Warranty & Care

DID YOU KNOW?

Over 90% of reported "rust" or "stains" on stainless steel sinks occur during the installation and renovation phase—before the homeowner even moves in. These issues are almost always caused by improper silicone, chemical fumes, or construction debris.

To ensure your sink remains pristine for a lifetime, we have established the following Installation Protocols. We strongly recommend you review these with your Interior Designer (ID) or Main Contractor.

CRITICAL WARNING 1: THE SILICONE TRAP (RUST)

The Problem: Many contractors use "General Purpose" or "Acid Cure" silicone because:

It dries much faster (cures in minutes).
It is cheaper.
It smells "strong," which some mistakenly equate with "stronger adhesion."

The Science: These silicones release Acetic Acid while curing. When trapped between the sink rim and your countertop, this acid attacks the steel's protective layer. This causes "Flash Rust" (corrosion spots) around the rim within 48 hours and can permanently stain your Quartz or Stone countertop.

THE RULE: YOU MUST USE "NEUTRAL CURE" SILICONE ONLY

✅ RECOMMENDED BRANDS (in order of preference):

Dow Corning (DOWSIL) 798
Selleys S601 Neutral Cure Silicone

CRITICAL WARNING 2: "FLOATING RUST" (DEBRIS)

The Problem: Homeowners often find small orange "rust" spots on the sink bottom immediately after renovation. This is not the sink rusting.

The Science: This is Ferrous Contamination. When contractors drill cabinet hinges, cut tiles, or install window grilles nearby, invisible iron dust particles float into the air and settle on your wet sink. These iron particles rust overnight, staining the surface.

✅ ACTION PLAN:

IMMEDIATE PROTECTION: If drilling or metal work is ongoing, you MUST cover the sink immediately after installation.
CREATE A BARRIER: Tape the original cardboard box cutout or a heavy-duty plastic sheet over the entire sink bowl.
KEEP IT COVERED: Do not leave the sink exposed overnight until the renovation is 100% complete and the house is cleaned.
NO DRILLING: Strict rule—do not allow contractors to cut tiles or drill metal directly over or near the uncovered sink.

CRITICAL WARNING 3: THE "ACID WASH" HAZARD

The Problem: Contractors often use Hydrochloric Acid (Chemical Wash) to clean floor tiles. Acid fumes may cause severe pitting and permanent black/grey discoloration on all premium metal fixtures (taps, handles, sinks, appliances).

CRITICAL WARNING 4: SCRATCHES & STAINS

The Problem: Installers often treat the sink as a "workbench" or "trash bin," throwing heavy tools, wet paint brushes, and grout sponges into the basin.

The Reality:

Scratches: Your sink is scratch-resistant, not scratch-proof. Sliding a heavy toolbox or a tile cutter across the bottom will gouge the steel.
Stains: Wet grout contains sand (abrasive) and cement (chemical). Leaving grout or paint to dry in the sink will leave permanent hazy stains.

✅ ACTION PLAN:

STRICT RULE: No tools, paint cans, or solvents inside the sink.
Do NOT wash grout sponges or paint brushes in the new sink.

📥 Download The Contractor Checklist

Don't leave it to chance. Download our official Installation Sign-Off Sheet below and tape it to your sink prior to installation for your contractor's attention, review and sign off.

English version

Mandarin version

⚠️ RUST DISCLAIMER

Zuhne sinks are engineered from premium 304 or 316 stainless steel—materials renowned for their exceptional resistance to rust and corrosion. We back this quality with a Limited Lifetime Warranty against rust or corrosion caused by material defects.

While our stainless steel is highly durable, certain external factors may cause surface rust marks or discoloration. These are not signs of product failure and do not affect the sink’s structure or performance. In most cases, such marks are superficial and fully removable with proper cleaning.

Common External Causes of Surface Rust Marks

External contaminants can occasionally result in rust-like stains, especially during or shortly after installation. Here are the most common culprits—along with real-world examples:

1. Iron or ferrous particles in the water supply

Common in newly constructed or recently renovated homes where new plumbing systems flush out metal debris

Older buildings with corroding pipes or homes using untreated well water
Rust marks may appear near the drain or in sink corners where water lingers. These typically stop once plumbing lines stabilize.

2. Rust-transferring items left on the sink surface

Cast iron cookware or carbon steel knives left sitting wet in the sink overnight

Metal tools, screws, or brackets left by contractors during installation

Tin cans with rusted or sharp metal bottoms
Prolonged contact with moisture can cause rust from these items to transfer onto the sink surface. These marks are cosmetic and easily cleaned.

3. Abrasive cleaning tools

Steel wool pads or metal scouring brushes
While these tools may remove tough stains, they also scratch the protective chromium oxide layer of stainless steel. Scratches may trap debris and moisture, increasing the risk of surface staining and reducing luster over time.

