Do you have black sinks that seem to turn white around the edges? Or maybe you noticed a whitish haze on the surface over time. If so, you’re in good company! Many homeowners struggle with this issue and are often surprised at how difficult it can be to get their bathroom fixtures looking like new again.
Fortunately, there are some useful tips and tricks for cleaning black sinks. In this article, we’ll cover five, from preventative maintenance practices to deep cleaning solutions, to get your bathroom or kitchen looking pristine again. If your sinks have started to deteriorate, read on for our top tips!
Why is my black sink turning white?
Over time, a sink’s black finish can begin to fade and appear discolored. This can be a sign of mineral buildup. Your home’s hard water contains dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium that can build up over time in your pipes and plumbing fixtures as scale or powdery residue.
This buildup can show up as a stain or discoloration on the metal surface of your faucet, which can often appear white in contrast to the black finish. To eliminate this residue, we have 5 practical and effective tips for breaking up mineral deposits. By taking care to clean the faucet regularly, you will avoid the appearance of further discolorations.
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Squeeze a lemon or lime on tap:
This is an easy and inexpensive way to clean a black-turned-white sink. Squeeze the juice of a lime over the sink and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Then rinse with warm water and dry with a cloth. The acids in citrus fruits will help break down any buildup on sinks and restore them to their original color.
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Use baking soda and vinegar:
Another method for cleaning black sinks is to use baking soda as an abrasive cleaner. Start by mixing equal parts baking soda and water until you get a paste consistency. Then spread the paste on the surface of the faucet which has become white and rub gently with a sponge or a soft cloth. Then rinse with lukewarm water, then mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl and soak a cloth in it before using it to wipe down the sink one last time – the combination of acidity of both ingredients helps remove soap scum and debris and restore color.
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Use toothpaste:
A third useful way to maintain your sink is to use toothpaste as an abrasive cleaner. Start by spreading non-gelled toothpaste on the surface of your sink’s affected area and scrubbing gently with an old toothbrush or sponge until all residue is gone. Then rinse with warm water, then dry with a soft cloth or towel for best results. The mild abrasives in toothpaste are usually good at removing dirt, grime, soap scum, and more from surfaces like this without scratching them too much in the process.
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Use coffee grounds:
If your black sink is overrun with white stains, you’re probably exasperated. While it may seem like a daunting task, the solution might be hiding in your kitchen cupboard: coffee grounds. For centuries, people have used coffee grounds to get rid of all kinds of unsightly, stubborn stains — and the same goes for white stains on a black sink.
To start, sprinkle fresh coffee grounds on the affected area and rub vigorously with a damp cloth or sponge. You should notice that the stain becomes lighter after just one try! For more stubborn stains, use a paste made from two parts coffee grounds mixed with one part water. It will take more scrubbing, but this paste is incredibly effective at removing stubborn white spots. With this simple trick and a little effort, you can make your black sink shine again.
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Potato starch:
When it comes to using a product that gently exfoliates without causing further damage to the sink surface, this last tip could be advantageous. Potato starch is a natural solution that can be used to remove stains quickly and easily. Simply mix equal parts of a tablespoon of potato starch and hydrogen peroxide, then apply the mixture with a soft cloth or sponge and rub into the stain until it disappears . It may help to let the paste sit for about 10 minutes before wiping it off with warm water.
