Michigan
State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500086
06/24/03
Cleaning Porcelain Enamel
Appliances--wash with detergent and warm water and rinse. Do not use
abrasive pads or scouring powders as these will scratch the glassy
surface.
Decorated enamelware--wash in sudsy water, dry with a soft cloth.
Bathroom fixtures can be cleaned in a solution of 1 tablespoon
detergent to 1 gallon hot water or with a foam bathroom cleaner. Avoid
using household cleaners which contain abrasives.
Kitchenware--wash in sudsy water. If necessary use a plastic scouring
pad or wooden scraper to remove burnt-on food. Burnt-on food may be
loosened by soaking in a solution of 2 teaspoons baking soda and 1
quart water. Avoid abrasive scouring powder or steel wool. For heavy
baked-on grease, or spills, occasional use of a fine steel wool pad or
scraping with a razor blade is ok; just be very careful not to scratch
the enamel. Using abrasives, such as steel wool or abrasive powders
tends to permanently scratch the smooth glassy surface, and make it
harder to clean thereafter.
Lime deposit in teakettles may be removed by a solution of vinegar and
water. Bring to a boil.
Bathroom fixtures should be disinfected weekly with a solution of
chlorine bleach and water or a spray-on disinfectant or by using a
disinfectant cleaning foam.
Rust stains can be removed by using commercial rust remover or by using
a solution of 1 tablespoon oxalic acid crystals (poison), dissolved in
1/2 cup warm water.Apply to stain, allow to stand a few minutes, then
rinse well.
References
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus,
with references from the Porcelain Enamel Institute.
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