A clean, shiny porcelain sink is a simple, but impactful, addition to a kitchen. Porcelain is durable and doesn't put watermarks and fingerprints on display like a stainless steel sink can.

Unfortunately, since the material is soft, it has a tendency to hold onto stains, scuff marks, and even scratches if you're not careful. That being said, non-abrasive cleaners are the best way to clean a porcelain sink.

Common household go-to's like bleach and hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean white porcelain, but the solution would need to sit covered in a layer of paper towels for 30 minutes to an hour.

The age-old DIY cleaning tip recommending a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar is ineffective in cleaning a stained porcelain sink. The fizzy reaction looks like it's working to remove stains, but it's not. Baking soda is a base and vinegar is an acid. Combining the two creates a chemical reaction that only produces water and trace amounts of salt, which is not strong enough to get rid of grime. Neither ingredient is a surfactant, either, so they will do little to help carry away any loose oil and grease.

Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner's powerful degreasing and deodorizing formula breaks down grease and deep cleans without caustic chemicals. The biodegradable* formula is optimized for use in kitchens and bathrooms, as it doesn't leave behind caustic chemical residue.

It's much easier to prevent stains and buildup than it is to remove them, so it's best to wipe down your sink with dish soap and a sponge after each use. Also make sure you clean up food scraps promptly so stains don't have a chance to settle in on the surface. Try to keep your sink dry when it's not being used by wiping off excess moisture with a squeegee, microfiber cloth, or sponge. This will prevent water spots and mildew from forming.

Directions for Cleaning a Porcelain Sink:

1. Mix your Simple Green solution. Mix 1 oz. of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner with about 4 cups of hot water in an empty spray bottle.
2. Apply the solution. Spray the entire sink thoroughly with your Simple Green solution. You can also spray down the faucet and surrounding countertop.
3. Scrub, if necessary. Use a non-abrasive sponge or soft, clean cloth to scrub any stained areas.
4. Wipe away. Thoroughly wipe down the sink, faucet, and countertop with a damp sponge, soft cloth, or paper towels.
5. Dry. Let the area air dry completely.

TIP: When washing dishes, you can prevent scratches and scuffs on the bottom of your porcelain sink with a rubber mat. You can find these at retailers like Walmart or Amazon.

TIP: For directions on how to clean your kitchen sink drain, click here. For even deeper cleaning, use this tip to clean and deodorize your garbage disposal.