How to Restore an Enamel Sink

Clean the fixtures with vinegar to remove hard water spots.

Porcelain enamel sinks are made by fusing a durable glass surface to an iron base. These sinks are long-lasting and look attractive when they are clean, but they stain easily and may chip if you drop something hard on them. For general cleaning, wash your sink weekly with a soft cleanser, vinegar or a mild housecleaning spray, and use oxygenated bleach or hydrogen peroxide to remove stains. Don't use steel wool or abrasive cleansers on enamel sinks because they are easily scratched. To restore an old sink, start by removing stains and cutting through grime. Then repair any chips.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 cup trisodium phosphate
• Rubber gloves
• Nylon scrubbing brush or microfiber cloth
• Enamel repair kit

Instructions

1. Fill the sink with warm water and 1/2 cup trisodium phosphate. TSP is a highly alkaline cleaner often used to prepare walls for painting. It cuts through soap scum, stains, mineral deposits and rust without creating fumes. It is caustic, though, so wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from skin irritation.

2. Wait 20 minutes and then drain the sink.

3. Scrub any remaining stains with your scrub brush and rinse the sink thoroughly. Allow it to dry overnight.

4. Select an enamel repair kit in the same shade as your enamel sink. Apply a small amount of the repair kit paste to any chips, smoothing them with a paint scraper. Allow the paste to dry.

5. Paint over the repaired areas with the enamel paint included in the repair kit.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy TSP and enamel repair kits at a home store or hardware store.

References

• Michigan State University Extension: Porcelain Enamel Sinks and Tubs -- Care and Cleaning
• North Carolina Cooperative Extension: Removing Mineral Deposits From Household Surfaces
• DIY Doctor: Bath Repairs and Resurfacing

Resources

• Washington State University Extension: Creative Cleaning Back to Basics