How to Care for Your Porcelain Bathtub or Sink
Porcelain enamel gives your bathroom fixtures an elegant look. It also helps improve the design and function of a bath or shower with a clean shine on the bacteria-resistant, non-porous clean finish. However, whether you’ve just installed a new porcelain bathtub or sink or want to clean an old one, regular cleaning helps keep it in good condition.
This article will cover everything you need to know about caring for your porcelain bathtub or sink.
Materials to Avoid When Cleaning a Porcelain Bathtub or Sink
Cast-iron is traditionally covered with a porcelain enamel that’s fused to the cast iron in the furnace. While it’s solid and durable, porcelain enamel requires gentle care.
That means abrasive cleaners and materials can ding or chip the surface, degrading the surface and worsening the cleaning process. To avoid increased damage, here are a few materials you should not use:
- White vinegar
- Steel wool or a heavy-duty scouring pad
- Scouring powder
How to Clean Your Porcelain Enamel Tub or Sink: Weekly
Like everything else in your bathroom, your charming bathroom fixtures need weekly cleaning. Here are a few steps to take:
- Mix a gallon of hot water with two tablespoons of dishwashing soap. Feel free to use any grease-cutting soap you have.
- Dip a soft cloth or sponge, and rub the tub or sink to remove dirt and grease.
- Rinse well and let your tub or sink dry
How to Deep Clean Your Porcelain Enamel Tub or Sink
The regular weekly cleaning is not enough to keep your tub and sink looking fresh, shiny, and ready-to-use every time.
Once a month, you may want to do some deep cleaning using ammonia and baking soda. Here are the steps to take:
- Mix warm water with ¼ cup of baking soda and ¼ cup of ammonia in a bucket. The ammonia helps remove smells, grease, scum, and any soap that has built up over time.
- Dip your sponge or soft cloth in the mixture and scrub the surface of your tub and sink. Pay attention to stained areas. Repeat the process until you’re satisfied with the results.
- Rinse the surface well.
- Dry the entire surface with a clean rag to prevent baking soda stains from leaving white films behind.