Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500203
06/24/03
Porcelain Enamel Sinks and Tubs--Care and Cleaning
Care
Porcelain enamel is a glass surface fused to a metal
base. This glass surface is damaged by acids and harsh
abrasives. It is very hard but can be chipped by hard
blows.
Porcelain enamel is acid resistant but not acidproof.
The glass coating is gradually dissolved by acids.
Acetic and muriatic acids are effective in removing
certain stains, but they will also remove part of the
surface coating of porcelain enamel. Eventually they will
attack the base metal underneath and cause serious
damage. Therefore, it is advisable not to use acid
cleaners on porcelain enamel.
Cleaning
To clean, wash with warm or hot sudsy water, using
detergent. A solution of non-precipitating water
softener, or baking soda, in warm water also may remove
soap scum and soil. Always rinse with plain water.
If you use scouring powder it should be the very
finest one possible. Most scouring powders contain hard
particles, such as quartz or feldspar, that cause minute
scratches. Once a glasslike surface has been roughened,
it becomes a catchall for dirt, grease, soap residue and
minute alkaline deposits from hard water. Then abrasives
are necessary to remove soil imbedded in the roughened
area.
Commercial household or bathroom cleaners may also
be used.
You may use chlorine or hydrogen peroxide bleach to
remove stains. Do not use these bleaches full strength
or let them remain on the surface for more than a few
seconds. Rinse the surface thoroughly. Bleaches
eliminate most stains but are not effective on rust.
Heavy deposits of grease or soap scum can be
removed with a solution of 1 tablespoon trisodium
phosphate in 1 gallon hot water. Rinse thoroughly. Or
warm water and ammonia solution will do this. Rinse
thoroughly. Do NOT combine with any other cleaners.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with references from the Porcelain
Enamel Institute.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
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Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .