Ceramic sinks are delicate and can easily get scratched or stained if not treated with proper care. You can save money, and your sink, by using a mild detergent made from ingredients you commonly use around the house. Remove stains using a mild acid like vinegar or lemon juice. You can use the abrasive power of baking soda to remove the firmest deposits. Keep the sink clean by washing it regularly with a sponge and detergent that respects delicate surfaces.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Remove Stains with Vinegar or Lemon Juice
Step 1. Apply vinegar or lemon juice to all stained areas
These two acids are not aggressive and are especially effective in removing rust stains. If you prefer to use lemon, you can squeeze it directly onto the stain or you can cut a wedge and rub it gently on the dirty surface. Alternatively, pour a few drops of white wine vinegar on the stained area.
Step 2. Let the acidic ingredient sit for a few minutes
Although they are delicate, both vinegar and lemon juice should not be left in contact with the ceramic for too long. Wait just long enough for them to penetrate the stain, otherwise you risk them affecting the surface of the sink which will become even more difficult to clean in the future.
Try to remove the stains by wiping them with a sponge or cloth, soft and damp, after waiting a maximum of half an hour to see if the dirt has dissolved
Step 3. Clean the stained surface
Do not use too abrasive products. The soft side of a dish sponge or rag should work.
You might be tempted to use one of those so-called "magic" erasers or sponges, formulated to remove stubborn stains, but their abrasive side works pretty much like a piece of very fine-grained sandpaper, so they can scratch your sink
Step 4. Rinse carefully
After using the acidic ingredient of your choice, it is important to rinse the sink thoroughly with plenty of water. Make sure that no vinegar or lemon juice remains, which would otherwise gradually corrode the ceramic.
Method 2 of 3: Remove Stubborn Fouling with Sodium Bicarbonate
Step 1. You should only use baking soda if the other methods didn't work
While it is extremely mild compared to other abrasive cleaners, it could still scratch the sink. Use it only if you can't remove dirt with soap and water or using lemon juice.
Step 2. Apply baking soda to the stained areas using a salt shaker
If you don't want to empty one of the salt, you can use an ordinary jar after making a few holes in the metal lid. Spread a generous amount of baking soda directly onto the stains.
The sink should only be slightly damp when you apply the baking soda, otherwise the powder will dissolve quickly and lose its abrasive power
Step 3. Scrub with a sponge without using too much force
It must be wet, but not soaked. Wipe it gently on stains to remove dirt; the baking soda should form small lumps that will be able to scratch the encrustations.
- Use a soft, non-abrasive sponge.
- Avoid using steel wool or pumice stone for this purpose, as both can severely damage the sink's ceramic or porcelain.
Step 4. Rinse the baking soda off
Run cold water down the sink to get rid of any dirt and baking soda. You can remove them using a soft, clean cloth gently.
Method 3 of 3: Caring for a Ceramic Sink
Step 1. Wash it regularly with soap and water
You can prevent dirt and limescale from building up on your sink by carefully cleaning it after each use. Use a few drops of dish soap and a non-abrasive sponge, then rinse it off with plenty of clean water.
Step 2. Use lemon oil
It is very useful for keeping the sink shiny and fragrant. Lemon oil also prevents stains and encrustations from forming. Apply it in small amounts immediately after washing the sink with soap and water.
Step 3. Don't let the stains have time to settle
Grounds from coffee, tea, wine and other dark or staining substances can leave permanent or difficult to remove marks on the ceramic. To prevent this from happening, do not leave anything that can dirty the ceramic on the bottom of the sink and rinse it thoroughly every time you use any of these substances.
