How to Clean a Farmhouse Sink

Farmhouse sinks are charming and sturdy. They can also be hard to maintain! Here’s how to clean a farmhouse sink so it’s shiny and beautiful. If your sink is ready for a deep cleaning, let’s do it together, step by step.

Keeping your home clean and organized takes work, but you can get this done in about five minutes.

white fireclay sink with cream cabinets

How to Clean a Farmhouse Sink

Discover simple and effective methods to keep your farmhouse sink sparkling clean and well-maintained with these easy tips and solutions.
Serving Size 0

Equipment

  • bar keeper's friend
  • bleach
  • dish liquid

Instructions 

  • Remove debris. Remove any debris from the sink by rinsing and wiping down with mild dish soap.
  • Apply Bar Keeper's friend generously to the sink surface. Rub with a damp cloth until all stains are removed. Rinse with running water.
  • Close the drain and fill the sink with a few inches of warm water, covering the sink grid if you have one. While the water is running, add a generous splash of bleach and squirt of dish soap. Allow to sit for 10-15 minutes. Drain the water and rinse.

Whether your sink is fireclay or enameled cast iron, you probably chose it for looks. And there’s no denying that a white farmhouse apron front sink is beautiful! But of course, washing your dishes in something white means there will be stains from time to time.

Everyday cleaning of a farmhouse sink is just like any other: rinse it out and clean it with mild dish soap. But you already knew that. The real question is: how to deal with more difficult stains?

white fireclay sink with cream cabinets

Please check with your sink’s manufacturer for their recommendations. Some sinks will have a special finish that requires special care. I am sharing what has worked for me on a fireclay sink for years.

Tips On How to Clean a Farmhouse Sink

  • These sinks are durable but can develop stains over time. Use Bar Keepers Friend for regular cleaning and to remove tough stains. Avoid using steel wool or other abrasive materials that can scratch the surface.
  • To keep a stainless sink looking its best, clean it with a mixture of baking soda solution and hot water. This helps remove food particles and hard water stains without damaging the sink.
  • For ceramic sinks, use a soft scrub cleaner to maintain their pristine condition. A soft dry cloth can be used to polish the surface after cleaning.
  • These sinks require special care to maintain their appearance. Use natural ingredients like baking soda and essential oils to clean and polish the sink. Avoid harsh chemicals that can tarnish the copper.
  • Clean these sinks with soap water and a soft cloth. For tough stains, use Bar Keepers Friend or a similar cleaning product. Avoid exposing the sink to extremely high temperatures to prevent damage to the enamel.

Farmhouse Sink Cleaning Products You Need

hand holding bar keepers friend container, white sink in background

The short answer: Use Bar Keeper’s Friend!

Any stains on your white sink, from hot sauce to coffee, will come right off with Bar Keeper’s Friend.

If you are nervous about using a somewhat harsh cleaner, you can try something gentler like Bon Ami or even baking soda. (But I’d recommend that you don’t try to substitute anything else, there’s nothing quite like it!)

All you need to do is sprinkle it on and rub it gently with a damp cloth. The abrasive nature of the cleaner removes any stains or scuffs on your sink’s surface. After a few minutes of rubbing, just rinse with running water. Easy!

oxalic acid cleaner sprinkled on bottom of sink

Bar Keeper’s Friend states it is safe on porcelain, fireclay, and cast iron farmhouse sinks, but of course, you’ll want to test it on an inconspicuous spot first to be certain. (It’s also great on stainless steel!)

Can You Use Bleach on a Farmhouse Sink?

pouring bleach into farmhouse sink with grid

You sure can, as long as it’s well diluted with water, and it won’t hurt a thing. And it’s great (as we will see in a minute) for disinfecting the drain, garbage disposal, and sink grid (if you have one).

But if you have a stain on the farmhouse sink itself, bleach often won’t work on it. You really need a mildly abrasive cleaning agent like Bon Ami or Bar Keeper’s friend.

What About Mineral Deposits?

If you have very hard water, you might need to take special care to remove any limescale buildup in your sink. This can often make sure the sink feels gritty and cloudy like it’s lost its shine. The best solution is to simply spray with a mixture of half water and half vinegar mixed in a spray bottle, wipe down, and rinse.

An Ounce of Prevention

Of course, the best thing to do is to keep your farmhouse sink clean so you don’t end up with stains. Taking a minute to rinse the whole thing down every time you do the dishes can make a big difference. If you’re working with dough or batter or anything that will dry and leave a sticky mark, deal with it right away. Stubborn stains can form if you aren’t careful.

Related: How to Set Up a Practical Weekly Cleaning Routine

To protect your sink’s surface, you can invest in a sink grid that sits an inch or so above the sink’s surface. It keeps cast iron pans from chipping the surface or leaving rust marks and makes for a handy makeshift drying rack.

But alas, we are mere mortals, and sometimes our fireclay sinks need a good scrub.

FAQs

How often?

Of course that all depends on how busy your kitchen is, your dishwashing habits, and what you have protecting the bottom of the sink. I find that I need to deep clean my farmhouse sink at least once every two weeks. You can do this on a schedule, or just when you notice it may be needed. Even though I am not someone who loves to clean, I do find it somewhat enjoyable to clean my kitchen sink. It’s not hard and it’s just so shiny and pretty when it’s done.

Do you need to wax your kitchen sink?

No. But you can if you want. It adds shine and helps liquids run off the surface, which can prevent stains. But it’s not necessary!

What is the best way to maintain a farmhouse kitchen sink?

The best way to maintain a farmhouse kitchen sink is through regular cleaning with a mild cleaner and a soft cloth. For daily cleaning, rinse the sink with lukewarm water and wipe it down to prevent food particles and stains from settling. Use a mild vinegar and water solution for a deeper clean regularly.

Can I use hydrogen peroxide on my white farmhouse sink?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide can be used on a white farmhouse sink to remove stains. Simply apply it to the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it with a soft cloth. This method is effective for removing black marks and other tough stains without the use of harsh chemicals.

I hope this helps you keep your sink sparkling clean! There’s nothing more cheerful than a clean kitchen.

clean fireclay farmhouse sink
picture of smiling female

By Katie Shaw

Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.

Click here to subscribe

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating