You should clean a fiberglass utility sink to maintain its shine, prolong its lifespan and minimize stains and scratches. Here’s four killer methods!
Every home needs a utility sink for washing clothes, cleaning garage items, rugs, and many more. Though fiberglass tops the rank when it comes to durability, it still requires to do proper maintenance to prolong its functionality.
However, cleaning a fiberglass utility sink is fairly easy. You just need to remove the debris from the bottom of the sink with a brush or broom. Follow up by using a solution of water and dish soap to scrub away any remaining dirt. Rinse it out well and dry it off with a clean towel.
The most important thing is to avoid using anything abrasive, such as steel wool, on the surface of your fiberglass sink.
A fiberglass utility sink is the most cost-efficient and hard-wearing utility sink there is. It does not stain easily and is scratch-resistant which promises you longevity.
How to Clean a Fiberglass Utility Sink
Step 1: Prepare Materials
- Bucket
- Warm water
- Non-abrasive applicator
- Liquid detergent or any other household all-purpose cleaners that are non abrasive. Cleaning products like scouring powders are very abrasive and can cause visible damage to your fiberglass utility sink.
Step 2: Create Non-abrasive Cleaning Solution
Fill in a bucket with warm water according to how many solutions you need in order to clean the whole sink.
Squirt an amount of liquid detergent into your water.
Take note that you will need to put more soap when you think that you will have a tough time scraping off the dirt and grime on your sink.
Step 3: Use Non-abrasive Applicator
Start cleaning your sink by using a soft sponge or any applicator that is made of nylon, polyester, or polyurethane.
Dip your applicator into the solution and gently scrub the surface of your fiberglass utility sink.
Note: Never use an abrasive applicator such as scouring pads, steel wool, or scrapers as this will be too harsh and cause scratches on your sink.
Step 4: Rinse Off
When you are done scrubbing off your sink, you can now rinse away the soapy solution with the help of your running water.
Make sure to dry the surface with a clean towel after doing so.
Let it sit for about an hour without using it so that the solution can soak, then rinse thoroughly with clean warm water again and dry it with a clean towel afterward.
4 Methods of Cleaning a Fiberglass Sink
1. Baking Soda and Water
Regular sink cleaners may not be able to remove soap scums in your fiberglass sink.
To do so, simply mix water and baking soda until it becomes like a paste. Then, apply this paste-like consistency to the areas where there are soap scums.
Now, leave it for a couple of hours and thoroughly rinse it with warm water.
2. Acid
Stubborn soap scums might need acid to successfully get rid of them. You can use acid such as vinegar.
To do so, simply soak a clean cloth into the vinegar and use this to cover the stained area for an hour.
After doing so, wash the area with warm soapy water solution with the use of a soft sponge.
If you’re going to apply stronger acids like muriatic acid, make sure that you’re using your gloves as this may burn your skin.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
There is also another way of bleaching dark stains as this can be very challenging to get rid of and your regular cleaning products might not work for it.
What you can do is lay several layers of white towels over the stained surface and gently pour the hydrogen peroxide on top. Soak this overnight.
When done, take the towels and Steria thoroughly with water and soap and then dry.
4. Acetone or Paint Thinner
If you already have tried the three ways stated above and still got some stains on your sink, you can use acetone or paint thinner to get rid of extreme stains.
Acetone can be found on nail polish removers. To remove stubborn stains, wet your clean white cloth with acetone and carefully rub the stained surface.
You can also use this method to remove stains from a fiberglass laundry tub.
Take note that even though these methods are effective, they should only be occasionally used or as a last resort. This set of methods can also be used to restore fiberglass utility sinks.
Maintenance of Fiberglass Sink
- With the use of your bottle sprayer, spritz some white vinegar on your fiberglass surface three times per week. This will help you scrub off your sink’s dirt and grime and lessen your scrubbing labor.
- When you’re using items that are suctioned on the surface, make sure to remove them right after use. Failing to do so will leave residue on the surface, causing it to stain.
- Make sure to thoroughly dry your sink after use. Whether it’s fiberglass or a plastic sink, drying it up is always a key technique to maintaining its shine and quality.
- You can also install a water softener to filter minerals that come with your water. These minerals help soap scum and rust to build up fast.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, proper maintenance is always the key to prolonging the life of the fiberglass utility sink.
Though fiberglass is known for its durability, wrong ways of using it and having no proper maintenance can always diminish its longevity.
A fiberglass utility sink is an economical alternative to stainless steel sink or cast iron sink for those who don’t want to deal with the maintenance required for those types of sinks.
They are usually not as deep as other sinks and are easier to clean because they can be hosed down outside or in a utility sink in your garage or basement.
When you need to get rid of stains from the fiberglass utility sink, you need to do the ways stated above carefully so you won’t damage your sink.
Also, take note of the daily practices that you need to do after every use. Doing these ways can surely save you time from scrubbing off stains and minimize your labor.