4. Harsh chemicals not rated for stainless steel

Industrial solvents, paint removers, or caustic drain cleaners

Cleaners containing hydrochloric, sulfuric, or muriatic acid
Such chemicals can corrode the passive protective layer on stainless steel, resulting in recurring or permanent staining if not promptly and thoroughly rinsed.

5. Construction debris or airborne metal dust during renovations

Dust from tile cutting, concrete work, or grinding metal fittings

Workers using the sink to rinse tools or mop buckets
This fine debris often settles in corners and edges. If not cleaned off immediately, these particles can cause localized surface rust spots.

✅ What’s Covered

If permanent rust or corrosion occurs due to a material defect in the stainless steel itself — not from external contamination, chemical exposure, or misuse — Zuhne will, at our discretion, refund the amount paid for the sink OR provide a new sink free or charge under our Limited Lifetime Warranty. Cost of additional parts such as countertops and labour cost towards replacement of the sink are not included.

❌ What’s Not Covered

Zuhne is not liable for rust marks, stains, or discoloration caused by:

Improper maintenance or failure to follow care guidelines

Use of harsh chemicals or abrasive materials

Contact with rusting or corrosive external objects

Environmental conditions or construction-related debris

These are considered external issues, not sink defects, and are therefore not covered under warranty. To protect your sink’s finish and preserve your warranty, always follow the Care Instructions provided in your product manual. Keeping the sink clean, dry and free from corrosive materials ensures it will retain its beauty for years to come.

⚠️ SCRATCH DISCLAIMER

Zuhne sinks are crafted from high-grade, scratch-resistant (but not scratch-proof) 304 or 316 stainless steel. Like all stainless steel products, surface scratches may occur over time—especially in busy kitchens where sinks are used as the workhorses they’re meant to be.

Scratches are a cosmetic condition only. They do not affect the durability, hygiene, or structural integrity of the sink, and are not considered defects.

Why Do Scratches Occur?

Even the toughest stainless steel can scratch under certain conditions. Common causes include:

Sliding pots, pans, or sharp utensils across the sink surface

Using abrasive pads or scouring tools

Dropping heavy or metal objects into the basin

Good News: Scratches Naturally Fade

Over time, most surface scratches begin to blend into the brushed grain of the sink, becoming less noticeable with regular use. The sink develops a natural patina, giving it a softer, more uniform appearance.

Care Tips to Minimize Scratches:

Use silicone-coated sink mats or stainless steel bottom grids to protect high-contact areas

Avoid steel wool, wire brushes, or rough scouring pads

Clean with soft cloths and non-abrasive cleaners, always following the direction of the grain

❌ What’s Not Covered

Because scratches are considered normal cosmetic wear, they are not covered under Zuhne’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Zuhne sinks are designed to be used and enjoyed—not just admired. They’re built tough, rated top-of-class by thousands of homeowners, and made to withstand real-life kitchen demands.

⚠️ CONDENSATION DISCLAIMER

Zuhne sinks are equipped with industry-leading sound and thermal insulation, designed to minimize temperature transfer and reduce moisture buildup. However, under certain environmental conditions, condensation may still occur. This is a natural physical response—not a product defect.

Why Does Condensation Happen?

Condensation can form when there’s a difference in temperature between the inside and outside of the sink, causing moisture in the surrounding air to condense on the sink’s outer surface or within the cabinet.

Common Situations That May Cause Condensation:

Defrosting frozen food directly on the sink base
– Extended contact with ice, frozen meats, or frozen packaging can chill the sink surface and draw condensation on the underside.
→ To avoid this, use a colander or bowl placed inside the sink to defrost items.

Temperature differential inside the cabinet
– On hot days, closed cabinet interiors can heat up while cold tap water or ice lowers the internal sink temperature, leading to condensation underneath.
→ Keeping the cabinet door slightly ajar improves airflow and reduces moisture buildup.

Sink installed too close to a gas stove
– Heat radiating from cooking may warm one side of the sink, creating uneven surface temperatures.

Exposure to prolonged or direct sunlight
– Sinks placed near windows or in outdoor kitchens may be heated by the sun, contributing to surface temperature imbalance.

❌ What’s Not Covered

Condensation is caused by environmental and usage-related factors, not by sink material or construction. For this reason, it is not covered under Zuhne’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Zuhne sinks are designed for high-performance kitchens and come equipped with the industry’s best insulation. But like any stainless steel product, condensation is a naturally occurring condition under specific temperature and humidity scenarios.

