Last Updated on March, 2025
Scratches on your porcelain sink can feel like a never-ending eyesore, right?
They stand out, turning an otherwise clean sink into something that looks a bit worn down.
The good news is that you can easily remove scratches without replacing your porcelain sink or spending a fortune. Whether it’s minor scratches, deeper scratches, or stubborn grey marks, there’s a method for every problem.
Let’s dive in and get your bathroom sink or kitchen sink looking fresh again.
Quick Summary
- Use baking soda for minor scratches, Powered or Soft Cream Cleanser for tougher marks, a pumice stone for deeper scratches, and a porcelain repair kit for heavy damage. Magic erasers work well for quick touch-ups.
- Start with a clean sink using baking soda, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide to remove stains or dirt. Prevent future scratches with sink mats, careful handling of heavy items, and using gentle cleaning tools.
- Rust, black marks, or stains can often mimic scratches. Treat them with solutions like vinegar, lemon juice, or mild abrasive cleaners, and always rinse and dry thoroughly to maintain the sink’s appearance.
Start With a Clean Surface
Before fixing anything, you need to clean the porcelain sink. Use warm water, a mild cleaning solution, and a damp cloth to remove dirt, grease, or stains. Dirt can hide the real size of the scratch marks or make them look worse than they actually are.
If you’ve got black marks, stains, or even rust, add a little baking soda to your cleaning routine.
For heavy-duty stains, white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide can help lift the mess. Once you’re done, rinse the sink thoroughly and dry it with paper towels. A clean surface is key to ensuring any repair method works perfectly.
Tips to Remove Scratches from a Porcelain Sink
Baking Soda
If the scratches are light, baking soda can work wonders.
Here’s how you do it:
- Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda directly onto the scratched area.
- Take a damp cloth, a clean magic eraser, or a soft sponge and buff the area in circular motion.
- Rinse with warm water and wipe dry with a paper towel.
This method is ideal for minor scratches and grey stains on a white porcelain sink or even a ceramic sink. Repeat as needed until the scratches are completely removed.
Powered or Soft Cream Cleanser for Tougher Scratches
When baking soda doesn’t cut it, turn to a Powered or Soft Cream Cleanser. These cleaners are fantastic for removing scratches, black marks, and stains caused by stainless steel utensils.
- Wet a sponge or soft scrub pad.
- Apply Powered or Soft Cream Cleanser
- Rub gently in circular motions, focusing on the scratch marks or stains.
- Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a paper towel.
Powered or Soft Cream Cleansers are not only effective on porcelain sinks but can also be used for cleaning cast iron cookware and removing rust stains.
Tackling Deeper Scratches With a Pumice Stone
For scratches that are deep, a pumice stone is your go-to tool. This trick works wonders on tougher imperfections, but you must use it carefully to avoid causing further damage.
- Soak the pumice stone in warm water for a few minutes.
- Keep the porcelain sink wet while you work.
- Gently rub the pumice stone over the scratches. Use light pressure and focus only on the damaged areas.
- Rinse away any residue and check your progress.
This method works well on older porcelain sinks or ceramic sinks, but avoid it on glossy or glazed surfaces.
Magic Eraser for Quick Touch-Ups
A clean eraser can be a quick fix for smaller marks or scuffs. Wet the eraser, squeeze out any excess water, and gently rub the scratched area. It’s particularly useful for a bathroom sink that gets scratched by everyday items like soap dishes or razors.
After scrubbing, rinse the sink and dry it with paper wipes. A magic eraser is perfect for quick maintenance when you don’t have time for more intensive methods.
Porcelain Repair Kits for Heavy Damage
For major scratches or chips, you’ll need a porcelain repair kit. These kits come with everything you need, from an abrasive cloth to a finishing glaze.
Here’s how to use a porcelain repair kit:
- Clean the scratched area thoroughly. Baking soda or Barkeepers Friend can help prepare the surface.
- Apply the repair compound to the scratch or chip, following the instructions on the kit.
- Let the compound dry completely.
- Sand the area lightly with the included abrasive tool.
- Apply a glaze to finish and restore the shine.
A porcelain repair kit works wonders on deep imperfections and is ideal for fixing an old sink with visible wear.
Removing Rust, Black Marks, and Stains
Sometimes, what looks like a scratch is actually a stain. Rust, black marks, and other blemishes can often be mistaken for scratches, but they’re easy to handle.
- Rust: Dab some lemon juice or vinegar onto the rust. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then scrub with a soft sponge.
- Black Marks: Buff them out with baking soda or Powered or Soft Cream Cleanser. For stubborn marks, try a scotch brite pad.
- Stains: A mild abrasive cleaner like Bon Ami works well for removing discoloration without damaging the porcelain.
Rinse the area thoroughly after treating it, and dry with paper towels to prevent water spots.
Preventing Future Scratches
Here are a few tips to protect your porcelain sink from getting scratched again:
- Use a Sink Mat: Place a rubber mat in your kitchen sink to protect against heavy dishes or cookware.
- Handle Heavy Items with Care: Always lift pots, pans, or sharp utensils instead of dragging them across the surface.
- Gentle Cleaning Tools: Stick to soft sponges, mild abrasives, and avoid harsh chemicals like bleach unless absolutely necessary.
Regular maintenance with baking soda or Bar Keeper’s Friend will keep your white sink looking its best.
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When to Call in the Experts?
If you’ve tried everything and those scratches still won’t budge, it might be time to replace the sink or consider a full bathroom renovation. And if you’re thinking about upgrading your space, we’re here to help.
Whether it’s replacing an old sink or creating a whole new bathroom, we’ve got the expertise to bring your vision to life.
Scratches on a porcelain sink don’t have to be a permanent problem. With tools like baking soda, Powered or Soft Cream Cleanser, a pumice stone, and a little elbow grease, you can restore your sink to its original shine.
Whether you’re tackling smaller scratches, deeper scratches, or those annoying black marks, there’s a solution that works.
And when you’re ready for a full bathroom upgrade, give us a call—we’d love to help!
