How to Remove Scratches from a Porcelain Sink?

Bobby Pyle

By Bobby Pyle

Last Updated on February, 2025

Scratches on a porcelain sink can be frustrating, but they’re not the end of the world. Whether you’re tackling minor scratches, deeper scratches, or tough stains, you can restore your sink’s porcelain finish with a little effort and the right tools. 

Let’s dive into how to remove scratches from a porcelain sink and bring back its shine.

Quick Summary

  • Techniques like using baking soda, a Magic Eraser, or a porcelain repair kit can effectively remove scratches and stains, depending on their severity.
  • Protect your porcelain sink by using a rubber mat, avoiding abrasive tools, cleaning regularly, and drying thoroughly to maintain its condition and prevent future scratches.
  • For deeper scratches or chipped glaze, tools like a pumice stone or a porcelain repair kit are recommended for restoring the sink’s original finish.

Steps to Remove Scratches From Porcelain Sinks

A spotless bathroom sink made of porcelain

Step 1: Clean Your Sink Thoroughly

Before repairing scratches, start with a good cleaning. This removes dirt, stains, and grime that could interfere with your work.

  • What You’ll Need: A sponge, warm water, liquid soap, and a damp cloth.

Steps:

  • Wet your sink with warm water to loosen debris.
  • Add a small amount of liquid soap to a sponge and scrub in circular motions.
  • Focus on areas with grey marks, scratch marks, or black marks.
  • Rinse thoroughly and dry with a paper wipe.

This works for bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, and even ceramic sinks.

Step 2: Use Baking Soda for Minor Scratches

Baking soda is an excellent cleaning solution for removing scratches and fading stains on a porcelain sink.

Steps:

  • Sprinkle baking soda over the scratches or the affected area.
  • Use a damp cloth or sponge to rub. Apply a bit of elbow grease for stubborn spots.
  • Rinse with warm water and dry with paper wipes.

This method is perfect for tackling small scratches, grey stains, and light discoloration on a white sink.

Step 3: Powered or Soft Cream Cleanser for Tougher Scratches

Using a sponge to clean a sink

When baking soda doesn’t work, turn to Powered or Soft Cream Cleanser to handle tougher scratches and stains.

How to Use It:

  • Apply a small amount of Cleanser to a damp sponge or soft scrub.
  • Gently start scrubbing the scratch marks or stains.
  • Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a paper wipe.

This mild abrasive is great for removing scratches, fading stains, and even eliminating rust on both porcelain sinks and steel sinks.

Step 4: Magic Eraser for Stubborn Marks

A clean Magic Eraser is an excellent tool for tackling those marks and scratches that won’t budge.

Steps:

  • Wet the Eraser with warm water.
  • Gently rub it over the scratched marks, black marks, or tough stains.
  • Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean eraser or wet cloth.

This method works wonders on white sinks, bathroom sinks, and ceramic sinks, leaving them looking nearly new.

Step 5: Use a Pumice Stone for Deeper Scratches

For deeper scratches, a pumice stone can help smooth out the surface. It’s important to handle this tool with care to avoid causing further damage.

Steps:

  • Soak the pumice stone in warm water before use.
  • Keep it wet and gently rub it over the scratches using small circular motion.
  • Rinse the sink and dry with a paper towel.

This method is particularly effective for an old sink and ceramic sinks.

Step 6: Brighten With Hydrogen Peroxide

Cleaning a sink with hydrogen peroxide spray

Hydrogen peroxide is a fantastic cleaning solution for both removing scratches and brightening the surface of a white porcelain sink.

Steps:

  • Soak paper towels in hydrogen peroxide and lay them over the scratches.
  • Let them sit for 30 minutes to an hour.
  • Remove the paper towels, rinse, and dry with a paper towel.

This method is gentle yet effective at making scratches and stains look like they’re completely removed.

Step 7: Use a Porcelain Repair Kit for Major Damage

When scratches run deep or the glaze is chipped, a porcelain repair kit is your best option for restoring the porcelain finishing.

Steps:

  • Clean and dry the sink thoroughly.
  • Apply the repair glaze included in the porcelain repair kit to the scratched area with a brush.
  • Let it dry completely before applying a second layer.
  • Once dry, sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper and buff with a damp fabric.

This method is great for repairing old sinks and restoring their original porcelain finishing.

Step 8: Lemon Juice for Rust Stains

Using a slice of lemon to clean a sink

Rust stains often accompany scratches, but lemon or white vinegar can help remove them without damaging the sink.

Steps:

  • Squeeze a small amount of lemon onto the rust stain.
  • Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
  • Gently scrub with a sponge or wet cloth.

Lemon not only removes rust but also brightens the surface.

Step 9: Polish Your Sink for a Gleaming Finish

Once scratches are gone, polishing helps restore the shine to your sink.

Steps:

  • Create a paste with baking soda and water. Apply it to the surface and buff with a wet cloth.
  • For extra shine, rub a small amount of lemon or a porcelain polishing cream over the sink.
  • Rinse with warm water and dry with paper wipes.

Polishing prevents further damage and keeps your sink looking its best.

Read more:

Preventing Future Scratches

Here’s how to protect your porcelain sink moving forward:

  • Use a Rubber Mat: Protect the bottom of your sink from heavy pots and cast iron cookware.
  • Avoid Abrasive Tools: Skip scotch brite pads and opt for soft sponges or cloths.
  • Clean Regularly: Wipe down your sink with a damp fabric and mild cleaner after each use.
  • Dry Thoroughly: Use paper wipes to dry the sink and prevent water stains.

Simple habits like these will help maintain your sink for years to come.

Conclusion

Scratches on a porcelain sink don’t have to be permanent. Whether it’s minor scratch, deeper scratch, or stubborn stains, tools like baking soda, Powered or Soft Cream Cleanser, a Magic Eraser, and a porcelain repair kit can help restore your sink to its original beauty.

These methods work on a bathroom sink, kitchen sink, and even ceramic sink.

Ready to take things up a notch? Contact us for a full renovation. Your sink—and your entire space—will thank you!

FAQs

Yes, but sparingly. Avoid using bleach on vintage or coloured porcelain as it can damage the glaze.

Most of these techniques work for steel sinks as well, though you may want to use less abrasive tools.

Yes, scratches can be removed from porcelain using methods like baking soda, Magic Erasers, or porcelain repair kits, depending on the depth of the scratches.

To remove scratches from a porcelain sink, use baking soda for minor marks, a Magic Eraser for stubborn stains, or a porcelain repair kit for deeper scratches.

No, a Magic Eraser is safe for porcelain sinks and won’t cause scratches when used gently.

To remove marks from a porcelain sink, use baking soda, a Magic Eraser, or soft cream cleansers. Scrub gently with a damp sponge, rinse with warm water, and dry with a cloth for a clean finish.

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