How to Clean a Porcelain Stain

Keep bleach and harsh cleaners away from metal fixtures.

Brown, black and yellow stains on porcelain tubs and sinks are unsightly. They may be caused by using harsh drain cleaners, whose acid eats away the glaze surface of porcelain. Stains may be the result of using bleach, especially if it is used on areas where the glaze has been removed or around metal fixtures and drains. Or, the stains may simply be from normal aging. Take a chemical-free approach to cleaning porcelain.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Paper towels or cloth
• Plastic wrap
• Plastic scrubber
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Baking soda
• Oxygen bleach

Instructions

1. Pour undiluted distilled white vinegar on the stain.

2. Pour more white vinegar on a folded paper towel or cloth.

3. Place the saturated towel on the stain and cover with plastic wrap. This will keep the vinegar from evaporating.

4. Allow to sit for at least 30 minutes. This can be left for hours, even over night.

5. Scrub the stain thoroughly with a plastic scrubber or brush.

6. Rinse and follow up with a general cleaning product.

7. If the stain persists, follow these same steps using straight hydrogen peroxide, a 50/50 mix of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda or an oxygen bleach.

References

• How to Clean Things: How to Clean a Porcelain Sink