How to Clean a Bathroom Sink and Faucet — Toronto Home Guide

Bathroom sinks accumulate toothpaste splatters, soap scum, and hard water deposits around the faucet base and drain — areas that are easy to miss in a quick wipe-down but become visibly stained if neglected. A thorough weekly clean keeps them looking fresh.

Sink Basin

1. Wet the basin and sprinkle baking soda over the surface
2. Scrub with a damp cloth or sponge — the mild abrasion of baking soda removes toothpaste and soap film without scratching porcelain or acrylic
3. Pay attention to the area around the drain where soap and toothpaste accumulate
4. Rinse thoroughly
5. For stubborn staining, apply undiluted white vinegar, let sit 5 minutes, then scrub and rinse

Faucet

Chrome and brushed nickel faucets:

1. Wipe with a cloth dampened in warm soapy water — most daily grime wipes off easily
2. For mineral deposits and hard water staining around the faucet base: soak a cloth in white vinegar and wrap it around the base, leaving for 15–20 minutes
3. Scrub with an old toothbrush to get into the crevice where the faucet meets the sink
4. Rinse and dry with a cloth — leaving faucets wet accelerates water spot formation

Faucet Aerator

The aerator (the small screen at the tip of the faucet) can clog with mineral deposits, reducing water flow:

1. Unscrew the aerator counter-clockwise by hand or with a cloth to avoid scratching
2. Soak in white vinegar for 30 minutes to dissolve mineral deposits
3. Use a toothbrush to scrub the mesh
4. Rinse and reinstall

Drain

• Remove and clean the stopper weekly — it accumulates hair and soap build-up that causes slow drains
• Use a drain snake or plastic hair remover tool monthly to clear hair from the drain pipe
• Pour boiling water down the drain weekly to flush soap build-up