Bathroom Vanity: Water Damages, and How to Clean

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

A bathroom vanity is a piece of bathroom furniture that typically combines a sink, countertop, mirror and storage space. These anatomies are made of different materials with different properties. The bathroom vanity is placed on the higher water and mixture area, hence it can be damaged due to higher water and moisture content in the bathroom. To prevent these water damages you should clean the bathroom vanity and its parts as below.

5 Steps to clean bathroom vanity.

Clean bathroom vanity top (vanity countertop)
Clean bathroom vanity sink
Clean bathroom vanity faucet
Clean bathroom vanity mirror
Clean bathroom vanity handles and knob

The common water damages on the bathroom vanities are water stain marks on the countertop, leaks under the sink, vanity faucet dripping, mirror edge damages, rust and corrosion on the knobs and handle and vanity leg rotting.

To prevent these water problems you should clean and maintain the bathroom vanity using the proper methods mentioned below.

How to Clean Bathroom Vanity?

When you clean the bathroom vanity you should clean all the parts in the vanity such as the vanity top, vanity sink, vanity faucet, mirror, handles and knobs, storage and legs. Among them storage is optional. You should follow below 6 steps to clean a bathroom vanity.

5 Steps to clean bathroom vanity.

Clean bathroom vanity top (vanity countertop)
Clean bathroom vanity sink
Clean bathroom vanity faucet
Clean bathroom vanity mirror
Clean bathroom vanity handles and knob

1. Clean bathroom vanity top (vanity countertop)

You should have soft cloths, mild dish soap, white vinegar, baking soda, a non-abrasive sponge, and a spray bottle for cleaning the bathroom vanity. Cleaning the bathroom vanity countertop will take approximately 30 minutes. Below are the 7 steps to clean the bathroom vanity top.

6 Steps to clean the bathroom vanity top.

Clear the vanity top: First you should clear the bathroom vanity top by removing bottles, and other containers on the vanity counter top.
Prepare the cleaning solution: Then prepare the cleaning solution by mixing a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl. Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle.
Wipe the counter top surface: You should wipe the countertop surface using a soft cloth or microfiber towel dampened with the soapy water to wipe down the vanity top. It helps to remove any surface dirt and debris on the vanity top.
Apply vinegar solution on the bathroom vanity top: Spray the white vinegar directly onto the water stains on the bathroom vanity top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to break down the mineral deposits.
Scrub the stains on the bathroom vanity top: Sprinkle baking soda onto a non-abrasive sponge then gently scrub the stained areas on the vanity top with using a sponge, using a circular motion to lift the stains without scratching the vanity top surface.
Rinse and dry: Wipe the vanity top with a clean cloth dampened with water to remove any residue from the vinegar and baking soda. Dry the vanity surface thoroughly with a soft towel to prevent further water stains.
Polish the surface and keep the vanity countertop dry: For an extra shine, buff the bathroom vanity top with a dry microfiber cloth, ensuring no streaks or water spots remain on the surface.

2. Clean Bathroom Vanity Sink

When you clean the bathroom vanity sink you should have a soft cloth, mild dish soap, white vinegar, baking soda, a non-abrasive sponge, and a toothbrush for cleaning the bathroom vanity sink. Cleaning the bathroom vanity sink will take approximately 10 minutes. You should follow the below 7 steps to clean the bathroom vanity sink

7 Step by step to clean bathroom vanity sink

Remove debris in the bathroom vanity sink: First, clear the vanity sink of any items and rinse it with warm water to remove loose debris.
Prepare cleaning solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl. Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle.
Clean the sink surface: Use a soft cloth or sponge dampened with soapy water to clean the sink's surface, removing dirt and grime.
Apply vinegar solution in the sink basin: Spray white vinegar onto water stains and mineral deposits on the sink surface. Then allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes to break down residues.
Scrub stains on the sink surface: Sprinkle baking soda onto a non-abrasive sponge or a toothbrush. Gently scrub the stained areas on the vanity sink in a circular motion to lift stains without scratching.
Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the vanity sink with clean water to remove any excess soap, vinegar, and baking soda residue.
Dry and polish the vanity sink: Wipe the sink countertop and let it to dry. Then wipe it to shine to prevent water spots and maintain the finish.

