How to Clean a Porcelain Kitchen Sink

before and after cleaning porcelain sink

​​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 harsh chemicals like bleach and other unresponsive products – I have figured out how to once and for all get my porcelain sink sparkling clean. 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 kitchen sink with stains using this product.

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Porcelain Sink Before Cleaning

before cleaning porcelain sink

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

How to Clean White Porcelain Sink

before and after cleaning 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

bar keepers friend on porcelain sink

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

sponge on porcelain sink

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. Your clean porcelain sink should now be much whiter and brighter.

porcelain sink

The good news about Bar Keeper’s Friend 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, it will make your porcelain sink look 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, lime deposits, stubborn stains and tarnish on various surfaces.

It is one of the most effective household cleaners. When used correctly, it 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.

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Are there other ways to clean the porcelain kitchen sink?

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, 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 – This mixture 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 best for cleaning stains on a white porcelain kitchen sink. 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.

If you have a colored, antique, or vintage porcelain sink, you should avoid using chlorine bleach as it may damage the finish. However, it is perfectly fine to use bleach on white porcelain.

How do you remove coffee stains from the porcelain sink?

In order to remove the coffee stains from the porcelain, you will follow the same directions used in this tutorial. Bar Keeper’s Friend can remove coffee stains from the porcelain sink. Another option is to combine baking soda and 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 porcelain kitchen sink to look sparkling clean. With the right product and a little elbow grease, 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 design inspiration and home decor ideas.

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