Alexei Volkov
Yellowed plastic sinks can be unsightly, but there are several methods to restore them to their original colour. The discolouration is caused by UV exposure, and while it can't be prevented, it can be remedied. For heavy staining, chemicals such as bleach, Lysol toilet bowl cleaner, or hydrogen peroxide may be required. For milder staining, natural alternatives like lemon, vinegar, baking soda, or rubbing alcohol can be used.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning products | Bleach, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, rubbing alcohol, magic eraser |
| Soaking time | 3-4 hours, 12-24 hours, overnight, 15-30 minutes, 24 hours |
| Rinse | Yes |
| Scrub | Yes |
| Dry | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Bleach
To whiten a plastic sink with bleach, fill the sink with water and add bleach. The solution should be a mix of 8 parts water to 1 part bleach. Let the solution sit in the sink for a while and then scrub and rinse.
Alternatively, you can soak the plastic item in a bleach solution. Mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of bleach per 1 cup (240 ml) of water. Cover the plastic in the bleach solution and let it sit for 1-2 hours. Then, rinse the plastic with soap and water. For really stubborn stains, you can try letting the bleach solution sit overnight.
If the plastic item is electrical, make sure it is not connected to a power source when cleaning. Also, ensure that it is thoroughly dry before reconnecting the power source.
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Hydrogen peroxide
To use this method, pour some 3% hydrogen peroxide into a container and place the plastic item inside, ensuring it is completely covered by the liquid. Then, place the container in direct sunlight or under a UV lamp for 3-4 hours. Rinse the item with clean water and allow it to dry. For items with crevices, it may be necessary to repeat the process or scrub with a brush.
For electronic devices, remove any plastic pieces and soak them separately in hydrogen peroxide. If the pieces float, weigh them down with a stainless steel bolt or screw. Leave them to soak for 12 to 24 hours, and then rinse and dry.
Although hydrogen peroxide is effective, it may not be a long-lasting solution. The process of removing the yellow layer of plastic exposes the lower layers to oxygen, which can speed up future yellowing. Additionally, the use of hydrogen peroxide may cause an ugly bleaching effect if it dries up, especially under the sun. Therefore, it is important to regularly check on the progress and turn the items so that all sides are exposed to sunlight.
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Vinegar
To whiten a plastic sink with vinegar, create a mixture of vinegar and water. The exact ratio of vinegar to water varies across sources, with suggestions of a 1:2 ratio of vinegar to water, a 1:4 ratio, or a 1:8 ratio. Add a small amount of dish soap or detergent to the mixture. Use a sponge or soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the sink with the mixture. Rinse the sink with water and dry it.
For heavy staining, it may be necessary to soak the plastic in vinegar rather than simply scrubbing it. One source suggests adding two cups of vinegar, a tablespoon of dish soap, and water to a sink. Allow plastic containers to soak in the mixture for 15-30 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing them.
Another source recommends a different approach, suggesting that you first squirt liquid dish soap into the sink and fill it with hot water. Allow the soapy water to sit in the sink for 30 minutes to an hour, then drain the sink. Go over the sink again with either soap or vinegar to remove any persistent stains.
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Baking soda
To use baking soda to whiten a yellowed plastic sink, start by creating a paste. In a container, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one teaspoon of water. Adjust the consistency by adding a few more drops of water if the paste is too thick to spread.
Moisten the sink with a bit of water. Using a sponge, apply the paste to the stained areas of the sink, spreading it evenly. Let the paste sit for at least five minutes.
After the waiting period, dampen the sponge and gently scrub the sink in circular motions. Apply a little more paste if needed to prevent it from drying out too quickly. Once you have scrubbed the entire sink, wash it with hot, soapy water and rinse well. Repeat the process if necessary.
For extra tough stains, you can add baking soda to a mixture of white vinegar and water. Combine one part vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle, and then add baking soda to create a fizzy cleaning solution. Spray the solution onto the sink and use a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub the surface. Rinse the sink with water and follow up by washing with liquid dish soap and hot water.
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Lemon juice
To use lemon juice to whiten your sink, start by cutting a lemon in half and rubbing both halves over the affected areas. You can also squeeze the lemon juice onto the stains and use a soft brush or sponge to work the juice into the stain. Make sure to avoid hard-bristle brushes that can potentially scratch the sink's surface.
Once the stain is covered in lemon juice, take the item outside and leave it in direct sunlight for a few hours. The sun's ultraviolet rays will help fade the discoloration. If you cannot leave the item outside, you can also place it near a window where it can receive indirect sunlight.
After a few hours, rinse the sink with warm water and soap or use an all-purpose cleaning solution to remove any residue. If there are still stains, you can repeat the process or try using a gentle abrasive with water.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to whiten a plastic sink. You can try using a mixture of vinegar and water, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide.
Mix two cups of vinegar with a tablespoon of dish soap and water in the sink. Allow the mixture to soak for 15-30 minutes. Use a bristle brush to scrub the sink, then rinse with water and dry.
Fill the sink with an 8:1 water-to-bleach mix. Put on gloves and submerge the plastic in the bleach. Soak until the sink turns white again. Remove from the solution, wash with mild soap, and rinse.
Pour hydrogen peroxide into a container and place the plastic sink in it. Allow the sink to soak in the sunlight until the stains lift. Rinse and dry.
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