Acrylic sinks are types of utilitarian sinks commonly found in art studios, barns, laundry rooms, as well as kitchens. They are durable, affordable, easy to install, and possess a beautiful shiny appearance, making them a popular choice.
Despite their durability and great appearance, they are easily stained by rust, hair dye, paint, or other impurities. Therefore, you must take good care of your acrylic sink and clean it properly to preserve its appearance and durability.
Acrylic sinks are durable but not nearly as durable as porcelain or metal sinks. This is why traditional cleaning solutions can be too harsh, as they can easily scratch the surface. In this guide, we will teach you the most effective ways of cleaning acrylic sinks without scratching or damaging them.
1. Clear the Sink Area
The first step in the process is to clear the sink area completely. This step will help you avoid clutter while you work and help you effectively access all areas around the acrylic sink. Clearing the section beforehand can also help prevent getting cleaning solutions on items nearby.
2. Select & Apply a Cleaning Solution
There are several cleaning solutions that you can use to clean your acrylic sinks. All of these methods are safe to use on acrylic and are sure to leave your sink clean and shiny. The most effective approaches include using a dedicated sink cleaner, a vinegar and water solution, diluted chlorine bleach, or rubbing alcohol.
Dedicated Sink Cleaner
A dedicated sink cleaner that is safe for acrylic can help you achieve a clean and shiny sink in no time. Hope’s Perfect Sink Cleaner is a gentle cleansing solution that removes tough stains without scratching the surface of your acrylic sink.
It’s also formulated to polish and restore the shine of acrylic, and it leaves a water-repellent barrier on its surface. This barrier helps make future cleaning much easier as water will bead on the sink preventing watermarks.
Its ingredients include water, polydimethylsiloxane, benzyl benzoate, limonene, methylisothiazolinone, amorphous silica, polyacrylic acid, 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, disodium EDTA.
These ingredients are tough on the stains of your acrylic sink but are gentle and safe enough for you to scrub the sink without any gloves.
To use a dedicated cleaner, apply the product onto a cleaning pad or cloth and rub your acrylic sink carefully with it. After cleaning the acrylic sink properly, rinse away the product with warm soapy water.
Vinegar & Water
White vinegar is a common household item that isn’t just used for cooking but can also be used as an effective cleaner. It is a mixture of acetic acid and water and possesses gentle acidic qualities.
When you use a diluted solution of white vinegar with water, you can lift stains, cut grime and grease, and kill any germs that might be present on the acrylic surface of your sink. Moreover, you can rest assured that this solution will not damage the acrylic but will leave it shiny and clean instead.
To begin cleaning, take a spray bottle and add ½ cup of white vinegar and ⅔ cup of water. Shake the bottle well to mix the solution. Before applying this solution to the acrylic, ensure the sink is clean. Rinse and wipe the top of the sink with a dry microfiber cloth.
Once the sink is dry, spray the vinegar and water mixture on the acrylic surface and allow it to work its magic. After 10 minutes, the mixture will begin to break down tough stains. Take a damp microfiber cloth and wipe the sink’s surface completely.
If the stains on your acrylic sink are too tough to remove with this mixture, apply baking soda on top of the vinegar mixture. Baking soda works best for cleaning stains, and you can let the baking soda sit for a long time without worrying about scratches or damage.
After 10-20 minutes, clean the baking soda with a soapy cloth or sponge. You’ll see how easily these tough stains can be wiped off.
Diluted Chlorine Bleach
Chlorine bleach is a regular household cleaning item used as a stain remover and laundry brightener. It can also clean acrylic sinks since it provides quick and effective results. Chlorine bleach isn’t just great for removing stains, it is also a strong disinfectant for bacteria and viruses.
WARNING: Do not mix chlorine bleach with any other cleaners or solutions! Doing so produces toxic gases which can cause serious injuries including eye, nose, and throat irritation and can even be fatal.
These chemicals can not only harm your skin but can cause burns as well. Even though you might be working with diluted chlorine bleach in the process, we recommend wearing gloves for safety.
Block the outlets of your sink and fill the sink with hot water (hot water is more effective for cleaning). Depending on the size of your sink, add ½ cup to 1 ½ cups of chlorine bleach to the water. It is recommended to add ½ cup of chlorine bleach per gallon of water in the sink.
For smaller sinks, one capful of bleach to a sinkful of water proves to be effective. Use a soft sponge dipped in diluted bleach to remove tough stains from the surface. Allow the water to sit for an hour, and drain the sink.
Rinse the sink thoroughly to remove any bleach residue on the sink. Ensure not to swallow or inhale the chlorine bleach as it can cause serious injuries. While diluting the chlorine bleach in your sink, make sure to proceed with care.
It’s important to remember that using bleach without diluting it will be too harsh for acrylic and will damage the surface in the process.
Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol)
Rubbing alcohol is a common disinfectant you can easily find in your bathroom cupboard. It can be used to remove stains from acrylic sinks as well as remove any germs on them.
Wash and dry your sink before cleaning it with isopropyl alcohol. You can apply isopropyl alcohol directly onto the sink using a clean microfiber cloth or soft sponge. We recommend focusing on areas with tougher stains since they may require extra effort to clean.
After you have removed lingering stains completely, wipe the entirety of the sink with rubbing alcohol. Alcohol evaporates when exposed to open environments; therefore, you might not need to rinse your acrylic sink at the end.
Since rubbing alcohol evaporates quite quickly, it might be best to clean the acrylic sink in small sections. You should also wear gloves and a mask while cleaning with rubbing alcohol since it can irritate your nose, throat, and hands.
3. Dry Your Acrylic Sink with a Microfiber Cloth
The methods mentioned above are highly effective at cleaning acrylic sinks without scratching or damaging the surface. However, to ensure the acrylic sink is free of any residue after cleaning, dry it with a microfiber cloth.
Drying the sink fully with a microfiber cloth prevents the development of watermarks on its surface and gives it a flawless and shiny finish.
Best Practices for Prevention and Maintenance
Following are the best practices for maintaining the appearance of your acrylic sink. We have also taken the time to mention important prevention tips for safer cleaning.
- Practice Light & Frequent Cleaning – Preventing staining is much easier and less time-consuming than removing tough marks from acrylic sinks. Cleaning your sink frequently using dish soap can help prevent stains and scratches.
- Avoid Using Heavy Abrasives – We recommend against using heavy abrasive cleaning products and tools that can cause scratches on the acrylic material. Opt for a microfiber cloth or soft sponge, which prevents scratches on your sink’s shiny and smooth appearance.
- Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals – Harsh chemicals such as acidic cleaners or stain removers can cause damage to the acrylic sink’s surface. Using these products such as bleach without diluting can even burn holes in the acrylic sink.
- Remove Dye Stains Immediately – If you notice hair dye or rust on your acrylic sink, it is best to clean the wet stains immediately. A delay in cleaning will only result in a tougher stain that will require more elbow grease to remove.
- Use a Microfiber Cloth – If you are living somewhere that has hard water, we recommend drying your sink with a microfiber cloth after each use. Doing so will help prevent the formation of watermarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answered some of the commonly asked questions by homeowners about cleaning acrylic sinks in the following section. If you would like to have yours added, simply get in touch with us.
What Is the Best Way To Remove Stains From Acrylic Sinks?
The most convenient method of removing stains from an acrylic sink is to use an acrylic sink cleaner. If you can’t find an acrylic sink cleaner, the homemade solutions mentioned above also work well.
How Do I Remove Hair Dye Stains from Acrylic Sinks?
You should remove hair dye stains from acrylic sinks while they’re wet or as soon as possible. If the hair dye has dried on your acrylic sink, you should use a diluted chlorine bleach solution, as mentioned above, to get rid of the stains.
How Do I Remove Rust Stains from Acrylic Sinks?
White vinegar works exceptionally well for removing rust stains from acrylic sinks. The acetic acid in white vinegar contains enough acidity to effectively dissolve rust from surfaces without damaging the acrylic material. Simply spray it on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes, before rinsing it with cool water.
How Can I Prevent Soap Scum from Acrylic Sinks?
To prevent soap scum on your acrylic sink, be sure to rinse your acrylic sink well after each use. If you do not rinse and dry your sink properly, there may be a buildup of soap scum which can make your sink look dirty.
Is It Difficult to Clean an Acrylic Sink?
It is very easy to clean an acrylic sink, no matter which method you follow from the list above. It typically takes 15 to 30 minutes to clean an acrylic sink and bring back its shine.