Tripod member kid_siva asks:
I have a nice, old porcelain sink in my apartment. It was (mostly) white when I moved in, but now it has rings and stains and brown marks that I can't remove even with bleach. Is there a way to get it clean?

Handy Girl Al suggests:
Porcelain is a tough substance, so you can safely use strong bleaching agents. However, avoid abrasive cleansers as they can grate away at the finish, leaving the porcelain more susceptible to future staining.

There are many easy home remedies for removing stains from porcelain. Soak the sink basin overnight in a bleach solution (3/4 cup bleach to 1 gallon water). For localized stains, leave bleach-soaked paper towels on until dry. Repeat if necessary. Rust stains can be attacked with a paste made from cream of tartar (check your spice rack) and hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide sold as an antiseptic is fairly weak, buy stronger peroxide at beauty supply stores). Stains may also be treated by rubbing with fresh lemon juice and salt. Still others swear a club soda soak will freshen up the porcelain. Experiment with the above tips, rinse away any residues, and remember the two secrets to removing tough stains: elbow work and long soaks.

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