How to Clean a Ceramic Sink? 8 Effective Methods to Try Out

Want to learn how to keep your ceramic sink looking elegant with the right care? Learn how to clean it with many different things you might have on hand and how to preserve its shine.

To clean a ceramic sink, wiping it down using a soft sponge or cloth with mild dish soap is recommended. For tougher stains, you can make a paste by mixing baking soda and water, then apply the paste to the stains and scrub the sink with a soft brush or sponge.

You can try several other methods to clean your ceramic sink effectively. Keep on reading!

The Top 10 Ways to Clean a Ceramic Sink

Cleaning ceramic sinks can be a straightforward process with the right methods. Some methods might work for you, and some might not, depending on the type of stains you have. I have a favorite method, but I want to share multiple methods so that you can try several if one doesn’t work.

1. Dish Soap

• Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water in a basin or directly in the sink.
• Dip a sponge or soft cloth into the soapy water.
• Scrub the entire surface of the sink, paying extra attention to any visible stains or spots.
• Rinse the sink thoroughly with water to remove soap residue.
• Dry with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel.

2. Baking Soda Paste

• For stubborn stains, create a paste by mixing baking soda with water. The consistency of the paste should be thick enough to adhere to the stains.
• Apply the baking soda paste to the stains in the sink.
• Allow the paste to sit for at least 15-20 minutes. You can leave it on longer for tougher stains.
• Scrub the stains with a soft brush or sponge.
• Rinse the sink thoroughly with water to remove the baking soda residue.

3. White Vinegar

• To combat limescale deposits, soak a cloth or paper towel in white vinegar and place it over the affected areas.
• Allow the vinegar to sit for about an hour to break down the mineral deposits.
• Scrub the deposits with a soft brush or sponge.
• Rinse the sink thoroughly with water to remove the vinegar smell and residue.

4. Lemon and Salt

• Cut a lemon in half and dip it in table salt.
• Use the lemon half to scrub the sink surface, applying gentle pressure.
• Focus on stains, discoloration, and areas that need extra shine.
• Rinse the sink with water to remove any lemon and salt residue.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide

• To disinfect and whiten the sink, mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide.
• Apply the solution to the sink with a cloth or sponge, focusing on areas that may harbor bacteria.
• Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water to remove any residue.

6. Commercial Ceramic Cleaners

• Purchase a ceramic sink cleaner from your local home improvement store and follow the instructions on the product.
• Usually, you’ll apply the cleaner to the sink surface, let it sit for a specified time, scrub or wipe as directed, and then rinse the sink thoroughly with water.

7. Oxygen Bleach

Oxygen bleach is a non-toxic alternative to chlorine bleach. 

• Mix the oxygen bleach with water according to the product instructions, then apply the solution to the sink surface, especially targeting stained or discolored areas.
• Allow it to sit for the recommended time, then scrub the sink with a soft brush or sponge and rinse thoroughly with water.

8. Steam Cleaning

If you have a steam cleaner, you can use it to break down dirt and stains.

• Fill the steam cleaner with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Steam the entire sink surface, focusing on stains and deposits.
• Wipe the sink with a clean cloth to remove loosened dirt and debris after steaming.

Remember to wear gloves when using cleaning solutions, and always ventilate the area well, especially when working with products that produce fumes. 

Additionally, check the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning your specific ceramic sink and test any cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire sink to avoid potential damage.

How I Clean My Ceramic Sink Step By Step

I’ve had a ceramic sink for many years now, and I totally love it! It does tend to get stained, though, especially if a piece of cast iron doesn’t get washed right away.

My favorite method of cleaning is the baking soda and water method. It’s cheap and very effective.

Start by sprinkling baking soda all over your sink. Don’t just do the bottom; sprinkle over the entire thing. You’ll be amazed at how dirty it is in a minute.

Put a little water in your sink, and use a sponge to mix the water and baking soda together. Coat the sink with the paste.

Run the water in the sink and scrub at any tough stains; they should come right off. Scrub the paste and water around the entire sink until it’s clean.

How Often Should You Clean A Ceramic Sink?

The frequency of cleaning a ceramic sink depends on how heavily it is used and the specific care requirements. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Daily Cleaning

Wipe down the sink with a damp cloth or sponge after each use to remove soap residue, toothpaste, and other daily grime. Dry the sink with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to prevent water spots.

2. Weekly Cleaning

Perform a more thorough cleaning once a week using mild dish soap and warm water to clean the entire sink. Pay attention to areas around the drain, faucets, and any seams where grime can accumulate.

3. As Needed

Address stains or specific issues promptly as they arise. For example, if you notice limescale deposits, use white vinegar to tackle them as soon as possible.

Keep in mind that stains or spills left unattended can become more challenging to clean over time.

4. Deep Cleaning

Depending on usage, consider a deep cleaning with baking soda paste or other cleaning agents once every couple of months or as needed. This deep cleaning routine helps to remove stubborn stains, discoloration, and any accumulated grime.

Remember that individual circumstances, such as the number of people using the sink, the type of activities taking place around it, and the hardness of the water in your area, can influence how often you need to clean the ceramic sink. 

Make sure to inspect the sink regularly for any issues, and adjust the frequency of your cleaning routine based on your observations and the specific care recommendations for your sink model.

8 Things You Should NOT Do When Cleaning a Ceramic Sink

To ensure the longevity and appearance of your ceramic sink, it’s essential to avoid certain cleaning practices that may cause damage.

So, here are some things you should NOT do when cleaning a ceramic sink:

1. Don’t use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or steel wool. These can scratch and dull the surface of the ceramic sink.
2. Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or strong acids. These can damage the glaze and discolor the ceramic.
3. Don’t use white vinegar on colored sinks. While white vinegar is effective for limescale deposits, using it on colored ceramic sinks may cause fading over time.
4. Don’t use lime or vinegar on sinks with a natural stone finish stone, as these can harm the coating.
5. Don’t neglect seams, edges, and corners while cleaning. Neglecting these areas can allow grime to accumulate over time.
6. Don’t overuse bleach. While bleaches are suitable for disinfecting, excessive use can damage the ceramic glaze over time.
7. Don’t use excessive force when scrubbing. Gentle scrubbing is usually sufficient for most cleaning tasks.
8. Don’t ignore the care and maintenance instructions provided by the sink manufacturer. Ignoring these guidelines may lead to damage or void warranties.

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Do you own a ceramic sink? What are some of your best tips for keeping it clean?

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This blog post on How to Clean a Ceramic Sink was originally published on Little House Living in February 2024.