ℹ️ Note on Exterior Padding & Insulation Marks

Important Note: The Mark of a Heavy-Duty Sink

Zuhne sink models like Neste, Oslo and Modena are engineered for professional-grade performance, featuring 5mm extra-thick thermal and sound insulation. This makes our sinks significantly quieter and more durable—but it also makes them much heavier than the average retail sink.

The "Premium Weight" Reality

Because of the sheer mass of the 16-gauge steel and the density of our 5mm pads, minor scuffs or marks may appear on the exterior insulation during transit or handling.

Why this happens: To provide the industry's best sound dampening, our pads are more than twice as thick as the competition. The weight required to secure these heavy-duty components means the underside is subject to high-friction contact during secure-freight shipping.

Why it matters: These marks are a "badge of density." They are purely cosmetic, located on the non-visible underside, and have zero impact on the sink’s structural integrity, rust resistance, or performance.

Performance vs. Aesthetics

We prioritize what happens inside your basin and inside your walls. Even with minor exterior scuffs, a Zuhne sink is 5x more effective at dampening noise and preventing cabinet condensation than standard sinks.

Warranty Note: Our Limited Lifetime Warranty covers the material and structural integrity of the sink. Cosmetic marks on the exterior insulation pads—which are hidden after installation—are not considered defects, as they do not compromise the sink’s superior performance or lifespan.

While we strive to deliver a flawless finish - even on areas not visible after installation - minor scuffs or marks on the insulation or underside cladding may be present due to handling during installation.

These marks are purely cosmetic and do not affect the sink’s functionality, structure, or lifespan. They are not covered under warranty.

During Installation

Because the pads are thicker than normal, the sink requires just a bit more handling care when being installed into the cabinet. If the installer drops the sink into place without adjusting, the pads may rub against the cabinet sides, leaving minor scruffs.

This isn’t a defect.

It doesn’t affect the performance, durability, or insulation quality of the sink.

It’s simply a result of installation technique.

To avoid pad scuffing:

Ensure adequate clearance in the cabinet area before dropping the sink in (no protruding obstruction such as nails, clips or hinges).

Lower the sink carefully, centered into the cabinet, so the pads don’t scrape the sides.

Scruffs that do occur are purely cosmetic on the underside and have no impact on warranty, since the sink is designed to perform exactly the same.

In summary:

The scuffs are hidden after installation.

The insulation will still function at full capacity.

No compromise to durability or warranty-covered performance.

⚠️ WATER POOLING DISCLAIMER

Zuhne sinks are engineered for optimal performance, durability and modern design sensibilities. Our latest-generation models feature gently sloped bases designed to guide water efficiently toward the drain—without the aggressive incline of older designs.

This updated slope is an intentional industry shift adopted by Zuhne and other leading sink brands to better accommodate today’s kitchen needs. The more gradual gradient helps prevent delicate glassware (e.g., wine glasses) from tipping or sliding—an essential feature for homes that value both form and function.

Why Some Water May Remain

While Zuhne sinks are designed to channel water effectively toward the drain, they are not engineered to drain completely dry. Minor water patches may remain after use, especially in low-flow or flat-flow conditions.

This behavior is not a defect. It is a design trade-off—balancing efficient drainage with everyday usability and safety.

Best Practice for Maintenance

To maintain your sink’s beauty and hygiene, we recommend:

Wiping down residual water once daily with a soft towel or microfiber cloth after the last use.

This quick 10–15 second step helps prevent mineral build-up, water marks, or oxidation caused by standing water—especially in hard water areas.

❌ What’s Not Covered

Water pooling or the presence of minor residual patches after draining is not covered under Zuhne’s Limited Lifetime Warranty, because:

It results from intended design choices—not product failure or material defect.

It could be an installation issue if the sink is not installed completely flat or level.

No sink in this category—regardless of brand—can guarantee a bone-dry finish without manual drying.

Zuhne builds sinks for real kitchens. Our models undergo extensive testing to meet the needs of modern households while preserving aesthetic, ergonomic, and functional balance.

Following the above care tip ensures your sink stays clean, beautiful, and high-performing for years to come.

ℹ️ Nano Coating

Select Zuhne stainless steel sink models receive a clear, micro-thin protective layer that enhances the surface by making it smoother, easier to clean and more resistant to everyday marks.
It works like a high-quality topcoat, elevating the finish and improving daily usability.

Benefits for Daily Use

The clear protective layer helps to:

Minimise fingerprints and water spots

Make cleaning quicker and easier

Add resilience against light, everyday micro-scratches

Keep the surface looking polished with normal care

How the Coating Ages

Just like a car wax, this clear top layer will naturally wear with regular use. This gentle fading is normal and expected for any clear protective finish.

Most importantly:

It does not affect the sink’s underlying stainless steel, which remains as durable, rust-resistant and hygienic as ever.