Finding the right cleaner for your ceramic sink is essential if you want it to last for a long time and look its best. Unfortunately, ceramic cleaners aren't created equal. So how do you know which cleaners are the best? Well, we've researched online reviews for several ceramic sink cleaners. In this post, we will share with you the ones that made the top of our list.
Here are the best ceramic sink cleaners to use:
- Black Diamond Porcelain & Ceramic Tile Cleaner
- Pfaltzgraff Stoneware & Porcelain Cleaner
- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath
- ZEP Shower Tub & Tile cleaner
- The Bucko Soap Scum & Grime Cleaner
- Lime-A-Way Bathroom Cleaner
- Meliora Gentle Home Cleaning Scrub
- Bar Keeper's Friend
As you can see, you have more than enough options to choose from when it comes to ceramic sink cleaners. Whether your sink is brand-new or a few years old, keeping it cleaned and maintained is an absolute must. Continue reading to learn more about each of the ceramic sink cleaners that we've picked for our list and how they can help keep your sink looking brand new.
The Best Ceramic Sink Cleaners
Ceramic is one of the simplest and easiest surfaces to keep clean, which is why it's often a popular choice and bathroom and sink options. You can typically clean your ceramic surfaces with a ceramic cleaner and a microfiber cloth or a sponge. Some cleaners may be too abrasive for the material's surface and may cause it to etch or scratch with continued use.
It's best to always use mild cleaners on your ceramic sink to prevent possible discoloration or scratches. A few ingredients you definitely don't want to use on your ceramic sink include acetone, bleach, and ammonia. You'll also want to stay away from rough scrubbing pads such as wool or metal scrubbers. These materials can also scratch the ceramic. Now, on to the best cleaners!
1. Black Diamond Porcelain & Ceramic Tile Cleaner
Here you have a unique penetrating compound that can easily and quickly remove stubborn stains of soap and grease from your ceramic sink. It works great to cut through everyday grime and dirt to keep your sink shining bright. It will also help to lighten the grout around your sink as well as the fixtures. If you have hard water deposits that have developed around the knobs or spout of your faucet, this cleaner can help break them down. It is fast-acting, easy-to-use, and can get deep down into the grout around your sink to remove dirt buildup.
2. Pfaltzgraff Stoneware & Porcelain Cleaner
This porcelain cleaner is formulated to remove tough stains and grime from all-porcelain ceramic and stoneware products. Meaning that you can also use it in your bathtub, on dinnerware, and on metal surfaces. If you are looking for a cleaner that works as a wonderful stain remover, this is it. This porcelain cleaner has received rave reviews on several sites is touted for its ability to lift dirt and brighten even the darkest ceramic surfaces quickly. The bottle holds about 18 liquid ounces, which is more than enough to keep your ceramic sink clean for at least a month--if you clean it weekly, that is.
3. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Foaming Scrubber
What more can be said about the Mr. Clean product line? This Magic Eraser can work wonders on your ceramic sink. It's extremely effective at ridding your sink of grime, dirt, and stains from hard water. The eraser doesn't contain harsh chemicals that will damage or scratch your sink, yet it is tough enough to eat through calcium and mineral deposits in a matter of minutes. If you have problem areas around your sink, such as soap scum or other stubborn stains, this pad can get rid of them.
4. ZEP Shower Tub & Tile cleaner
The ZEP solution is an acid paste cleaner, but it is gentle enough to use on your ceramic sink. You can also use it on fiberglass, porcelain, acrylic, and laminate surfaces. Its concentrated formula quickly penetrates stains from water and rust, allowing it to remove stubborn spots from your sink. It tackles dirt and grime head-on and can also dissolve calcium deposits and limescale.
If you want your ceramic sink looking like new, the ZEP solution is a step in the right direction. Its application process is fairly simple. You simply spray it on the surface of your sink and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a cloth or a sponge. One of the solution's biggest advantages is that it does not leave any residue on your sink after its use.
5. The Bucko Soap Scum & Grime Cleaner
This scum and grime cleaner by Bucko is definitely worth mentioning. It's one of the absolute best cleaning products you can purchase to dissolve tough grime and soap scum. This cleaner will leave a beautiful shine on your sink and not damage it.
It doesn't contain any harsh acids, bleaches, or other chemicals. If you have tougher jobs that require more elbow grease, you can just spray the solution on and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. The solution will penetrate stains to lift them so that you can easily wipe or scrub them away.
6. Lime-A-Way Bathroom Cleaner
Lime-A-Way has been around for over a decade, and for a good reason. This bathroom cleaning formula is safe enough to use on your ceramic sink and effective enough to eliminate any type of sink stain that you come across. It is especially effective at removing rust, lime, and mineral stain build-up.
If your sink has become riddled with hard water stains, buy the lime away solution and let it sit on the stains for about 15 to 20 minutes. When you wipe the solution away, you will notice that the stains will either be completely gone or significantly smaller. You may need to re-apply the solution for older stains. There's no denying that this solution works, and it's one of the best water stain-fighting cleaning solutions on the market.
7. Meliora Gentle Home Cleaning Scrub
Here is another awesome cleaning scrub that is great at removing rust, limescale, and soap scum stains. While this cleaner may not be as popular as other cleaners, it's definitely worth mentioning. If you are looking for a gentle weekly cleanser for your ceramic sink, look no further.
This cleaning scrub by Meliora is preservative-free and dye-free. It's also 100% biodegradable, which means you don't have to worry about it clogging up the plumbing in your sink. When rated on a five-star rating system, consumers gave this product an average of 4-1/2 stars, which is pretty good.
8. Bar Keeper's Friend
Bar Keepers Friend is a versatile cleaner that you can use on your sink and throughout your entire bathroom--and even in the kitchen! It can be used on ceramic as well as several metals, vinyl, and other materials. Purchase this powder at most local hardware stores or online. To apply, simply sprinkle the powder on your sink and scrub it away to remove dirt buildup or grime. It won't scratch your ceramic, and it is tough enough to lift mineral stains and soap deposit residue.
How can you tell the difference between a ceramic and porcelain sink?
The easiest way to tell the difference between ceramic and porcelain is to take a close look at the finish. If the finish appears super smooth and even, then it's likely porcelain. If it appears to have more texture or a matte finish, it's likely ceramic. Both materials are made from clay and are kiln-fired. Actually, porcelain is a type of ceramic; it has a higher density and is held in the fire longer and at a higher temperature during its preparation process.
If you need additional help determining whether your sink is ceramic or porcelain, take a look at the model number located on the bottom of your sink. It will be stamped into the underside of the sink. You should be able to trace this model number back to the manufacturer and find all of the material specifications for the sink. You can also check your user's guide if you still have it available.
Can you pour boiling water into a ceramic sink?
Home improvement experts and plumbers advise against pouring hot water down ceramic sinks. While hot water can definitely help to rid your sink of hair and grime clogs, it can be especially damaging to ceramic sinks. Though sinks are designed to withstand hot water temperatures, boiling water can cause your sink to develop a hairline crack due to drastic temperature changes.
The temperature change will place a high amount of stress on the sink, and the chances are that you'll see a crack on the surface of the sink within a day or two. Never pour hot liquids into a ceramic or porcelain sink, particularly if the sink hasn't been used for hours. The hot-to-cold factor is what causes stress on the sink.
Does a ceramic sink stain?
Ceramic sinks are generally stain-resistant, which is one of the reasons why they are so popular. However, if you find that your sink is harboring stains that seem difficult to remove, you can use a mixture of borax, lemon juice, and peroxide to get rid of them.
Can I use bleach on a ceramic sink?
Using bleach on a ceramic sink is not advised, as it is way too harsh for the ceramic's surface. Bleach is abrasive and may cause the ceramic to etch and, as a result, turn dull.
Wrapping Things Up
Now, you have your choice of the best cleansers for a ceramic sink. Using some of the cleaning tips mentioned, you can keep your ceramic bathroom sink looking flawless! Before you go, be sure to check out our other posts: