How to Clean a Cast Iron Sink: 8 Methods (with Pictures)
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Cast iron sinks are very durable and can last several generations if you care for them properly. They have a tough white porcelain coating that shines and looks nice, but it is easily scratched and invites stains and smudges. If you inherited the sink, you might not know the best way to clean it without scratching it and causing permanent damage.
We will go over several steps you can take to get your cast iron sink looking like new.
What Products Not to Use
When cleaning your cast iron sink, avoid using acidic cleaners, powdered abrasive cleaners, wire brushes, or steel wool. They can discolor the porcelain or cause scratches, which can be difficult to remove.
The 8 Methods for Cleaning Your Cast Iron Sink
To get your cast iron sink as clean as possible, remove all the dishes and follow these next steps.
1. Bleach
Since your cast iron sink is coated in white porcelain, using bleach is one of the best ways to restore its original shine.
- Wear protective clothing and gloves while you are working with bleach.
- Use a stopper to plug up the sink and fill it about ½–¾ full of the hottest water possible. If all you have is tap water, that is fine, but adding a little boiling water is better.
- Add about ⅓ cup of bleach for every gallon of water in the sink. Give the water a quick stir with a large spoon and allow it to sit for several hours, depending on how dirty and stained it is.
- Once the bleach has had time to work, drain the sink and allow it to dry completely.
- In a small bowl, mix a solution of 1 gallon of warm water and ⅓ cup bleach. Use a soft cloth and the mixture to scrub the sink before wiping it down with a dry towel.
- After several hours, you should notice your sink is a much cleaner and brighter white than when you began.
2. Cast Iron Sink Cleaner
A cast iron sink cleaner like Hope’s Perfect Sink Cleaner and Polish is a great alternative to bleach or as a next step. These products use chemicals and extremely mild abrasives to remove stains and polish the porcelain to a shine not possible with bleach alone.
The downside to these cleaners is that the chemicals they contain could be dangerous to your skin and create harmful odors, so you’ll need to wear protective clothing and have plenty of ventilation.
- Apply a small amount to a cloth and work it into the surface.
- The more elbow grease you use, the better it will shine.
- Rinse and let dry.
3. Baking Soda
If you choose not to use the cast iron sink cleaner, baking soda is a great substitute. To use baking soda to clean your sink, you need to mix it with a small amount of water, vinegar, or ammonia to create a paste.
- If your sink still has several stains, use vinegar or ammonia to create a stronger solution. Ensure you have plenty of ventilation when using ammonia, and don’t mix it with other cleaning chemicals. If your sink is looking pretty good, make the paste with water.
- Apply the paste to a soft cloth and scrub the surface. The scrubbing will help lift the stains and polish at the same time.
- The longer you scrub, the shinier the sink will be.
- If there are visible stains, apply the paste to cover them and let it sit for several hours so the baking soda can work to absorb it.
- Rinse with warm water and a soft cloth to remove the paste.
4. Cork
A great way to get smudges and stains out of your cast iron sink is to use cork to rub them out. Cork will not damage the surface, but it’s strong enough to withstand pressure when scrubbing. It works like an eraser to remove smudges and stains that would be much more difficult with baking soda or a cast-iron sink cleaner.
However, it’s only suitable for small areas. It would be hard to clean a large surface evenly using cork. Using cork gives you an excuse to drink wine, but you can also find it in many shapes and sizes online and at the hobby center.
- Rub the surface with the cork until the stain or scratch disappears.
Once your sink is clean, the easiest way to keep it that way is with regular maintenance. Therefore, you’ll want to follow these next few steps as well.
5. Dishwashing Liquid
An ordinary dishwashing liquid like Dawn breaks up grease and oil very well, which is what makes many stains. Clean your sink with dishwashing liquid once a day, if not after every meal, to prevent grease build-up.
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water with a small amount of Dawn dishwashing liquid. If using another brand, make sure it species grease-cutting ingredients.
- Use a soft cloth to wipe down the surface of the sink.
- Rinse with warm water.
6. Bleach Spray
An all-purpose bleach spray like the ones made by Clorox and Fantastic can also keep the sink clean, so you don’t need to spend much time on it. Follow these steps once a day to help keep your sink shiny.
- Spray the surface with an all-purpose bleach spray and let sit a minute or two.
- Rinse with warm water and a soft cloth.
7. Keep the Sink Empty
Many people don’t realize that allowing plates and pots to sit in your cast iron sink creates smudges and stains. The best way to keep your sink looking new is to keep them empty. Wash dishes after every meal, and instead of piling them in the sink, put them on a counter next to it if you can. You’ll be surprised at how much less often you’ll need to clean your sink if you follow this simple step.
8. Rinse Immediately After Dumping Staining Liquids
Another common cause of sink stains is dumping coffee, tea, wine, and other staining liquids into the sink. Even a tiny amount of these fluids can quickly create a stain if allowed to sit on the surface. Always rinse the sink well and even wipe it down with a soft cloth after you’ve dumped a staining liquid.
Summary
We’re confident you can bring back an old, stained cast iron sink and make it look new if you follow these steps. You’ll also be able to keep it that way indefinitely. We’ve found bleach to be the best method, and the cork works well for the finishing touches and helps remove small scratches. Maintenance is critical once you get it in shape, but it’s easy to do and takes only a few seconds a day.
We hope you have enjoyed reading and were able to find the answers to your questions. If we helped you get your old sink looking new, please share these eight steps to clean a cast iron sink on Facebook and Twitter.
Featured image credit: begun1983, Shutterstock
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