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How to Clean a Farmhouse Sink – A Guide from a Pro Sink Installer

how to clean a farmhouse sink
Written by Jenny Molin
Last Update: November 21, 2022

Certainly, having a beautiful farmhouse sink in your kitchen is a real blessing. In addition to beautifying your home, it makes you more efficient in the kitchen, reducing the time you spend in washing pans and dishes.

However, farmhouse sinks also have a negative side. Cleaning them can be torture. Especially when you have white sinks. So, if removing stubborn stains form the surface becomes frustrating in your case, pay close attention.

Today we’ll show you how to clean your farmhouse sink with the common household products.

How to Clean a Farmhouse Sink?

1. Using White Vinegar

Clean a Farmhouse Sink

White vinegar is a powerful disinfectant and stain remover. It’s especially effective in removing mold and limescale spots. To do this, you just have to fill a spray bottle with white vinegar. Then, spray the surface and let it take effect for 15 minutes. Finally, scrub the surface with a melamine sponge to remove stains.

2. Using Chlorine Bleach

chlorine bleach

Chlorine is a harsh chemical, so it must be used carefully. It’s very effective on white surfaces, but it has a corrosive effect on metals. So, if you have stainless steel sinks at home, it isn’t convenient to use this method very frequently.

To clean a farmhouse sink using chlorine, fill a spray bottle with water and add a tablespoon of bleach. Then, apply the solution on the surface and then dry with a cloth.

3. Using Baking Soda

baking soda

We all know baking soda is an all-purpose cleaner and the case no different here. In a large bowl, mix ¼ cup of baking soda, ¼ cup of ammonia and 1 gallon of water. Dip a melamine sponge in the solution and scrub the surface. Ammonia has a too strong odor and can cause irritation and dizziness. So, it’s convenient to wear protective equipment at this point.

4. Using Glass Cleaner

Glass Cleaner

Ammonia is the main active ingredient of glass cleaner. Ammonia is a powerful solvent, softening stubborn stains so they can be easily removed with water. To remove limescale spots, spray the surface and let the product to take effect for a few minutes. Finally, use a damp cloth to remove the stain.

5. Using Liquid Dishwasher

Liquid Dishwasher

Over time, the grease from food could adhere to your farm sink’s surface. Liquid dishwasher is the perfect solution to this problem. This product eliminates the surface tension of water, facilitating the dissolution of grease.

Just apply the dishwasher on the fatty areas and let it to take effect for several minutes. The dishwasher should be thick so it remains on the surface for longer. Finally, use plenty of water and a sponge to remove grease.

You can also mix equal parts of white vinegar and dishwasher in a spray bottle to remove coffee stains.

6. Using Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is ideal for white surfaces. To apply it, you just have to fill a spray bottle with this product. Spray the surface and let the product to take effect overnight. The next morning, use a dry cloth to remove stains.

When applying hydrogen peroxide on any type of kitchen sink, avoid contact with eyes. Therefore, it’s convenient to wear protective lenses for a safe application.

7. Using Sodium Percarbonate

Sodium Percarbonate

Sodium percarbonate is the product of mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. It’s the active ingredient of many oxygenated bleaching agents. To clean a farmhouse sink with sodium percarbonate, prepare a paste by adding a little water. Then, apply the paste on the stubborn stains and leave on for 20 minutes.

After that, remove the product using plenty of water. Sodium percarbonate is less harsh than chlorine, so it’s the best product to apply on metal surfaces.

8. Using Citric Acid and Salt

Farmhouse Sink clean

Sometimes, the solution to many difficult problems is in nature. Lemons are rich in citric acid, which also can remove rust. So, if you have problems with rust stains, prepare a paste with salt and a few drops of lemon juice.

Then, apply the paste on the rust and leave on for 15 minutes. Then, scrub the surface with a hard bristle brush.

Cleaning & Maintenance Tips

  • After each use, it’s essential to remove any dirt or food particles stuck on the surface. If they dry, they’ll be more difficult to remove.
  • Also, dry the surface with a cloth after washing pans and dishes. The remaining water could oxidize metal parts and leave marks on the surface.
  • To protect the bottom of the sink from stains and scratches, place a rubber mat.
  • If you have a double basin farm sink and use one half to dry your pans and dishes, use a plastic container to prevent water from running directly on the surface.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to clean farmhouse sink with the commonly used products, you no longer have to spend too much money on harsh chemicals.

Certainly, a periodic cleaning routine is the secret to keeping shinny sinks for longer. If you apply these cleaning tips in your daily routine, you’ll never have problems with stubborn stains again. You may suggest our farm sink installation guide to a friend or a family member who recently purchased their sink but didn’t do the installation yet.

FAQ

Q. 1: Which products can I use to clean my farmhouse sink?

Farm sinks are easy to clean, one of their major benefits. To keep your farmhouse sink clean and bright, there’s nothing better than the following products:

  • Chlorine
  • Baking soda
  • Vinegar
  • Sodium percarbonate
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Ammonia
  • Citric acid

Q. 2: What is the best way to clean a porcelain sink?

There are many ways to do this. However, applying a mix of chlorine and water is by far the best solution against stains and pathogens.

Q. 3: Do white farmhouse sinks scratch easily?

It all depends on the material with which they’re manufactured. For example, a fireclay farmhouse sink is scratch-resistant, allowing you to use abrasive products such as steel sponges without problems.

Q. 4: Which are the best products to clean white sinks?

Chlorine and sodium percarbonate are by far the best products to clean white sinks.

Q. 5: What is the best method to remove stains from white ceramic sinks?

To do this, apply the recommended products on the surface and leave to take effect for a while. Then scrub the surface with a brush or sponge.

About the author

Jenny Molin

Interior Design Artist

Hello, I’m Jenny. I’ve been an interior design artist by profession since my B.S. in Interior Design. I’m a minimalist and prefer to save space when choosing fixtures, sinks and fittings. My style tends to make the most out of the least amount of space. The idea behind every interior design project is unique and it reflects personal style, taste and tradition. I’ve learned more when working than I ever did while I was studying in college. I worked in more than 12 hundred households all across the US and got positive feedback. I’ve been working with FaucetsReviewed as one of the founding members and regularly contributing to the site via testing and reviewing various interior fittings and fixtures.

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