If you need to unclog bathroom vanity sink for better cleaning you should follow this guide How to Unclog a Bathroom Sink: 7 DIY Methods

3. Clean Bathroom Vanity Faucet

You should have a soft cloth, mild dish soap, white vinegar, a non-abrasive sponge, an old toothbrush, and a spray bottle for cleaning the bathroom vanity faucet. Cleaning the bathroom faucet will take approximately 10 minutes. Follow the below 6 steps to clean bathroom vanity faucet

6 Steps to clean bathroom vanity faucet

Turn off the vanity faucet water supply: Ensure the bathroom vanity faucet is turned off to prevent accidental leaks during faucet cleaning.
Prepare cleaning solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar.
Wipe the vanity faucet: Use a soft cloth or sponge dampened with soapy water to clean the bathroom vanity faucet. It helps to remove any surface grime and water spots on the faucet handle and spout.
Apply vinegar solution: Spray white vinegar onto any mineral deposits or stains on the faucet handle, spout and faucet base. Then let it sit for 5-10 minutes to dissolve the buildup on the faucet.
Scrub the bathroom vanity faucet: Use a non-abrasive sponge or an old toothbrush to gently scrub the bahtroom vanity faucet and the surrounding area.
Rinse and dry the vanity faucet: Rinse the bathroom vanity faucet with clean water to remove any residue from the vinegar and soap. Dry the faucet with a soft cloth to prevent water spots and maintain the finish.

If your faucet is drippingg slowly, this guide “ How to Fix a Leaky Faucet Handle?” will help you to fix the faucet dripping.

4. Clean Bathroom Vanity Mirror

Bathroom vanity mirror cleaning requires soft cloths, a mild glass cleaner, white vinegar, baking soda, a non-abrasive sponge, and a spray bottle. Cleaning the bathroom vanity mirror will take approximately 20 minutes. You should follow the below 6 steps to clean the bathroom vanity mirror.

6 Steps to Clean Bathroom Vanity Mirror

Prepare cleaning solution: First you should prepare the cleaning solution for the vanity mirror cleaning. You should mix white vinegar with equal parts water in a spray bottle. If there are stubborn stains on the mirror, create a paste with baking soda and a small amount of water.
Remove loose dirt on the vanity mirror: Use a soft cloth to gently wipe down the mirror frame, handles, mirror edge and knobs, it helps to remove any loose dust and debris in the vanity mirror.
Apply glass cleaner on the mirror: Spray the mild glass cleaner or the vinegar solution onto the bathroom vanity mirror. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to break down water stains and residues.
Scrub stains on the vanity mirror: If there are persistent water stains, apply the baking soda paste to the affected areas of the mirror. Use a non-abrasive sponge to gently scrub the mirror parts, focusing on water-damaged spots.
Wipe and remove the residues on the mirror: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the glass cleaner or vinegar solution from the vanity mirror. It helps to remove all cleaning residues.
Dry the bathroom mirror thoroughly: Dry the bathroom vanity mirror with a soft, dry cloth to prevent water spots and the mirror from fogging on the glass.
Buff for Shine: Buff the mirror surface with a dry microfiber cloth to enhance the shine and clarity of the bathroom vanity mirror.

5. Clean Bathroom Vanity Knobs and Handles

You should have a soft cloth, mild dish soap, white vinegar, baking soda, a non-abrasive sponge, and a small brush or toothbrush for cleaning the bathroom vanity handles and knobs. Cleaning the bathroom vanity handles and knobs will take approximately 10 minutes.

6 Steps to Clean Bathroom Vanity Handles and Knobs

Prepare cleaning solution: First you should mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl. Then create a paste with baking soda and a small amount of water for tougher grimes on the knobs and handles of the bathroom vanity.
Remove loose debris on the bathroom vanity handle: Use a soft cloth or a small brush to wipe away any loose dirt or debris from the bathroom vanity handles and knobs.
Apply soapy solution on the vanity knobs and handles: Dip a non-abrasive sponge or cloth into the soapy water and clean the bathroom vanity handles and knobs, focusing on areas with built-up grime.
Use vinegar for stains on the vanity knobs and handles: Spray white vinegar onto any remaining stains or mineral deposits on the handles and knobs of the bathroom vanity. Let it sit for a few minutes to help dissolve the residues.
Scrub the vanity knobs with paste: For stubborn stains, apply the baking soda paste to the handles and knobs of the bathroom vanity. Use a small brush or toothbrush to gently scrub the areas, ensuring not to scratch the finish.
Rinse and wipe the excess cleaning residues on the handles and knobs: Wipe the handles and knobs of the bathroom vanity with a clean damp cloth to remove any soap, vinegar, or baking soda residues.

