How to Clean Bathroom Sink? [Causes+Solution+Maintenance]

Washing your hands in a dirty bathroom sink can be really uncomfortable. Because a sink filled with filth is definitely disgusting to watch. But your sink can be back to its new form again.  

But how to clean bathroom sink properly?

For starters, vinegar can be quite useful to get rid of filth. Then baking soda is also another amazing cleaning agent. However, these can only be used to clean porcelain and stainless steel sinks. For copper and stone sinks you can’t use these two cleaning agents. Instead, use dishwashing soap and warm water.

Now, this isn’t where you stop reading. Because we’ve provided important steps that you should follow. Otherwise, you can damage your sink instead of cleaning it. 

So, let’s continue reading, shall we? 

What Causes Your Bathroom Sink to Get Dirty?

Now, before getting to the cleaning procedure, you should know why your sink is dirty. Because this way you won’t have to face this situation again. 

There are quite a few reasons why bathroom sinks get a cloudy exterior. Hard water, dirt are some of the reasons why bathroom sinks get dirty.

Sometimes it doesn’t particularly happen for one of these reasons. Rather all of them can play a part together. Anyways, let’s see how these factors affect bathroom sinks-

Reason 1: Dirt

Dirt is the most common cause of dirty sinks. With washing your dirty hands every day, the dirt gets stuck in your sink. That’s why regular cleaning is important.

If you don’t clean your sink, the sink will eventually become dirty. The color will turn darker and you might get an off smell too. 

Reason 2: Hard Water

Hard water is now a common issue in cities. This type of water has minerals like calcium and magnesium. Sometimes, even surfer is present in the water. 

If these are in high amounts in the water, stains will occur on your sink. Because even though the water later evaporates away, these minerals stay behind. As a result, spots and stains take place. 

Hard water is also responsible for limescale build-up. However, this might take more time to take place.

These are the most common reasons why your sink is dirty and has stains. You might think cleaning this sink is really hard. But it’s actually not. You just need to follow the right method. So, let’s keep reading! 

How to Clean Your Bathroom Sink?

Now, it’s time to start the cleaning process. Some of the methods are similar to how you clean a bathroom sink faucet. The cleaning process is about 15-30 minutes long. So, don’t worry about the time at all! 

But remember, all sinks are different. Hence, you can’t use the same cleaning process for every sink. However, relax! We have provided a procedure for every sink-

Cleaning Stainless Steel & Porcelain Sink

These two sink types have the same cleaning process. You can even use a chemical cleaner on them. It won’t harm their surface. 

So, let’s check out the tools you need for the cleaning process-

• Liquid dishwashing soap 
• Distilled white vinegar
• Baking soda 
• Small basin or bowl
• Spray bottle
• Old toothpaste brush
• Soft sponges or clothes or paper towels

Have them all with you? If yes, you can start cleaning your bathroom sink-

Step 1: Wet Your Bathroom Sink

First, you need to wash any dirt from the sink. So, in a small basin or bowl take warm water. 

Wet the surface of the sink with it. The warm water wash will loosen up the dirt and stain. 

Done? Then let’s get to the next step.

Step 2: Make the Cleaning Mixture

Now, you have to mix the cleaning agents. So, grab a spray bottle in which you can mix them. 

Once you have it, take equal amounts of distilled vinegar and dishwashing soap. But if you want a less powerful solution, add equal amounts of water. So, the ratio is 1:1 or 1:1:1.

If you want, you can add the baking soda to this mixture in this step. But you can also use the baking soda after the vinegar wash. If you want to add it now, you can just put in 4 teaspoons of it. 

Step 3: Let the Mixture Sit

When the mixture is done, shake the bottle a bit. Now, spray the sink area. Make sure every corner is sprayed. Once done, wait for 15 minutes so the mixture can soak in all the dirt and stains. 

Step 4: Scrub the Sink Area

Now, it’s time to scrub all the dirt away. So, take your old toothpaste brush or scrubbing brush. Scrub your bathroom sink area with it. 

Use the toothpaste brush to scrub the caulk seal that’s around your sink. Don’t miss the faucet and upper side of your drain flappers. Scrub till you’re sure the dirt and stain is gone. 

But remember one thing. You shouldn’t be too aggressive while scrubbing your precious sink. 

Step 5: Rinse the Sink

Done with all the scrubbing? If yes, wash your sink. So, take the small bowl and fill it with warm water. 

Wash your sink till the mixture is gone. Make sure there’s no remaining residue. Because that’ll just invite more dirt.

Step 6: Add Baking Soda If Sink Is Still Dirty

After rinsing the sink, you might see your sink isn’t completely spotless. This is possible. Because sometimes the stubborn stains can still be present. 

As a result, you might question: how to clean bathroom sink stains?

Don’t worry! Baking soda is here for the rescue. This cleaning agent will surely eat up all the remaining stains. Your sink will be all new and shiny. 

So, sprinkle some baking soda on the stains. You can use a teaspoon if you’re worried about the measurements. 1 or ½ teaspoon of baking soda on each stain is enough. 

When you have covered the stains with baking soda, take a soft sponge or cloth. Because you have to rub the stains a bit. 

