How can I repair and maintain scratches on my ceramic bathroom sink?

Over time, your ceramic bathroom sink will inevitably develop scratches from accidentally placing items on it or wiping it. The marks not only diminish its appearance, but also harbor dirt and grime over time, making them difficult to clean. So, can these scratches be repaired yourself? And how can I maintain them regularly to prevent new scratches?

Determining the depth of scratches

Before repairing, you need to first assess the depth of the scratch on your bathroom sink. Feel the scratch with your hand. If there's no noticeable bump, just a mark on the surface, it's a shallow scratch. If you can feel a distinct groove, or even a nail stuck in it, it's a deep scratch, and the treatment methods for each case are different. Shallow scratches don't require major repair; household items like toothpaste and white vinegar can be used. Deep scratches require specialized ceramic repair agents or the assistance of a repairman. Otherwise, improper DIY repairs may make the scratch more noticeable.

Repairing Shallow Scratches

First, dry the bathroom sink. Use a soft cloth, such as an old towel or glasses cleaning cloth, to apply a small amount of white toothpaste. Rub gently in circular motions over the scratched area, avoiding excessive pressure, as this may cause further scratches. After rubbing for 1-2 minutes, rinse the toothpaste off with clean water and see if the scratch has faded significantly. If the scratch is still visible, repeat the process. Two or three times should usually be enough to almost eliminate shallow scratches. The abrasive in the toothpaste can gently polish the ceramic surface, smoothing out any scratches. Furthermore, white toothpaste will not stain the sink, so feel free to use it. Alternatively, pour white vinegar onto a soft cloth and hold it over the scratch for 10 minutes to soften the surface around the scratch. Then, gently rub with the cloth and rinse thoroughly with clean water. However, white vinegar has a sour smell, so it's best to rinse several times afterward to prevent any lingering smell.

Deep Scratches Repair

If your bathroom sink has deep scratches, with noticeable bumps and indentations, you'll need to use a specialized ceramic repair agent. These can be purchased online or at hardware stores. Choose a color that matches the sink and follow the instructions. If you're worried about your own performance, you can also hire a professional housekeeper or ceramic repairer. They have the tools and experience to perform the repair, and they'll be more effective. However, the labor cost will be higher. Especially since bathroom sinks are expensive, hiring a repairman is more cost-effective and avoids damaging the sink yourself.

Daily Maintenance

After repairing a bathroom sink scratch, regular maintenance is crucial to prevent new scratches from forming quickly. First, avoid placing hard objects on the sink, such as metal soap dishes or glass jars. These items can easily scratch the sink if dropped or rubbed against the countertop. It's best to use a soft shelf to keep items elevated and avoid direct contact with the ceramic surface. When cleaning the wash basin, be careful not to use steel wool or hard-bristled brushes, as these tools will scratch the ceramic surface. Use a soft cloth or sponge with a neutral detergent and wipe gently. After washing your hands or using toiletries, dry the wash basin immediately and don't let water and dirt remain on the countertop for a long time, especially scale, which will adhere to the ceramic over time and require hard rubbing when cleaning, which can easily cause scratches. Wipe the wash basin with white vinegar once a week to prevent scale and protect the ceramic surface.