Remove Stains From Utility Sinks: Cleaning Methods for Plastic, Fiberglass, Stainless Steel, Acrylic, Cast Iron, and Concrete Sinks

Utility sinks get all kinds of things poured into them. 

Paint from paint brushes, mud from dirty kids clothes, lint from the washer. The list goes on and on.

After a while, utility sinks can look pretty rough.

Follow these step by step instructions on how to clean your utility sink and have it looking just like new!

Plastic Utility Sink

Plastic utility sinks are typically white, which make them easy to stain. Especially if you rinse your paint brushes in them!

These sinks are also durable, which is why you find them in laundry rooms, garages, and mudrooms.

Since these sinks are durable, it makes them fairly easy to clean and it responds well to household cleaners, like vinegar.

Follow these steps to clean your plastic utility sink.

Step 1 – Pour 1 cup of water and 1/4 a cup of vinegar into a spray bottle.  Spray the entire sink and let it sit for at least 10 minutes.

Step 2 –  Use a scrub brush and gently scrub the sink.

Step 3 – If there are still stains that aren’t coming out, sprinkle baking soda over them and then spray the sink again with the vinegar solution.  It will create a fun fizzy reaction!

Step 4 – Scrub the sink again and see if the baking soda helped to lift the stains.  If you still have stains, move on to Step 5.  If the stains are gone, then skip down to Step 7.

Step 5 – If the stains persist, create a paste by mixing one part water, one part vinegar and one part baking soda.  Spread the paste over the areas and let it sit for at least a half hour. 

Step 6 – Rinse the sink and if you still see a hint of any stains, then spray it again with the vinegar and water solution and let it sit for several hours.

Step 7 – Fill the sink with hot water and add enough dish soap to create some suds.  Let the soapy water sit for around a half hour and then drain the sink.   

If you need to replace your plastic sink, check out these options.

EZ-FLO El Mustee 19F Utilatub 18-Gallon Floor-Mount Laundry/Utility Tub, 34 X 20 X 24 In, White
LDR Industries 040 6000 Complete 19 gal Laundry Utility Tub with Pull Out Faucet
EZ-FLO El Mustee 19F Utilatub 18-Gallon Floor-Mount Laundry/Utility Tub, 34 X 20 X 24 In, White
LDR Industries 040 6000 Complete 19 gal Laundry Utility Tub with Pull Out Faucet
$102.22
Price not available
EZ-FLO El Mustee 19F Utilatub 18-Gallon Floor-Mount Laundry/Utility Tub, 34 X 20 X 24 In, White
EZ-FLO El Mustee 19F Utilatub 18-Gallon Floor-Mount Laundry/Utility Tub, 34 X 20 X 24 In, White
$102.22
LDR Industries 040 6000 Complete 19 gal Laundry Utility Tub with Pull Out Faucet
LDR Industries 040 6000 Complete 19 gal Laundry Utility Tub with Pull Out Faucet
Price not available

Fiberglass Utility Sink

Fiberglass utility sinks are often used in laundry rooms and basements because they are very durable.

However, they can often get scratched if you use certain products and tools.

Make sure you only use a soft bristled brush when cleaning this type of sink!

Follow these steps to clean your fiberglass utility sink.

Step 1 – Scrub your sink with a sink cleaner to get any loose dirt and grime off.

Step 2 – Mix 1/4 cup of borax (use rubber gloves to protect your hands!) and 1/4 a cup of lemon juice.  Add the juice slowly until it creates a paste.  You don’t have to use the whole amount of juice for the mixture.

Step 3 – Cover the stains with the paste and leave it on there for around 10 minutes.  If the stain isn’t gone, then apply more of the paste and let it sit for another 10 minutes.

Step 4 – Scrub the paste off with a soft-bristled scrub brush or a toothbrush.  

Step 5 – Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of vinegar.  Add the vinegar slowly and keep mixing until you create a paste.  

Step 6 – Cover the sink with a thin coat of the paste and let it sit for around 10 minutes.  

Step 7 – Use a clean cloth and wipe down the sink and rinse with warm water.  

Step 8 – Fill the sink with warm soapy water using dish soap.  Let it sit for 15 minutes and then drain.

If you need to replace your fiberglass sink, check out these options.

Table could not be displayed.

Stainless Steel Utility Sink

Stainless steel sinks look beautiful when they are clean, but terrible when they are dirty.

Thankfully, this sink is easy to clean!

You’ll find stainless steel sinks often in laundry rooms or mudrooms because they hold up well and look great when maintained.

Follow these steps to clean your stainless steel utility sink.

Step 1 – Create a paste using baking soda and water.  Baking soda is an abrasive cleaner and will give your stainless steel sink a beautiful shine.

Step 2 – Spread the paste all over the sink and let it sit for a few minutes.

Step 3 – Sprinkle vinegar all over your sink to disinfect.  When the vinegar mixes with the baking soda it will create some bubbling.

Step 4 – Rinse the sink with water and dry with a microfiber cloth.

Step 5 – Put a small amount of olive oil on a clean microfiber cloth and rub down the whole sink.  Your sink will shine after this step!

If you need to replace your stainless steel sink, check out these options.

