How to Clean a Bathroom Sink
For an easy bathroom cleaning trick, let your cleaning water do the work.
What You Need
Hot waterDish detergentWhite vinegar (optional)Cleaning clothsBathroom surface cleaner (optional)Disinfectant spray
Step 1: Fill the Sink and Add Cleaning Solution
Fill your sink with a few inches of hot water and add some dish detergent, or a cup or two of white vinegar.
Step 2: Scrub the Sink and Countertop
Rub the mixture around the faucet. Dip a cloth into the water and wipe down the countertop. Then toss small items that need cleaning into the water, such as your soap tray or toothpaste cup. Let everything sit at least 10 minutes. If you opt to use the vinegar-water mixture, it’s non-toxic, plus the acidity of the vinegar easily cuts through lime deposits and soap scum. It also evaporates quickly, leaving everything clean and shiny. Alternatively, you can use your favorite bathroom surface cleaner. To break down the grime, spray the entire surface of the sink basin, and let it sit for about 30 seconds before you wipe it with a clean cloth.
Step 3: Drain and Dry
Drain the sink. Dry the items you’ve soaked and use a dry cloth to wipe off the sink and any remaining water.
Step 4: Disinfect the Sink
To disinfect the sink, use a disinfectant spray and thoroughly wet the surface. Wait at least 10 minutes before wiping the solution away.
How to Clean the Bathroom Sink Drain
The drain is the most important part of the sink to clean. To prevent a clog, aim to clean your bathroom sink drain weekly.
What You Need
Wire hangerHydrogen Peroxide
Step 1: Rinse the Stopper and Drain
Remove the drain stopper, discard any debris that’s collected, and rinse the stopper before replacing it. This will help prevent small bits of debris from building up in the drain. Maintaining a clean drain will also prevent your bathroom from unwanted odors. Bacteria in the drain grow worse over time and could be to blame for a stinky bathroom.
Step 2: Remove Any Clogs
If you’re dealing with a slow drain, remove the stopper and use the end of a wire hanger to clear away as much of the clog as you can. If the clog remains, try using a biodegradable, noncorrosive pipe cleaner, or a household cleaner like hydrogen peroxide, to flush out the drain.
How to Clean the Bathroom Faucet
When cleaning a bathroom faucet, be sure to use a cleaning method that’s suitable for the faucet’s material.
What You Need
Dish soapWaterCleaning clothVinegar (optional)Soft toothbrush
Step 1: Wash the Faucet
Mix the dish soap and water. Wipe the faucet with a cleaning cloth, then dry.
Step 2: Remove Any Buildup
For stubborn buildup, wipe down the surfaces using a cloth dipped in a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Dip a soft toothbrush into the solution to scrub around the edges. Finish by wiping the faucet with a clean, dry cloth, which will prevent water spots and make the surface shine.
Best Cleaning Tools for Bathroom Sinks
You can clean most bathroom sinks using a general bathroom cleaning spray and a soft cloth. For a gentler option, use mild dish detergent or distilled white vinegar mixed with water to cut through grime. You might also need an old toothbrush or another small, soft-bristled brush for scrubbing around the faucet and drain. For everyday cleaning, keep a container of multi-surface cleaning wipes or a stack of clean cloths nearby, so you can easily wipe out the sink basin each night.
First, check your sink’s material.
The best way to clean your bathroom sink will depend on its material. For ceramic or porcelain sinks, avoid using abrasive cleaners or tools like scouring pads and stiff-bristled brushes, as these could scratch the surface. Bathroom sinks crafted from natural stone should only be cleaned using a mild dish detergent and water or a stone cleaner specifically made for the material. To avoid pitting or other damage to the surface, never use abrasive tools, harsh cleaning products, or acidic ingredients such as vinegar or lemon juice to clean these sinks. Metal bathroom sinks, including ones made from stainless steel, copper, or bronze, require gentle cleaning with mild dish detergent and water, or a cleaner designed for the specific type of metal, which will prevent scratches.
