Although the porcelain surface is non-porous, its glaze is susceptible to staining and daily wear and tear. In bathrooms, porcelain sinks can dull over time, due to soap scum and water with a high mineral content. Rust stains are another problem, especially if your water contains higher levels of iron.
It's much easier to prevent stains and buildup than it is to remove them, so it's best to wipe down your sink with dish soap and a sponge after each use. Also make sure you clean up food scraps promptly so stains don't have a chance to settle in on the surface.
Porcelain sinks are not one of the easiest sink materials to maintain, making regular cleaning essential. When stains are left to sit, problems arise as the porous material holds onto marks. Luckily, there are some ways to refresh your sink if this is the case.
The brown stain is from a large amount of iron in your water. It is closely related to simple rust that you see on metal, which is iron oxide. Your water probably comes from groundwater that filtered through rocks containing iron-rich minerals on its way to the well.
Stainless steel sinks are very low maintenance; they are corrosion and rust resistant, and as long as they are cared for properly and wiped down after every use, they should not stain. Find out more about how to clean a stainless steel sink by reading our guide with handy tips and tricks from our experts.
When cleaned regularly and properly maintained, these types of kitchen sinks are able to keep their original glossy appearance for years to come. Porcelain, ceramic and fireclay kitchen sinks have extremely low water absorption characteristics (making them easy to keep clean on a regular basis).
Durability - It's nearly impossible to scratch or chip fireclay, and they're much less likely to crack or scratch compared to cast iron. Because of the finish, fireclay sinks are unlikely to discolor, rust, or fade over time.
Give your porcelain sink a light rinse after each use. Whenever you have a little extra time, wipe down your sink with a little dish soap and a sponge. If you have a porcelain sink in your kitchen, be sure to clean up abandoned food scraps and coffee grounds promptly before they can dirty and discolor your sink.
Coffee stains Scrub away coffee stains with a damp washcloth dipped in baking soda [source: Porcelain Enamel Institute]. Rust stains Borax is great for getting rid of many stains on porcelain, including rust. Create a paste from ¼ cup of lemon juice and 1 cup of borax.
For white porcelain only, bleach can be used to remove stains; never use chlorine bleach in colored or vintage porcelain, as it can damage the finish. For both white and colored porcelain, liquid oxygen bleach (such as hydrogen peroxide) is a good alternative.
If you opt for a classic white porcelain farmhouse sink, it's very likely to get stained, and it will require regular cleaning to keep it sparkling. Scrubbing the sink with baking soda will help remove sauce stains, yet this mild abrasive won't scratch the surface.
Abrasive tools: Abrasive tools like scouring pads and steel wool could cause unsightly scratches to form on porcelain sinks. Abrasive cleaners: Abrasive cleaners that contain harsh chemicals can stain, scratch, or damage the finish on porcelain sinks.
Porcelain sinks have an average lifespan of 20–25 years. While all materials take on wear and tear over time, porcelain sinks can be refinished to keep them looking brand new and gorgeous for decades.
Bar Keepers Friend even removes food buildup and knife marks from porcelain, ceramic, glass dishes, and serving ware. From floor to ceiling, Bar Keepers Friend leaves your kitchen shining.
Porcelain is susceptible to scratches and chips that might expose the surface beneath, which makes it vital to avoid dropping heavy metal objects in it or using sharp metal around it. It's recommended that people use silicone pads or a stainless steel rack to help protect it.
There are a few ways to restore your porcelain tile after you've come across a stain. You can try tackling the spot with some hydrogen peroxide or by using a steam cleaner. For more difficult stains, consider trying diluted muriatic acid, an industrial-strength solution professionals have been using for decades.
Glazed Porcelain: Keeping your glazed porcelain sink in shape couldn't be simpler. Use Soft Scrub with Bleach Cleanser or Soft Scrub with Bleach Cleaner Gel to free your sink of soap scum, dirt, and stains.
Is Comet safe to use on Corian, Formica, porcelain, fiberglass and stainless steel. Yes. Comet Cleansers, Comet Soft Cleanser and Comet Bathroom Sprays are all safe to use on these surfaces.
Though popular for being gentler alternatives to harsh chemical cleaners, baking soda, Borax, and even salt can harm the finish of your porcelain fixtures. As gentle as they are, these compounds are still abrasive and will scratch your finish, especially with regular use.
Although the porcelain surface is non-porous, its glaze is susceptible to staining and daily wear and tear. In bathrooms, porcelain sinks can dull over time, due to soap scum and water with a high mineral content. Rust stains are another problem, especially if your water contains higher levels of iron.
Porcelain must be sealed for the same reasons you seal shower glass doors. Our sealants are also effective on baked enamel bath fixtures.
A major cause of yellow staining in a bathroom sink is hard water, or water with an overabundance of minerals. This source of staining is especially likely if your home uses well water.
Fireclay
Manufactured from clay fired at an extremely high temperature, fireclay sinks are highly resistant to scratches, staining and chipping. Cleanup is easy — just dish soap on a sponge, or use a mild abrasive cleanser for tougher marks. These are the sinks I often recommend for those who want a white kitchen sink.
Quartz Composite
Best for: High durability, heat-resistance, and sound dampening. If the vulnerabilities of solid surface acrylic resin or enameled kitchen sinks are concerning, then a quartz composite kitchen sink is a great option.
To give a white sink a deep clean, it's best to remove limescale with a vinegar- or lemon-based cleaner at regular intervals. Both standard cleaning products work very well indeed and break down naturally. You should ensure that your cleaning product isn't too aggressive and is compatible with food.