How to Clean a Bathroom Sink and Keep It Looking Pristine

In the time between your morning and nighttime routines, your bathroom sink gathers all sorts of gross buildup. Blobs of toothpaste, makeup spills, soapy residue, hard water spots, and more can collect on the surface throughout the day, creating some serious grime that can't simply be rinsed away when you wash your hands. A daily wipe-down with a damp cloth or a cleaning wipe can help deter some of the worst gunk, but you should plan to do a deeper clean about once a week. For a truly spot-free sink, you'll need to tackle bacteria, stains, and unpleasant smells with the help of an effective bathroom cleaner and a bit of scrubbing. Learn how to clean a bathroom sink, including the drain and faucet, using our guide below. Even in a busy bathroom, a pristine sink is possible with these quick cleaning tips.

 

How to Clean a Bathroom Sink

For an easy bathroom cleaning trick, let your cleaning water do the work. Fill your sink with a few inches of hot water and add some dish detergent or a cup or two of white vinegar. 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, then drain the sink and rinse and dry the items. Wipe off the sink and any remaining water with a dry cloth. This vinegar-water mixture is 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.

 

How to Clean the Bathroom Sink Drain

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, non-corrosive pipe cleaner or a household cleaner like hydrogen peroxide to flush out the drain.

 

How to Clean the Bathroom Sink Faucet

When cleaning a bathroom sink faucet, be sure to use a cleaning method that's suitable for the faucet's material. In most cases, dish soap, water, and a cleaning cloth provide the best way to clean bathroom faucets. For stubborn buildup, use a cloth dipped in a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water to wipe down the surface. Dip a soft toothbrush into the solution to scrub around the edges. Finish by wiping the faucet with a clean, dry cloth to prevent water spots and make the surface shine.