sterling recommends the use of mild cleansers for weekly cleaning of your shower, made of solid Vikrell® material.

General Care & Cleaning

For best results, keep the following in mind when caring for your STERLING® product:

  • Test First-- Always test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before applying to the entire surface.
  • Wipe Clean-- Wipe surfaces clean and rinse completely with water immediately after applying cleaner. Rinse and dry and overspray that lands on nearby surfaces.
  • Don't Let Cleaners Soak-- Do not allow cleaners to sit or soak.
  • Avoid Abrasive Materials-- Use a soft, dampened sponge or cloth. Never use an abrasive material such as a brush or scouring pad to clean surfaces.
Vikrell® Material
Whirlpools
STERLING whirlpools are constructed from solid Vikrell material for superior strength and uniform color. This incredibly durable material also provides superior resistance to stains and scratches as well as a smooth, seamless appearance.
How To Care For Your Whirlpool Made Of Vikrell Material
  • Do not use abrasive cleansers or acidic solvents on Vikrell surfaces as they may cause surface dullness or discoloration.
  • Wipe your whirlpool with a soft cloth after each use to prevent a build-up of soap and scum.
  • Extreme heat such as that generated by cigarettes or portable heaters can damage Vikrell surfaces. Do not use such items near your whirlpool.
Products To Consider
  • Clinch Streak Free Multi-Surface Cleaner
  • Fantastik Antibacterial Heavy Duty
  • Lysol Disinfectant Mildew Remover with Bleach
  • Scrub Free Mildew Stain Remover
  • Super Iron Out Multi-Purpose Rust Stain Remover (for Rust Removal)
How To Flush Your Whirlpool System

Flush your whirlpool system twice a month or more, depending upon usage.

  1. Adjust the jets fully clockwise so there is no air induction.
  2. Fill the bath with warm water to a level 2" above the highest jets, or leave water in the bath after using.
  3. Add two teaspoons of a low-foaming, powder automatic dishwasher detergent and 20 ounces of household bleach (5% to 6% sodium hypochlorite) to the water.
  4. Run the whirlpool for 5 to 10 minutes. Then shut off the whirlpool and drain the water.
  5. If desired, rinse the bath surfaces with water.
  6. Clean bath surfaces as needed with recommended cleaners.
Care Tip

Sterling recommends the use of mild cleansers for weekly cleaning of your whirlpool, made of solid Vikrell® material.

General Care & Cleaning

For best results, keep the following in mind when caring for your STERLING® product:

  • Test First-- Always test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before applying to the entire surface.
  • Wipe Clean-- Wipe surfaces clean and rinse completely with water immediately after applying cleaner. Rinse and dry and overspray that lands on nearby surfaces.
  • Don't Let Cleaners Soak-- Do not allow cleaners to sit or soak.
  • Avoid Abrasive Materials-- Use a soft, dampened sponge or cloth. Never use an abrasive material such as a brush or scouring pad to clean surfaces.
Vitreous China
Toilets
Lavatories and toilets by Sterling combine outstanding performance, functional design and distinctive visual appeal. STERLING vitreous china is scratch- and abrasive-resistant with a surface that won't stain or fade.
How To Care For Your Vitreous China Toilets & Lavatories
  • Rinse thoroughly and use a soft cloth to wipe the product dry after each use.
  • Soft abrasive cleaners may be used when necessary to clean vitreous china products. Strong abrasive cleaners will scratch and dull the surface.
  • Use toilet bowl cleaners on the inside of the bowl only.
  • Do not use in-tank toilet cleaners as they can damage the flush valve and other working parts.
  • Wipe any splashes of cleaner solutions from plastic or plated surfaces immediately.
Products To Consider
  • Comet Bathroom Cleaner
  • Fantastik Antibacterial Heavy Duty
  • Formula 409 Antibacterial All Purpose
  • Windex Original
  • Lysol Bathroom Cleaner
  • Soft Scrub Original
  • Tilex Soap Scum Remover
For Rust Removal
  • Bon Ami
  • Super Iron Out Multi-Purpose Rust Stain Remover
  • Zud Multi-Purpose Cream Cleanser
Care Tip

Over time, hard water deposits may clog toilet rim holes and trapways. To clean, purchase a commercial cleaner that's recommended for the removal of hard water deposits. Follow all instructions on the package.

General Care & Cleaning

For best results, keep the following in mind when caring for your STERLING® product:

  • Test First-- Always test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before applying to the entire surface.
  • Wipe Clean-- Wipe surfaces clean and rinse completely with water immediately after applying cleaner. Rinse and dry and overspray that lands on nearby surfaces.
  • Don't Let Cleaners Soak-- Do not allow cleaners to sit or soak.
  • Avoid Abrasive Materials-- Use a soft, dampened sponge or cloth. Never use an abrasive material such as a brush or scouring pad to clean surfaces.
Still have a Question?

Call the Sterling Customer Care Center at
Phone: 1-800-STERLING
1-800-783-7546

Hours: 8:00AM - 6:00PM (CST)
Monday - Friday

Write to Sterling at
Sterling Plumbing
444 Highland Drive
Kohler, WI 53044

Close Enlarged ViewEnlarge Photo
Enlarged Photo
Enlarged Image Container End