How to Clean a Porcelain Sink in 6 Simple Steps

How to Clean a Porcelain Sink

1. Start With a Quick Clean

   Before you pull out the big guns, give your porcelain sink a quick clean with some gentle dish soap and a sponge. Wipe away any grease or soap scum, then rinse everything down the drain.
   

2. Sprinkle With a Layer of Baking Soda

   Sprinkle some baking soda over the stains or directly onto a damp sponge or microfiber cloth when you're ready to deep clean your sink. Scrub lightly and in a circular motion.

   The baking soda alone may lift the stains from your porcelain sink, but if you need a tougher solution, move on to the next step before rinsing your sink clean.

3. Add Hydrogen Peroxide to the Mix

   If the baking soda hasn't relieved your sink of all its stains, hydrogen peroxide may do the trick. Cover your sink in a layer of paper towels, then use a spray bottle to spray the hydrogen peroxide all over. You want the paper towels to cling to the sink's surface, then leave them to sit for at least 30 minutes (up to an hour).
   

   Tip

   If you don't have hydrogen peroxide handy, an alternative solution is white vinegar. This household cleaner is often paired with baking soda, and the combo can be used to clean many other areas of your home.

4. Rinse Your Sink Clean

   After the baking soda has done its job and the hydrogen peroxide has had a chance to sit, remove the paper towels and rinse out your sink thoroughly. Wipe the inside of your sink with a microfiber towel to finish the job. If you see any leftover stains, move on to the final two steps.

5. Tackle Tough Stains

   If you see an orange or red discoloration in your porcelain sink, it's likely a rust stain and should be cleaned with a separate method. Add a few drops of lemon juice or spray the stain with white vinegar. Avoid mixing either of these acids with each other or hydrogen peroxide, as the combination can be toxic. Whichever you choose, allow the liquid to sit for a half hour. You should notice the stain change color, after which you can rinse away the residue with warm water.

6. Finish With a Thorough Rinse and Buff

   When you've finally removed all the gunk and grime, give your porcelain sink one last rinse with warm water. Feel free to use a little dish soap as well, to be sure you've washed away any remaining cleaning solution. To finish, wipe down the sink, faucet, and surrounding area with a microfiber cloth.
   

Tips to Keep Your Porcelain Sink Clean Longer

• Give your porcelain sink a light rinse after each use.
• Whenever you have a little extra time, wipe down your sink with a little dish soap and a sponge.
• If you have a porcelain sink in your kitchen, be sure to clean up abandoned food scraps and coffee grounds promptly before they can dirty and discolor your sink.