3/15/2020 How to clean a bathroom sink and make it sparkle again | Real Homes

Real Homes is supported by its audience and 100 per cent independent. When you purchase through links on our site, we may
earn an af liate commission. This helps us continue to bring you more of the content you love. Learn more

Home > Advice

How to clean a bathroom sink

Want to learn how to clean a bathroom sink? We show you the quickest, most
effective ways...

Newsletter

(Image credit: Topps Tiles)

BY JESSICA BROWN 2 DAYS AGO

Want to know how to clean a bathroom sink quickly and effectively? Considering all the soap and
water that constantly ows through your sink, you’d think it would be eternally clean –
unfortunately not. Which is obviously why we've put together a rundown of how to clean your sink
when tackling the bathroom.

Soap gunk, cosmetics stains, rust and water marks build up quickly without regular cleaning. But
don't despair, our easy to follow guide to cleaning a sink will have it restored to its original colour,
and looking as good as new in no time. 
https://www.realhomes.com/advice/how-to-clean-a-bathroom-sink 1/12
3/15/2020 How to clean a bathroom sink and make it sparkle again | Real Homes

And to nd more advice on how to clean a bathroom go to our dedicated guide. 

YOU WILL NEED

Vinegar

Soft micro ber cloth

Old toothbrush

Rubber gloves

Polishing cloth

Bicarbonate of soda

Lemon

Washing up liquid

Sponge scourer

Bar Keepers Friend

Get started with our pick of the best bathroom cleaners you can buy...

Astonish Bathroom Astonish Bathroom

Cleaner...
Amazon US$10.22 VIEW DEAL
Cleaner

See all prices

Ecover Bathroom Ecover Bathroom

Cleaner...
Amazon US$7.37 VIEW DEAL
Cleaner

See all prices

Biomex Miracle
Kitchen & Bathroom
Biomex All-Purpose...
Multi Surface
Amazon US$22.80 VIEW DEAL

Cleaner
See all prices

We check over 130 million products every day for the best prices

VIEW ALL DEALS

Depending on what material your sink is made out of you might need to adopt an alternative
process to clean it. Here are our top tips:

RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU...

https://www.realhomes.com/advice/how-to-clean-a-bathroom-sink 2/12
3/15/2020 How to clean a bathroom sink and make it sparkle again | Real Homes

Findin
trends

Pod co
kitche

HOW TO CLEAN A PORCELAIN OR COPPER SINK

White porcelain sinks will quickly show up any marks or dirt. Here is a quick trick to make them
sparkle again in just 10 minutes, with very little effort or scrubbing. The secret is Bar Keeper's
Friend. It removes hard water stains, scratches and even scuff marks. 

Wet the entire sink, shake a bit of the Bar Keeper’s Friend powder all over and leave for 10 minutes.
Wet a scourer and gently scrub the powder into the sink. Rinse off well with water and pat dry with
a paper towel. With copper sinks you will notice the brown part of the copper has come off and you
now have that beautiful 'new penny' look once again. Stand back and watch it sparkle.

Shop Bar Keeper's Friend...

Amazon US View Similar Amazon No price information CHECK AMAZON

We check over 130 million products every day for the best prices

https://www.realhomes.com/advice/how-to-clean-a-bathroom-sink 3/12
3/15/2020 How to clean a bathroom sink and make it sparkle again | Real Homes

(Image credit: Fired Earth)

HOW TO CLEAN A CERAMIC SINK 

To begin cleaning a ceramic sink scrub away any dirt with a mixture of washing up liquid and warm
water, mixed in a bowl. Soak some paper towels in vinegar and use them to line the sink. Leave for
half an hour, then remove and rub off with a damp cloth. This will remove any limescale deposits
too. 

If there are any remaining problem stains cut a lemon in half and squeeze lemon juice over the
problem areas and leave for 30 minutes. Dab with a sponge and rinse away with running water from
the tap. Wipe the whole sink over with a clean, wet cloth. Check our more nifty cleaning hacks that
don't use cleaning products.

