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If you have a porcelain kitchen sink, as I do, then you know how much of a struggle it can be to keep it clean and free of scratches and stains. While I absolutely love the look of a Porcelain sink, the stains and discoloration on it can be a source of embarrassment.
However, after much trial and error (from using bleach, harsh chemicals, and other unresponsive products ), I have figured out how to get my porcelain sink sparkling clean once and for all. The key is Bar Keeper’s Friend.
Bar Keeper’s Friend is the best porcelain sink cleaner money can buy, and it will have your porcelain sink looking as good as new in just four simple steps. Follow along as I share how to clean a porcelain sink with stains and scuff marks using this product.
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Porcelain Sink Before Cleaning
As you can see, the porcelain sink is very dirty and deeply scratched and stained. Most of the scratches came from pots, pans and dishes being put in the sink. The stains are from food residue, coffee, and other juices placed in the sink.
It didn’t take long for the sink to get like this. While this may seem a bit intimidating to clean at first, I was able to bring this sink back to its original look in a matter of minutes. Follow along for step-by-step instructions on how to best clean your porcelain sink.
Supplies Needed
- Bar Keeper’s Friend
- Non-abrasive Sponge
- Gloves
How to Clean White Porcelain Sink
Step 1 – Remove items from the sink.
Remove all dishes, cups, and all food debris from the kitchen sink. Then, wash down the sink with water.
Step 2 – Sprinkle the product
Sprinkle a fair amount of Bar Keeper’s Friend over the entire sink. Make sure you sprinkle the areas, including the side of the sink, that have been especially scratched and stained.
Step 3 – Scrub away
Use a damp sponge to scrub the porcelain sink. Use a bit of elbow grease with the soft sponge and get in all the areas of the white sink. Make sure you are wearing gloves when you get to this part.
Step 4 – Wash away the product
Once you are done scrubbing, use the kitchen faucet and wash the product away and down the sink with hot or warm water.
Use a microfiber cloth or paper towels to wipe down around the sink and remove any water stains.
Your clean porcelain sink should now be much whiter and brighter.
The good news about this product is that it works almost instantly. You don’t even have to let it sit. You instantly see the difference and the cleaning power. In just a little time, your clean porcelain sink will look almost brand-new.
Why should you use Bar Keeper’s Friend?
Bar Keepers Friend is a cleaning product made with oxalic acid as its main ingredient. Oxalic acid has the power to break down and remove rust stains, lime deposits, stubborn stains and tarnish on various surfaces.
It is one of the most effective household cleaning products out there. When used correctly, these types of household cleaners will completely eradicate residues from metal, ceramic, stone, and other materials without damaging the surface. It can also be used on a stainless steel sink, a bathroom sink, and tubs.
Are there other ways to clean porcelain?
Yes, there are a couple of methods that you can use to clean the porcelain sink. Here are a couple of cleaning tips and methods that you can try using common household items:
- Create a Baking Soda, White Vinegar, and Dish Soap Mixture – Combine baking soda, undiluted white vinegar, and liquid soap. Mix them together to create a thick paste. Apply it liberally to any stained areas, making sure that you are applying an even coat. Let this sit for about 10-20 minutes before continuing on to the next step! Scrub gently and then rinse off with hot water.
- Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Mix – Mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is a natural way to get rid of persistent marks from your sink. All you have to do is sprinkle baking soda in the sink, put the hydrogen peroxide on the sponge, and scrub away.
- Chloride Bleach – Bleach is a good alternative to remove stains on porcelain. While this stuff is harsh, it is great at removing tough stains. Just mix water with bleach in a spray bottle and spray in the sink. Let it sit for 10-20 minutes. The bleach product will remove the black marks, scratches, and other stained areas.
Even with all the different methods, I have found that the best way to clean your porcelain sink is using Bar Keeper’s Friend.
What exactly is porcelain?
Porcelain is a type of ceramic material that is composed of clay and other minerals, such as feldspar and quartz. Its main properties are its strength, durability, and beautiful gloss finish. It is fired at high temperatures and is water-resistant. Porcelain is often used to make kitchen sinks, due to its combination of strength and aesthetic appeal.
Porcelain has been used for centuries in producing countertops, farmhouse sinks, showers, floors, and tiles. It’s strong, can withstand a lot of use, is resistant to extreme heat and cold, easy to clean, and looks stunning – offering timeless beauty to any kitchen or bathroom.
That being said, it’s not indestructible; it can be chipped or scratched by sharp or heavy objects and must be cleaned with care since aggressive scrubbing can permanently damage its surface.
What should you avoid when cleaning porcelain?
To keep your porcelain sink looking its best, it is important to clean it regularly and properly. However, there are things that you should not use when cleaning it. Avoid using harsh or abrasive products or tools such as scouring pads or steel wool, as they may damage the porcelain finish. These types of materials can leave unsightly scratches and erode the porcelain.
Instead, if you have a colored, antique, or vintage porcelain sink, you should use nonabrasive products and avoid using chlorine bleach as it may damage the finish.
How do you remove coffee stains from the porcelain sink?
The best way to remove the coffee stains from the porcelain sink is to follow the same directions used in this tutorial. Another option is to combine baking soda and white vinegar and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for 10-20 minutes before wiping it down with a sponge. Rinse with warm water and repeat if necessary.
As you can see, it is fairly easy to get your sink to look sparkling clean. With the right product, you can have your sink back to the way it was. So the next time you are faced with a stained sink, reach out to your trusted “friend,” Bar Keepers Friend.
I hope you have found these simple steps helpful. I’d love to hear your thoughts about this article, so leave a comment below. Feel free also to follow me on my social media pages – Pinterest and Instagram or subscribe to my mailing list for other cleaning tips, DIY projects and home decor ideas.
Tamara White is the creator and founder of The Thrifty Apartment, a home decor and DIY blog that focuses on affordable and budget-friendly home decorating ideas and projects. Tamara documents her home improvement journey, love of thrifting, tips for space optimization, and creating beautiful spaces.
