Even if you try to keep your porcelain sink well-maintained, you may eventually notice unsightly scratches. If you are at a loss on how to clean porcelain sink scratches, there are a few steps to keep in mind for success.
A porcelain sink is designed to withstand a lot of abuse over the years, and there is usually no reason to replace it with a new one. Instead, consider learning how to get scratches out of porcelain sink yourself. Professional sink repair can cost more than you are willing to pay to remove the scratches and marks.
You will have to understand what materials are safe to use on your porcelain sink. You will also need to learn the proper methods to clean the sink without causing further damage. Neither of these things is hard to figure out or difficult to complete on your own. A few basic supplies and some effort will give you excellent results to fix scratches in porcelain sink.
Table of Contents
7 Steps of Cleaning Porcelain Sink Scratches:
There are multiple options to clean a porcelain sink effectively. However, to remove scratches from porcelain sink, you need to work methodically. Scratches and marks can be left behind by improper cleaning using abrasive materials.
You will need a few supplies before getting ready to fix scratches in porcelain sink. Grab a pumice stone and some baking soda before beginning. You will also need a drain plug if your sink does not already have one.
Step 1: Plug Drain Hole
The first step to cleaning the scratches from a porcelain sink is to plug the drain hole. You will be filling the sink with some water. It needs to be securely situated so that the drain plug does not become dislodged during the process.
Also read our guide on how to make a bigger hole in a porcelain sink.
Step 2: Fill Sink With Water
After plugging the drain hole with a drain plug, you need to fill the sink with water. You do not want to flood the sink. Instead, use the faucet to fit the sink with about 1/4 of an inch of water.
Step 3: Buff Top and Sides with Pumice Stone
Now you can take your pumice stone and get to work on the scratches. If there are any marks on the inside of the sink, use the pumice stone on them. Start with the marks and nicks on the top and sides of the sink.
Instead of scrubbing wildly, you will work methodically. First, dip the pumice stone in the prepared water at the bottom of the sink. Use the pumice stone to buff in the direction of the scratch with a backwards and forwards motion. You should see the mark go away as you buff.
Step 4: Remove the Plug
After buffing away scratches on the sides and top of the sink, you can let the water go from the sink. Remove the drain plug before going on to the next step.
Step 5: Buff Bottom with Pumice Stone
Once you have removed the water from the bottom, check to see if there are any marks. If you see more scratches on the bottom of the sink, you can use the pumice stone there, too. Use the same motion that you used for the top and sides.
Remember that the proper way is to go back and forth in the direction of the mark. Scrub with the pumice stone until you see the scratch disappear from the sink’s surface.
Step 6: Use Baking Soda
For any marks that are still difficult to remove, you can try another method. Porcelain scratch removing with baking soda is simple and effective. You cover the nick with baking soda.
Then buff it with a damp rag in a circular motion. Afterwards, you will rinse the leftover baking soda down the drain with water.
Step 7: Bleach the Sink
This step may be necessary if you are not satisfied by scrubbing with a pumice stone or baking soda. Bleach needs to be used carefully due to its chemical composition. You can also skip Steps 1 through 6 and try bleaching the sink first.
To bleach your porcelain sink for porcelain scratch removing, start with an empty sink. You will plug the drain and fill the sink with warm water. Add one to two cups of bleach to this warm water.
After letting the bleach solution sit through the night, you can let the water out. You should be left with a brighter white sink that is free of scratches and marks.
Removing Aluminum Scuff Marks from a Porcelain Sink
Pots and pans made from aluminum can leave behind ugly scuff marks on your porcelain sink. To get metal marks off porcelain sink, follow the steps below. You will need baking soda, a washcloth or rag, and bleach.
Step 1: Dampen Sink and Lay Down Baking Soda
Start by wetting the sink with some water. You do not need to flood the sink but dampen it enough so that the baking soda will stick. Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda down over the sink. Focus on areas with lots of noticeable scratches and scuff marks.
Step 2: Scrub Marks
After laying down the baking soda, grab a washcloth or old rag. Use the washcloth to scrub the sink thoroughly. After working at the marks with the rag, you can rinse the sink with water.
Step 3: Spray Glass Cleaner
If there are still aluminum scuff marks on the sink, use a glass cleaner. Spray the cleaner on the scratches. Using your washcloth, wipe the sink clean. You can repeat this step several times until you see the marks disappear.
Step 4: Fill Sink with Hot Water
For stubborn scuff marks, you may need to follow the last few steps. First, you will fill the sink with hot water. Add enough water to cover the marks completely.
Step 5: Pour Bleach into Water
Add bleach into the hot water sitting in the sink. You should only use about two tablespoons of bleach for every gallon of water in the sink.
Step 6: Scrub Stains Again
Take the washcloth after pouring in the bleach. Scrub at the stains using the washcloth or rag. You might need to scrub at the marks repeatedly before you remove the marks for good.
FAQs
1. How do you remove black marks from porcelain sink?
You can use white distilled vinegar to clean black marks off of a porcelain sink. First, you remove leftover dirt with basic dish soap. Then you can douse the black marks with white distilled vinegar. After it sits for a few minutes, you can scrub the marks and rinse to reveal white porcelain.
2. How do I make my sink look like new?
If your porcelain sink is no longer shining like it did when it was new, you can use a basic cleaner on it. A cleaner made for bathtubs or tile flooring will work. You can let the cleaning solutions sit in your sink for a few minutes. You can then wipe away any residue with a sponge and warm water.
3. How do you remove metal scratches from porcelain?
To remove metal marks from porcelain, you can use baking soda. This method involves laying down baking soda over the scratched surface. You then spray the surface with Windex and use a soft rag to scrub at the scratches. You can repeat this method until you see the metal scratches go away completely.
4. How do I get my porcelain sink white again?
Turn a porcelain sink from yellow back to white by using vinegar or bleach. Vinegar is a safer option, but bleach is stronger. With both liquids, you spray it on the sink and then let it sit. Rinse the bleach or scrub the vinegar to whiten porcelain sink.
Conclusion
Scratches and stains on porcelain sinks are a side effect of having one in your home. Thankfully, you can learn how to deal with these unsightly marks without calling in a professional.
Learning how to do it the right way is essential. They manufacture porcelain sinks to be able to last for years without needing to be replaced. Taking care to remove scratches from porcelain sink can lengthen the lifespan of your sink.
Following the proper steps and using the best materials is vital for scratch removal. You do not need to worry about using too many harsh chemicals or special supplies. You will be able to use items you probably have on hand at home.
Porcelain sink scratch repair is not something to be intimidated by for any reason. You can get your porcelain sink back to looking like new with a few easy steps.
