A porcelain sink can be one of the most high-maintenance fixtures in your home. Over time, porcelain sinks are prone to staining, build-up, and discoloration from daily use. But with the right techniques and products, you can keep your porcelain sink looking like new. Here are 6 simple steps to clean a porcelain sink and keep it spotless.
Gather Your Supplies
Before tackling your porcelain sink, gather the following cleaning supplies:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Liquid dish soap
- Soft sponges or cloths
- Old toothbrush
- Rubber gloves
- Eye protection like goggles (for mixing chemicals)
Avoid abrasive scrubbers or anything that could scratch the finish. Stick to soft materials when cleaning porcelain.
Remove Items from the Sink
Start by clearing everything out of and around the sink. Remove any dishes, bottles, cleaning products, etc.
Tip: Place a towel in the bottom of the empty sink. This will prevent scratches as you clean.
Mix a Baking Soda Paste
In a small bowl, mix together:
- 1⁄2 cup baking soda
- Few squirts of liquid dish soap
- Enough water to form a spreadable paste
The abrasiveness of the baking soda combined with the grease-cutting power of dish soap makes for an effective cleaning scrub.
Scrub the Sink Basin
Dip your sponge or cloth into the baking soda paste. Spread the paste all over the bottom and sides of the sink basin. Make sure to get paste into the crevices, corners, and any etched areas.
Let the paste sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing. This gives the ingredients time to work on stains.
Use the soft sponge/cloth to scrub every inch of the porcelain. For stubborn stains, allow more dwell time and use a bit more elbow grease.
Rinse thoroughly when finished scrubbing. Be sure to remove all baking soda residue.
Pro Tip: Use an old toothbrush to scrub around the drain and hard-to-reach areas.
Remove Mineral Deposits and Rust
Does your sink have stubborn mineral deposits or rust stains? Use white vinegar to tackle these issues.
Pour undiluted white vinegar directly onto problem areas. For light stains, a few minutes of dwell time is sufficient. For heavier stains, let the vinegar sit for up to an hour.
Scrub with your sponge/cloth or toothbrush. The acidic vinegar will dissolve mineral deposits and rust over time.
Rinse the vinegar thoroughly when stains have lifted. Avoid leaving vinegar on porcelain for extended periods, as the acidity could damage the finish.
Disinfect and Shine
After general cleaning, disinfect and polish your sink to complete the process.
Make a disinfecting solution by combining:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1⁄4 cup bleach
Use a clean sponge/cloth to apply the solution over all surfaces. This will kill germs and bacteria that can cause odors. Let it sit briefly before a final rinse.
Buff dry with a microfiber cloth. Microfibers will add an extra shine without scratching.
Your porcelain sink should now look sparkling clean! Use this process regularly to maintain its beauty.
FAQs About Cleaning a Porcelain Sink
Still have questions about keeping your porcelain sink looking its best? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
How often should I deep clean my porcelain sink?
Aim to do a thorough deep clean about once per week. For lighter maintenance, wipe down surfaces with soap and water after each use.
What are the best cleaners for porcelain?
Baking soda, vinegar, and bleach are all effective and affordable. Avoid abrasive powders or anything acidic.
How can I make my sink smell better?
Disinfecting with bleach kills odors. You can also pour baking soda down the drain weekly. Never pour coffee grounds down a porcelain sink.
Why does my porcelain stain so easily?
Porcelain is prone to staining because it’s nonporous. Rinsing thoroughly after each use can prevent stains from setting.
How do I remove hard water stains?
Hard water minerals will etch porcelain over time. Use undiluted white vinegar to dissolve and scrub away hard water stains.
What should I avoid getting on my sink?
Avoid letting coffee, tea, wine, hair dye, and other strongly colored liquids sit on porcelain. Rinse immediately to prevent permanent stains.
Can I use the same porcelain cleaning methods on a bathroom sink?
Yes, these tips work on most porcelain bathroom sinks. Adjust dwell times as needed for lighter bathroom stains.
What is the best way to dry a porcelain sink?
Always hand dry porcelain with a soft towel or microfiber cloth. Air drying can lead to spotting.
Conclusion
With its classic beauty and smooth finish, a porcelain sink can be the focal point of your kitchen or bathroom. But maintaining that luxurious look requires regular cleaning. By using a few inexpensive ingredients and the proper techniques, you can keep your porcelain sink looking brand new.
Follow these 6 simple steps—clearing, scrubbing, vinegar-soaking, disinfecting, and hand drying—every week or so. Taking good care of your sink will help it last for years of daily use.
Roll up your sleeves, gather the baking soda and vinegar, and rediscover the satisfaction of a sparkling clean porcelain sink! With some consistent effort, your sink will stay beautiful and sanitary for your family to enjoy.