HOW TO CLEAN A GRANITE SINK

Always use gentle cleaning methods when cleaning granite sinks as they usually have sealants on to
protect the natural stone. Soak a sponge sourer with hot water and 2–3 drops of washing up liquid
or a you can use a 50/50 mix of water and vinegar. 

Gently scrub areas of dirt or grime. Rinse away all soap residue with warm water. Dry with a soft
micro bre towel or soft cloth. Apply a few teaspoons of olive oil to a dry cloth and rub all over the
sink, leave to sit for one minute. Wipe excess oil away with a clean cloth and buff. The granite should
now be shiny and not feel greasy as you wipe your nger over it.

Shop micro bre cloths...

https://www.realhomes.com/advice/how-to-clean-a-bathroom-sink 4/12
3/15/2020 How to clean a bathroom sink and make it sparkle again | Real Homes

KinHwa Micro ber Dish

Cloths...
Amazon US$12.19 VIEW DEAL

Micro ber Dish Cloths

Ultra...
Amazon US$12.59 VIEW DEAL

AmazonBasics Blue and

Yellow...
Amazon US$13.50 VIEW DEAL

Micro ber Dish Cloths

Ultra...
Amazon US$13.79 VIEW DEAL

SHOW MORE DEALS ▼

We check over 130 million products every day for the best prices

(Image credit: Lime Lace)

HOW TO CLEAN A GLASS SINK

Glass sinks have become more popular in recent years and their upkeep is not dissimilar from your
drinking glasses or windows. Clean glasses sinks with a mixture of washing-up liquid and warm
water, using a sponge scourer to tackle any soap scum.

https://www.realhomes.com/advice/how-to-clean-a-bathroom-sink 5/12
3/15/2020 How to clean a bathroom sink and make it sparkle again | Real Homes

To make it shine, rinse well then spray with vinegar and polish dry with a micro bre cloth or paper
towels.

HOW TO CLEAN BASIN TAPS

The best way to clean your sink taps is by using an old toothbrush and bicarbonate of soda. Dampen
the brush with water and sprinkle the bicarb directly onto the bristles. Scrub back and forth over
problem areas. 

Leave it to work its magic for 10 to 15 minutes then wash away with warm water and a clean cloth.
For any limescale gathering around the base of your tap use lemon juice. Simply cut a lemon in half,
squeeze lemon juice directly onto the mark and leave to soak for one hour. Or soak cotton wool
pads in lemon juice and wrap them around the relevant parts of the taps, again leave to soak for an
hour. Rinse with cold water and wipe clean.

(Image credit: Katie Lee)

HOW TO CLEAN THE DRAIN

The drain is often the problem area for all sink types with blockages and murky smells being very
common. First, you could try using a specialist drain unblocker. Usually you pour a whole bottle
down the drain, so this may not be the most cost- effective solution and it does involve some very
harsh chemicals. 

For an eco-friendly alternative pour ½ pint (125 g/16 tbsp) of bicarb down the drain followed by ½
pint of white vinegar. Don't be alarmed by the noticeable zzing noise as they work together to
unclog your drain.

https://www.realhomes.com/advice/how-to-clean-a-bathroom-sink 6/12
3/15/2020 How to clean a bathroom sink and make it sparkle again | Real Homes

After the zzing decreases, wait ve minutes before ushing the drain with two litres of very hot or
boiling water. Try and repeat this process once a week to keep the drain clear.

For more tips on how to unblock a sink, have a read through our feature. 

DON’T FORGET TO CLEAN THE PLUG HOLE

To begin remove the plug hole or drain cover. The simplest way to do this is to put your nger in
hole and lift out or push an old toothbrush through and lift. Give the drain cover a good clean with a
toothbrush using either vinegar or a mixture of water and bicarbonate of soda.

You can also spray bathroom cleaner inside the drain and really scrub using the toothbrush to
remove mould build up. Replace the cover and clean around the top of the plug hole. If you have
stubborn build up try removing it with a toothpick.