What are the Water Damages in the Bathroom Vanity?

A bathroom vanity can be damaged by the water due to prolonged exposure to the water and moisture. The most damaged parts of the bathroom vanity are the vanity top, vanity sink, faucet, mirror, handles and knob and vanity legs.

Water stains on the vanity top: Water stains on the bathroom vanity top occur due to continuous water spills, splashes, or leaks from the faucet or sink. Water stains on the vanity top cause discoloration and unsightly marks that are difficult to remove from the vanity material.
Leaks under the vanity sink: Leaks under the bathroom vanity sink are often caused by worn-out seals, loose connections, or damaged pipes. Vanity sink leaking cause lead to water pooling in the cabinet, causing wood rot, mold growth, and unpleasant odors in the bathroom.
Faucet drips: Vanity faucet drips due to worn-out washers, O-rings, or valve seats. Prolonged faucet drips result in water wastage, increased utility bills, and water stains on the sink and vanity top. Hence you should Fix Bathroom Faucet Dripping to prevent bathroom water damage.
Mirror edge damage: Mirror edge damage happens due to condensation and splashes from the sink. Mirror edge damage leads to peeling, discoloration, and corrosion around the mirror's edges.
Rust on handles and knobs: Bathroom vanity handles and knobs are rusting due to prolonged exposure to water and humidity. Rust on handles and knobs causes them to corrode, lose their finish, and become difficult to operate.
Vanity legs rotting: Bathroom vanity legs can be rotten and warp when it is exposure to prolonged water and moisture.

How to Maintain a Bathroom Vanity Properly?

You should follow 6 steps below to maintain the bathroom vanity properly

Clean the bathroom vanity regularly: You should clean the bathroom vanity regularly to prevent dust and grime accumulation on the vanity top, sink, faucet, mirror, and handles. You can use a soft cloth and a mild dish soap solution to wipe down surfaces regularly.
Protect the bathroom vanity from excessive moisture: You should protect the bathroom vanity from excessive moisture by ensuring proper ventilation in the bathroom and bathroom waterproofing. This prevents moisture buildup, which can cause mold and mildew growth on the fixtures, walls and surfaces.
Check for bathroom vanity leaks: You should check vanity faucet, and sink drain regularly by inspecting the plumbing connections under the sink. Regular checking helps you to Fix the bathroom sink overflowing, fix sink stopper sticking, and fix the faucet leaking.
Avoid harsh chemicals use for vanity cleaning: You should avoid using harsh chemicals on the bathroom vanity to prevent damage to the vanity countertop. You should use non-abrasive cleaners to maintain the surface without causing erosion or discoloration over time.
Wipe up spills immediately on the vanity countertop: You should wipe up spills immediately to prevent stains and damage to the vanity surface. Use a soft cloth to absorb and clean the area as soon as a spill occurs.
Organize and declutter the bathroom vanity space: You should organize and declutter the bathroom vanity regularly to maintain a clean and efficient space. This involves removing unnecessary items and keeping the area tidy.

What are the 5 types of Homemade Vanity Cleaners?

You can use these 5 types of homemade cleaners for vanity cleaning such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice and baking soda, dish sap and warm water, and essential oils such as tea tree, lavender and eucalyptus.

How to Repair Scratches on the Bathroom Vanity Top?

Bathroom vanity scratches are 2 main types: minor scratches and deeper scratches. You should repair both minor and deeper scratches to improve the quality of the bathroom vanity and prevent water damage.

Repair minor scratches on the bathroom vanity

You can use a pumic stone to fix the minor scratches on the vanity. First you should soak the stone in warm water for a few seconds to prevent further scratching, then buff the scratch back and forth for about 30 seconds with slight pressure. Then, wipe away any excess liquid and powder to check the results.

Repair deeper scratches on the bathroom vanity

You can use a porcelain repair kit with a paint-on glaze for bathroom vanity deep scratch repair.

First you should apply a thin layer of the glaze to the scratch and surrounding area using a small brush, and wait for it to set. Once it is completely dry, sand the area smooth with the included cloth, then rinse and buff with a clean cloth to finish.