appliances
Wash w/ detergent & warm water & rinse. Do not use abrasive pads or scouring powders as these will scratch the glassy surface.

decorated enamelware
Wash in sudsy water, dry w/ a soft cloth. Bathroom fixtures can be cleaned in a solution of 1 tablespoon detergent to 1 gallon hot water or w/ 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 & 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 w/ 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 & make it harder to clean thereafter.

Lime deposit in teakettles may be removed by a solution of vinegar & water. Bring to a boil.

Bathroom fixtures should be disinfected weekly w/ a solution of chlorine bleach & 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.

Plumbing Tools & Materials • detergent • warm & hot water • soft cloth • foam bathroom cleaner • plastic scouring pad • wooden scraper • baking soda • fine steel wool pad • razor blade • vinegar • chlorine bleach • disinfectant cleaning foam • commercial rust remover • oxalic acid crystals (poison)

Difficulty: Beginner

Repair Time: 30-45min

Advice by Friendly Plumber ® • Wear rubber gloves & safety glasses -- always (*_*)

how to repair porcelain enamel

Modern porcelain enamel can be chipped but only w/ a very hard blow that bends the base metal.

Damaged porcelain enamel fixtures & appliances can be repaired, w/ do-it-yourself-kits or by professionals who do the best, most lasting repairs. Look in the Yellow Pages under "Porcelain Repair".

A special type of paint is used, as porcelain enamel itself must be baked on under very hot temperatures, so it will not be as durable as the original porcelain enamel surface. Never attempt such repair on utensils used for preparing or cooking food.

Related Plumbing Articles • how to care & clean brass • how to clean silver • how to clean glass