FRANKE USA: Frequently Asked Questions

Are FrankeUSA stainless steel sinks corrosion resistant?

FrankeUSA sinks are made of stainless steel with a high nickel content for added corrosion resistance. A mark or scratch will not damage its corrosion resistance qualities due to a protective oxide film that is self-healing. A protective layer forms immediately which prevents bacteria from forming or corrosion from setting in.

Will stainless steel sinks withstand extreme temperature?

Stainless steel stands up to high hot or cold temperatures, along with sudden temperature changes. That means you can drain hot boiling pasta in your sink, followed with a rinse of ice cold water, without causing any damage to your sink's surface.

How tough is stainless?

Once the stainless steel is cut, formed and pressed into a FrankeUSA sink, it holds its shape beautifully. And with stainless, there's no need to worry about chipping or staining. Stains can be removed with a mild abrasive without affecting the sink's surface.

How easy is stainless to clean?

It's surprisingly easy to keep stainless steel clean. A simple wash and wipe dry is generally all it takes. Wiping dry is the secret to maintaining those gleaming good looks.

Can you offer tips to insure long-lasting beauty for my stainless steel sink?

Do Routine Cleaning…
Use soap, warm water and sponge. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
To Remove Stubborn Stains…
Comet, Ajax, BonAmi, BarKeeper's Friend or similar products are helpful in removing tough stains. Always rub in the direction of the grain, rinse thoroughly, and wipe dry.
To Maintain Luster…
Use a small amount of mineral oil on a soft cloth. Apply evenly to the entire surface of sink and buff to a shiny finish.

Is there anything I should avoid while cleaning my sink?

Do not ever use steel wool, scouring pads, steel brushes, etc. Their particles may become embedded in the sink surface and cause a rusty discoloration.

Can I use a rubber mat inside my sink?

No. They trap water causing iron deposits and surface discoloration.

What does the gauge of the stainless steel mean?

The gauge is the thickness of the stainless steel. An easy rule of thumb is, the lower the number of the gauge, the thicker and better the stainless steel. Therefore, 18 gauge is better than 20 gauge.

What kind of undercoating is applied on FrankeUSA Stainless Steel sinks?

Sound deadening pads are installed on all FrankeUSA models to eliminate unwanted sounds, such as the garbage disposal growl and to ensure water temperature retention.

Will my new stainless steel sink scratch?

As with most things, your stainless steel sink WILL scratch with use. However, over time as the sink ages, scratches will become less apparent and in fact blend into the surface.

What's the difference between an undermount and topmount (or ‘self-rimming') sink?

A topmount sink has a lip that folds over the countertop and is therefore resting on top of the countertop cutout. Fasteners securely mount an undermount sink underneath the countertop so that a polished edge of granite, marble, etc. is exposed above the sink. An undermount sink cutout requires more polishing and installation labor than a topmount sink cutout and is therefore a more expensive option.

Which bowl configuration is better - double or combination?

Bowl configuration really is a personal preference. If you tend to use a lot of large platters, roasters or pots, a combination bowl sink might be a good choice. An equal sized double bowl is a good wash and rinse model.

Why is water spotting my sink?

If water is left standing anywhere on your stainless steel sink, it will evaporate and leave a film (spots) on the surface of the steel. This film can be removed with regular dish soap and water and a soft cloth. For removing heavier residue, you may use a mild solution of vinegar and water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and towel dry.

Sink tip: Regularly rinse and towel dry your sink after use to keep its surface exposed to oxygen. (Oxygen reacts with chromium in the steel to form a strong, highly protective chrome oxide film on the surface of your sink. It is this film that makes stainless resistant to corrosion and gives it a remarkably long life.)

I have rust in my sink - how can this be?!

Stainless steel is a wonderful material that does not rust. However, if given the opportunity, iron particles that do rust will bond to its surface - from metal cooking implements for instance. To remove this surface corrosion, place a small amount of Autosol® on a damp or dry cloth. Rub in the direction of the grain on the bottom or sides of the bowl. You may also use Scotch-Brite \® on the bottom or sides of the bowl but NOT on the mirrored surface. If the mirrored finish has dulled, use a metal polish such as Peek® to restore its lustre. Please do not use a silver dip cleaner. Thoroughly rinse and towel dry.

Sink tip: Regularly rinse and towel dry your sink after use to keep its surface exposed to oxygen. (It is the oxygen that reacts with chromium in the steel to form a strong, highly protective chrome oxide film on the surface. It is this film that makes stainless resistant to corrosion and gives it a remarkably long life)

May I use a smaller cabinet than what FrankeUSA recommends?

The cabinet sizes FrankeUSA recommends take into account standard cabinet sizes without modification, sink dimensions, installation methods and hardware.

Sink tip: You must consult with your countertop fabricator, cabinetmaker or the person who will be installing your sink to determine if the sink you have chosen will fit into an alternative cabinet size.

Can I drill faucet holes in my granite sink?

No, please DO NOT drill your Granite sink. Please follow the installation directions included with your sink packaging for knocking out faucet holes.

Can I have special faucet holes punched or drilled in my sink?

Many of our stainless steel sinks are offered with faucet hole options. The distributor you are dealing with will be able to guide you through these options.

Adding additional holes to your sink is not recommended and will, in fact, void your warranty.

Can I cutout the hole in my countertop for my sink without a template?

No, this is not recommended. FrankeUSA provides a template with each and every sink for this purpose.

Sink tip: If your template has been misplaced, please contact our Customer Service department and we'll see that we get another one to you immediately.

Can a drop-in sink be undermounted?

FrankeUSA does not recommend that you undermount a drop-in sink. We do not provide any installation hardware or instructions for such an application and undermounting a drop-in model will invalidate your warranty. Should you wish to pursue this, you should speak with your fabricator or countertop partner.