5 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR SINK CLEAN

Do not leave metal beauty tools (like eyelash curlers, nail clippers or scissors) on the side of the
sink. Any standing water will cause them to rust and stain porcelain, enamel or ceramic sinks.

Never use steel wool, wire brushes or abrasive sponge pads to clean as they will leave scratches
and damage surfaces. 

Give your sink a quick wipe over with a wet cloth after every use.

WD-40 is great to remove any rust spots. Simply wipe WD-40 on the spot with a cloth and then
rinse thoroughly.

Rinse toothpaste and soap off your sink straight away to prevent it from sticking.

READ MORE ON KEEPING YOUR BATHROOM CLEAN:

To shop the best bathroom cleaners, head to our buyer's guide

For more cleaning tips and hacks go and check out our dedicated cleaning hub

Find out how to keep your bath clean

Give your loo some love with our guide to how to clean a toilet

Shower in need of some TLC? Check out how to clean a shower 

Get notifications from Real Homes?

SUBSCRIBE TO PUSH NOTIFICATIONS

LATEST

https://www.realhomes.com/advice/how-to-clean-a-bathroom-sink 7/12
3/15/2020 How to clean a bathroom sink and make it sparkle again | Real Homes

Best integrated dishwasher 2020: 5 integrated

dishwashers for your design-led space
BY ANNIE COLLYER • 2 DAYS AGO

Introducing the Dyson 360 Heurist – the most advanced

robot vacuum yet...
BY JENNIFER OKSIEN • 2 DAYS AGO

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

How to clean a patio

BY SARAH WARWICK • 2 DAYS AGO

5 easy hacks to clean a sofa – including one to kill germs (coming

for you, Coronavirus)

https://www.realhomes.com/advice/how-to-clean-a-bathroom-sink 8/12
3/15/2020 How to clean a bathroom sink and make it sparkle again | Real Homes

BY SARAH WARWICK • 2 DAYS AGO

Best Shark vacuum: we compare upright, TruePet and cordless

vacuum cleaners
BY SARAH WARWICK • 2 DAYS AGO

DIY hand sanitizer: if you can't buy it, make it to prevent

Coronavirus spread
BY KAITLIN MADDEN • 2 DAYS AGO

5 germ-killing cleaning products so you can show Coronavirus

who's boss
BY ANNIE COLLYER • 2 DAYS AGO

https://www.realhomes.com/advice/how-to-clean-a-bathroom-sink 9/12
3/15/2020 How to clean a bathroom sink and make it sparkle again | Real Homes

How to clean a keyboard (it could help prevent the spread of

Coronavirus)
BY EMILY SHAW • 2 DAYS AGO

Treat yourself – or Mum – to a seriously cute set of Yankee Candles

with 20% off
BY ANNIE COLLYER • 3 DAYS AGO

How to clean bathroom tiles

BY ELLEN FINCH • 3 DAYS AGO

VIEW MORE ▸

SPONSORS

https://www.realhomes.com/advice/how-to-clean-a-bathroom-sink 10/12
3/15/2020 How to clean a bathroom sink and make it sparkle again | Real Homes

USEFUL LINKS

SUBSCRIBE

Subscribe to Real Homes magazine Subscribe to Period Living magazine

Sign up to the Real Homes newsletter Sign up to the Period Living newsletter

Join us on our YouTube channel

RELATED

Homebuilding & Renovating Plot nder

Homebuilding & Renovating Shows Period Living

Sourcebook

TOP GUIDES

How to buy a house How to create a stylish bathroom on a budget

Find a tradesperson Extension cost calculator

ABOUT US

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

PRIVACY POLICY

COOKIES POLICY

GDPR CONSENT

https://www.realhomes.com/advice/how-to-clean-a-bathroom-sink 11/12
3/15/2020 How to clean a bathroom sink and make it sparkle again | Real Homes

Real Homes is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.
© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number
2008885.

https://www.realhomes.com/advice/how-to-clean-a-bathroom-sink 12/12