A white porcelain or enamel sink shows everything: tea and coffee stains, gray marks from pots, a yellow tint that builds slowly. Harsh scrubbers make it worse by roughing up the glaze. A gentle paste and a little waiting works better.
What You Need
- Baking soda
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
- A soft sponge or cloth
- Dish soap
The Method
- Rinse the sink and wash it with dish soap to remove grease.
- While it’s still damp, sprinkle baking soda over the whole surface.
- Pour or spray hydrogen peroxide over it until you have a thin, wet paste.
- Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Scrub gently with a soft sponge, working in circles.
- Rinse well and dry with a towel.
For deep stains, lay paper towels over the paste so it stays wet, and leave it for an hour.
For Gray Pot Marks
Those gray lines are metal rubbed off from pans. A paste of baking soda and a little water on a damp cloth usually removes them. A product made for porcelain will take off the rest.
For Rust Spots
Sprinkle salt on the spot, squeeze lemon juice over it and leave it 30 minutes before rinsing.
What Not to Use
- Steel wool or scouring powder. They scratch the glaze, and scratches hold stains.
- Bleach left to sit. It can damage older enamel and yellow it.
A Safety Note
Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or any other cleaner. It makes toxic gas.
Keep It White
- Rinse the sink after coffee, tea or tomato sauce.
- Use a sink grid or mat to stop pot marks.
- Dry the sink at night to stop water spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this work on stainless steel?
Baking soda alone is enough for steel. Rub with the grain.
Is peroxide safe for the drain?
Yes, in these amounts.
How often should I do this?
Whenever the sink looks dull, usually once a month.
