For antique or colored porcelain, hydrogen peroxide and oxygen bleach are the most effective household cleaners for tough stains. Line your sink with paper towels, then spray them with hydrogen peroxide until they are thoroughly soaked and clinging to the basin.
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.
For cleaning and sanitizing, the CDC recommends a dilution of one cup of bleach to five gallons of water. Diluting bleach decreases the alkalinity and is safe for regular use on all types of porcelain and ceramic tile surfaces.
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.
However, Real Simple provides a very simple and gentle solution that won't damage the surface of your porcelain tiles. Start by scrubbing your grout lines with warm water to remove any surface dirt or grime. Next make a paste by using hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
Once a month, mix 1/4 cup white vinegar with two gallons of water (or purchase one of the many suitable commercial cleansers) and apply the solution to the floor with a sponge mop. Rinse with plain water, then dry the surface completely with a clean towel or a microfiber cloth.
Put a cup of hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle. Spray evenly over the porcelain. Let the hydrogen peroxide sit for 15 minutes to an hour. Rinse and buff with a microfiber cloth for a clean, bright shine.
Baking Soda For Stubborn Stains
This is just as effective to clean grout haze off porcelain tile areas that an ordinary damp cloth wouldn't fix. Baking soda is an alkaline substance that can safely be used on its own or with a little water. For very stubborn stains, a paste of vinegar and baking soda works best.
For most types of tile, including porcelain and ceramic, you only need one key ingredient: A DIY mixture of warm water and dish soap will do the trick. Follow these steps to clean tiles: Spray the water and dish soap solution on the tile surface. Wipe the area with a damp microfiber towel or cloth.
The bathroom sink, especially a porcelain one, can tend to get quite nasty over time. You see a lot of discoloration around the drain and the overflow hole. Just apply the concentrate solution to both areas, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub it with a cleaning toothbrush.
Hydrogen peroxide won't damage normal tiles or colored grout. However, you shouldn't use it on polished marble. Cleaning with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda is a great way to remove stubborn stains from your grout.
Rinse the pan in warm water. Repeat the baking soda scrub if needed. Finally, dry the clean pan with a microfiber cloth. If your ceramic cookware has become discolored after lots of use, the finish can be lightened by using hydrogen peroxide.
Porcelain is a highly durable material for dental restorations, but it is not entirely indestructible. Stains will not penetrate the surface of quality porcelain restorations unless the porcelain has been damaged by: Highly abrasive toothpastes that wear away the outer glaze of the porcelain.
While vinegar is safe to use on laminate, vinyl, porcelain, and ceramic tile, it is best to use it sparingly since the acid in the vinegar can dissolve the finish on your floor. Therefore, when you are using it on tiled floors, you want to make sure you cut it with water or rinse it completely with water.
If you are looking to avoid using chemicals altogether or if marks are particularly rugged, then cleaning with a Magic Eraser can help achieve the perfect shine with no extra product. 'Use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to quickly scrub your porcelain sink.
White vinegar costs less than the common store-bought cleaners, but can still effectively disinfect any surface without leaving a chemical residue. Cleaning floor tiles with vinegar is safe, as long they are porcelain or ceramic.
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. You'll quickly learn why we're the best kitchen cleaner!
That being said, non-abrasive cleaners are the best way to clean a porcelain sink. Common household go-to's like bleach and hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean white porcelain, but the solution would need to sit covered in a layer of paper towels for 30 minutes to an hour.
Pour warm water into a bucket and mix ¼ cup of baking soda and ¼ cup of ammonia (While baking soda is slightly abrasive, it's mild and generally safe to use on porcelain. The ammonia is great for cutting grease and removing soap scum buildup.)
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.