How Do I Get My Bathroom Sink White Again?
As one of the most used surfaces in the home, sinks are susceptible to abrasions and dull marks from everyday use. If your bathroom sink is starting to look a bit more tired than it should, there are several natural and safe methods for getting it back to looking shiny and new again.
A common cause of a dirty sink is light limescale deposits, which can be removed by a simple scrub with baking soda. Sprinkle a bit of baking soda on a sponge and scrub away, making sure to pay special attention to any problem areas. This is an easy, effective way to get a white sink looking great again without the need for harsh chemicals.
Another option is to use a natural scouring powder such as Bar Keeper’s Friend, which is gentle enough to use on porcelain but also works on ceramic and stainless steel. Mix the powder with a little water to create a paste and scrub the sink, being careful not to scratch the surface. After scrubbing, rinse the sink and dry it with a clean cloth.
If your sink is made from fireclay rather than porcelain, you can be a bit rougher with it, as this material is less sensitive to abrasions. A brisk scrubbing with a toothbrush or a non scratch sponge is often all it takes to make your sink shine again. Make sure to also scrub any little crevices on the sides and around the drain.
Vinegar is a versatile cleaner that’s useful in many spaces in the home, and it’s particularly helpful when cleaning a sink. A light spray of undiluted vinegar can remove many types of stains, and it’s also a very effective disinfectant. Vinegar is also a good choice for those with stubborn water spots and stains, as the acid in it cuts through hard water deposits and soap scum.
A few drops of vinegar on a paper towel and left to soak on the sink for half an hour can usually dissolve difficult stains. Vinegar can be enhanced with hydrogen peroxide (which makes it even more effective as a sanitiser) by sprinkling a small amount on to your cloth or sponge before wiping down the sink.
If your sink has a very stubborn and persistent stain, naval jelly is a heavy duty rust and metal dissolver that’s also useful on porcelain. Apply a thin layer to the problem area and wait 15 minutes before rinsing. You can also find dedicated composite restoring kits which contain abrasive pads and brushes for removing really stuck on stains. Be very careful when using these kits, as abrasive pads can damage your sink and scratch the enamel underneath.
