🚰 Hong Kong Guide to Cleaning Wash Basin Water Stains and Toothpaste Stain in One Go

Hong Kong families brush their teeth and wash their faces every morning and evening, and the wash basin often contains:

• White dried water stains (scale)
• Toothpaste residue clumps (toothpaste stain)
• Soap stains, grease film (especially cosmetic residue)

Not only does it affect appearance, but long-term accumulation can also breed bacteria 🦠 and create odors. Here's how to clean both water and toothpaste stains in one go , and find ways to keep your sink bright and white for the long term✨.

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1️⃣ Why are there water stains and toothpaste stains? 🔍

Water stains (scale)

• Hong Kong tap water contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium, and white mineral deposits are left behind when the water droplets evaporate.
• If water stains are not wiped dry for a long time, they will harden into scale and cannot be wiped away with ordinary rags.

Toothpaste stain

• Toothpaste contains abrasives (calcium carbonate) and fluoride, which mix with saliva and bacteria when they come into contact with water.
• After drying, it has high viscosity and will turn yellow-white when attached to the ceramic surface or near the drain.

💡Editor 's note : A mixture of toothpaste stain and water scale is more difficult to remove because of the presence of both organic and inorganic components. A two-pronged approach of "acidic + degreasing" is required.

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2️⃣ Preparation before cleaning🧰

• White vinegar (or citric acid powder)
• baking soda
• neutral dishwashing liquid
• Old toothbrush/sponge/microfiber cloth
• watering can
• Gloves

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3️⃣ Complete the cleaning process in one go🧼

Step 1: Remove toothpaste stains (organic stains)

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking powder with a small amount of water to form a paste.
2. Dip a sponge or an old toothbrush in the paste and focus on brushing the areas where toothpaste remains (drain, basin edge).
3. Baking soda is slightly abrasive and can gently remove dried-on toothpaste without damaging ceramic.

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Step 2: Remove water stains (limescale)

1. Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle (you can add a small amount of warm water to dilute it to 1:1).
2. Spray evenly on all water-stained areas, especially the faucet base and basin edge.
3. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the acid to dissolve the minerals.
4. Wipe it away with a damp cloth and then scrub the gap with a toothbrush.

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Step 3: Double-effect finishing

1. Apply a few drops of dish soap to the entire surface of the wash basin.
2. Use a sponge to scrub in circular motions to remove the residue and grease left after the reaction of baking soda and white vinegar.
3. Rinse with warm water and dry with a microfiber cloth to prevent new water spots from forming.

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💡Editor ’s Tip :

• If the scale is very thick, you can soak kitchen paper in white vinegar and apply it to the stain for 20 minutes before scrubbing.
• When the toothpaste stains are stubborn, you can use a toothpick to gently pick off the thick part and then brush.

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4️⃣ Special Notes for Hong Kong📍

• Coastal areas : The air is high in salt and metal parts are prone to rust. It is recommended to apply a layer of anti-rust wax.
• Hard water areas (such as parts of the New Territories): Scale forms quickly and it is recommended to clean once a week.
• Bathrooms in small units : There is a lot of humidity, so wipe the basin and faucet dry immediately after washing your hands or brushing your teeth.

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5️⃣ Long-term anti-fouling method🛡

• Wipe dry every day : Use a towel or rag to wipe the surface of the basin dry to prevent water from drying.
• Waterproof and anti-fouling coating : You can use car wax or ceramic coating agent to form a protective film on the surface of the basin, and the water droplets will slide away automatically.
• Reduce toothpaste splashing : When squeezing toothpaste, try to aim it at the toothbrush to avoid splashing.
• Regular light cleaning : Wipe it with a damp cloth and detergent every 2-3 days. It is much easier than a thorough cleaning.

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📌 Editor's Summary

To keep your wash basin looking like new for a long time, Hong Kong users can follow these steps:

1. Baking soda to remove toothpaste stains
2. White vinegar dissolves scale
3. Detergent to remove oil film
4. Wipe dry + anti-fouling coating

💬 According to my personal experience, this process only takes 15 minutes to clean water stains and toothpaste stains at once. The basin surface will have a mirror-like luster✨, and even the faucet will shine.