Stainless Steel Prep & Utility Sink - DuraSteel 1 Compartment Commercial Kitchen Sink - NSF Certified - Single 15" x 15" Inner Tub with No Lead Faucet (Restaurant, Kitchen, Laundry, Garage)
Stainless Steel Prep & Utility Sink - DuraSteel 1 Compartment Commercial Kitchen Sink - NSF Certified - Single 18" x 18" Inner Tub with No Lead Faucet (Restaurant, Kitchen, Laundry, Garage)
Stainless Steel Prep & Utility Sink - DuraSteel 1 Compartment Commercial Kitchen Sink - NSF Certified - Single 15" x 15" Inner Tub with No Lead Faucet (Restaurant, Kitchen, Laundry, Garage)
Stainless Steel Prep & Utility Sink - DuraSteel 1 Compartment Commercial Kitchen Sink - NSF Certified - Single 18" x 18" Inner Tub with No Lead Faucet (Restaurant, Kitchen, Laundry, Garage)
$368.78
$402.29
Stainless Steel Prep & Utility Sink - DuraSteel 1 Compartment Commercial Kitchen Sink - NSF Certified - Single 15" x 15" Inner Tub with No Lead Faucet (Restaurant, Kitchen, Laundry, Garage)
Stainless Steel Prep & Utility Sink - DuraSteel 1 Compartment Commercial Kitchen Sink - NSF Certified - Single 15" x 15" Inner Tub with No Lead Faucet (Restaurant, Kitchen, Laundry, Garage)
$368.78
Stainless Steel Prep & Utility Sink - DuraSteel 1 Compartment Commercial Kitchen Sink - NSF Certified - Single 18" x 18" Inner Tub with No Lead Faucet (Restaurant, Kitchen, Laundry, Garage)
Stainless Steel Prep & Utility Sink - DuraSteel 1 Compartment Commercial Kitchen Sink - NSF Certified - Single 18" x 18" Inner Tub with No Lead Faucet (Restaurant, Kitchen, Laundry, Garage)
$402.29

Acrylic Utility Sink

Acrylic sinks are durable, yet stain and scratch easily.

If you have an acrylic sink, you will want to make sure you only use soft bristled brushes and clean your sink often.

Follow these steps to clean your acrylic utility sink.

Step 1 – Fill the sink with warm water and pour a cap full of bleach in the water.

Step 2 – Let the water and bleach sit in the sink for 3-5 minutes.  While you’re waiting, use a sponge and scrub the visible stains.

Step 3 – Drain the sink and then rinse with warm water.

Note: You may need to repeat these steps a few times to get the really tough stains out.

If you need to replace your acrylic sink, check out these options.

Thermocast 21300 Kensington Cast Acrylic Single Bowl Utility Sink with Three Holes, 25-Inch, White
Thermocast 21300 Kensington Cast Acrylic Single Bowl Utility Sink with Three Holes, 25-Inch, White
Price not available
Thermocast 21300 Kensington Cast Acrylic Single Bowl Utility Sink with Three Holes, 25-Inch, White
Thermocast 21300 Kensington Cast Acrylic Single Bowl Utility Sink with Three Holes, 25-Inch, White
Price not available

Cast Iron Utility Sink

Cast iron sinks are easy to clean, but you have to be careful about scratching.

Don’t use wire brushes, but make sure all your cleaning tools are gentle and that you don’t scrub too hard when you’re cleaning your sink.

Follow these steps to clean your cast iron utility sink.

Step 1 – Clean your sink with warm water and a clean cloth to get any loose dirt and grime off.

Step 2 – Sprinkle baking soda over the sink and then add a little bit of water.  This will create a paste for you to use to scrub the sink.

Step 3 – Make a thick paste with baking soda and vinegar.  When you combine the two it will start to bubble. 

Step 4 – Spread the paste over the sink and let it sit for about a half hour.

Step 5 – Use a clean cloth and rinse out the sink with warm water.

Step 6 – Repeat steps 3-5 until the stains are completely gone.  This may take several days of repeating the process to completely clean the sink. 

If you need to replace your cast iron sink, check out these options.

KOHLER K-5964-4-0 Mayfield Self-Rimming Kitchen Sink, White, 1.375
KOHLER 635851 K-5871-4A2-0 Single Bowl Top-Mount Kitchen Sink, White
KOHLER K-5964-4-0 Mayfield Self-Rimming Kitchen Sink, White, 1.375
KOHLER 635851 K-5871-4A2-0 Single Bowl Top-Mount Kitchen Sink, White
$467.28
$924.75
KOHLER K-5964-4-0 Mayfield Self-Rimming Kitchen Sink, White, 1.375
KOHLER K-5964-4-0 Mayfield Self-Rimming Kitchen Sink, White, 1.375
$467.28
KOHLER 635851 K-5871-4A2-0 Single Bowl Top-Mount Kitchen Sink, White
KOHLER 635851 K-5871-4A2-0 Single Bowl Top-Mount Kitchen Sink, White
$924.75

Concrete Utility Sink

Overstock

Concrete sinks are one of the best kind of sinks you can have in your laundry room or mudroom.

They are extremely durable and rarely scratch!

Follow these steps to clean your concrete utility sink.

Step 1 – Use water and a soft bristled scrub brush to loosen any dirt or grime on the sink.

Step 2 – Cover the entire sink with soft scrub and let it sit for several minutes.

Step 3 – Gently scrub the entire sink and then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Note: Depending on how dirty your sink is, you may have to repeat Step 2 and Step 3 several times.

Remove stains from utility sinks.  Learn how to clean plastic, fiberglass, stainless steel, acrylic, cast iron and concrete sinks.

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Last update on 2022-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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