How to Remove Stains From an Old Porcelain Sink

An old porcelain sink adds a classic touch to your bathroom.

Porcelain enamel is a sturdy material that lasts for many years when properly cared for. Porcelain material is similar to tooth surface in that stains build up over time. Although they may not be noticeable initially, a built-up stain can become challenging to remove from porcelain. If your old porcelain sink has a buildup of old stains, easy-to-find supplies and effort will restore your sink to a clean, shiny condition.

Things You'll Need

• Nylon mesh sponge
• Baking soda
• 1 cup household bleach
• Vinegar
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Fill a bucket with warm water. Dip a nylon mesh sponge into the water, and then sprinkle the sponge with a light covering of baking soda.

2. Scrub the surface of the porcelain sink to remove oil-based stains, coffee or tea stains, and general dirt stains. Rinse your scrubber as it picks up stains. Apply more baking soda, and continue to scrub away the stains.

3. Rinse the baking soda and stains off the surface of your porcelain sink. Pat it dry with a clean cloth so you can see what stains remain.

4. Treat black and pink stains from mold and mildew with bleach. Fill your bucket with 1 quart warm water, and add 1 cup household bleach. Wet a clean cloth with the bleach solution, and rub it into mildew stains on your old porcelain sink.

5. Allow the bleach to sit on the mildew stains for 10 minutes so it can effectively kill mildew and remove stains. Rinse with plain water.

6. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar. Spray your entire porcelain sink with the undiluted vinegar, using it as a general cleaner and to remove any lingering soap scum or hard water stains. Let the vinegar sit for a few minutes before wiping off with a dry cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Diluted bleach is also an effective cleaner for removing discolored areas from juice or food spills.

• Use diluted ammonia as another general cleaner for porcelain sinks.

• Unglazed porcelain is more absorbent of stains and should be given a quick cleaning after every use.

References

• Porcelain Enamel Institute: Care and Cleaning of Porcelain
• Mother Earth News: Green Cleaners: Clean Your Home With Natural Household Cleaners
• Reader's Digest: Cleaning Tricks for a Sparkling Sink