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Robert Erickson's personal tips and help guide for the Handyman
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Home Improvement - SOAP SCUM - PORCELAIN ENAMEL SINK, TUBS-CLEANING
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.
From the Porcelain
Enamel Institute.
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