This will help you to remove them easily. Rub until the stain is completely cleaned. 

Step 7: Rinse Again

Well, that was a lot of work. Now, you just have to rinse the sink with warm water again. However, we suggest you use 1-2 cups of distilled vinegar to rinse the sink instead. 

This will surely get rid of the baking soda and stain residue. But along with that, vinegar will disinfect your sink. But remember, if you use vinegar, you need to rinse with water again. 

After rinsing, you can use paper towels to absorb the water from the sink. This will avoid the sink from catching dust for the time being. 

Cleaning Copper & Stone Bathroom Sink

Now, it’s time to see how you can clean your dirty copper or stone bathroom sink. As we’ve mentioned before, you can’t use any abrasive cleaners on them. 

Because it can damage the metal surface of your sink. Plus stone sinks are actually porous. This means your stone sink can absorb any kind of liquid. That’s why you shouldn’t use chemical or acidic cleaning items.

Now, for both of these types of sinks, you’ll need three things. These are-

• Mild dishwashing soap
• Warm water
• Paper towels or soft cloth

Got them? Let’s get to the cleaning business.

Step 1: Wash the Sink

First, wash the bathroom sink. You’ll need warm water for this. The washing procedure will loosen up any kind of dirt. Once you have washed the sink, dry it with a cloth. 

Step 2: Apply the Dishwashing Soap

Apply about 3 drops of the mild dishwashing soap to your soft cloth. You don’t need to apply it directly to the sink. 

After applying the soap, wipe the sink with the cloth. Don’t miss out on any spots or corners. 

You might think of using a sponge for this process. In that case, don’t use an abrasive sponge. A non-abrasive sponge is a way to go. 

Step 3: Wash & Dry the Sink

Done wiping yet? If so, rinse your copper or porcelain sink with warm water. Use a sprayer to do so. Spray the sink area until the soap residue is going down the drain. 

When you’re washing, dry the sink. This is a super important step for both sinks. So, take a dry cloth or paper towels. Wipe or pat your sink dry. 

And that’s it! That’s how you can clean your bathroom sink.

How to Clean Out Bathroom Sink Regularly?

Now, after cleaning the sink, you should definitely maintain the clean sink. But how? 

Well, regular cleaning is the solution. We’ve mentioned everything for you in detail. So, just keep reading-

Step 1: Wipe Down Your Sink

Now, to do this, you need to grab a wet sponge or soft cloth. Make sure the sponge is non-abrasive. Once you have it, wipe down your sink’s interior. 

Make sure you’re wiping down as much dirt and debris you can. If you have hair in your sink, get that out before starting to wipe. Wipe the wet sponge around your sink drain too.

Step 2: Rinse Your Bathroom Sink

Now, turn on your faucet and run warm to hot water into your sink. This will rinse away all the dirt and debris. 

You might think of using the cleaning item right after wiping the sink. But that is discouraged. Because that way you’ll have more dirt to clean up. It’ll get really messy. 

So, rinse the sink with warm water. Splash the space around your sink’s surface and sides. Then wipe the sides with a wet cloth. 

This simple step will loosen up stubborn dirt. Plus warm water will take away the already loosen-up dirt.

Step 3: Use Your Preferred Cleaner

In this step, you need to grab an appropriate cleaner to clean your dirty sink. You can use natural or chemical cleaners for this. 

But there are actually separate and appropriate cleaners for different kinds of sinks. So, using those according to your sink type is the best suggestion we can provide. This way you’ll be able to clean the sink and also keep it safe from damages.

Step 4: Dry Your Sink

Now, last but not the least, you’ll have to wipe the sink again. Because this way you’ll prevent bacteria from taking place in your now clean sink. So, wipe the entire sink surface. 

You might need to apply cleaner again while doing this. If yes, please do so and wipe again. 

This should be enough. Just make sure you’re maintaining this routine. If you do so, your bathroom sink should be shiny and stain-free. 

Now, while cleaning the sink, learn how you can keep bathroom toilet clean too. This way your whole bathroom will be clean!

FAQs

Question: How to clean bathroom sink build up?

Answer: Boiling water should do the work. Just boil ½ a gallon of water. Then pour it down your sink drain. This will loosen up the build-up that’s present in there. You can also use baking soda and vinegar if boiling doesn’t work. Just sprinkle some baking soda down the sink and pour vinegar afterward. 

Question: Why does bathroom sink smell bad?

Answer: The answer is simple. The bad smell is present because your sink is dirty. All the bacteria on your sink is causing this rotten type of smell. The best way to get rid of it is by cleaning your sink thoroughly. You should clean the drain as well while you’re at it. 

Question: Is it safe to use bleach on your sink?

Answer: Too powerful cleaning agents are always discouraged to use on any surface. So, no bleach isn’t completely safe to use on your bathroom sink. Especially, copper and stone sinks can be heavily damaged if you choose to use any bleaching agents. 

Final Word

Well, that’s everything you needed to know on how to clean bathroom sink. Hopefully, you’re all clear about the process. 

By the way, just advice- don’t forget to wear gloves while cleaning the sink. This will keep your hand protected from harsh cleaning agents.

Anyway, thank you for reading with us! Good luck cleaning your sink.