"Stainless steel definitely seems more forgiving with homemade solutions, at least in my experience..."
Yeah, I've found the same thing. Enamel surfaces are notoriously tricky because they're porous at a microscopic level, so stains really settle in deep. I once spent an entire afternoon trying to clean an old enamel sink with vinegar and baking soda—barely made a difference. Ended up using a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution, which worked better without resorting to harsh chemicals. Stainless steel, on the other hand, has a smoother, less porous surface, making it easier for natural cleaners to lift grime. If you're set on sticking with eco-friendly options, hydrogen peroxide or even lemon juice can sometimes do the trick on enamel...just takes patience and maybe a bit of elbow grease.
Interesting points about enamel surfaces—I hadn't really thought about their microscopic porosity before. I've had decent luck with baking soda paste on my vintage enamel stove, but it does take forever and doesn't always get everything out. I'm curious though, has anyone tried cream of tartar mixed with lemon juice? I've heard it's mildly abrasive but gentle enough for enamel, though I've never personally tested it...
I've personally experimented with cream of tartar and lemon juice on my own vintage enamel sink, and the results were fairly decent. The mild acidity from the lemon combined with the gentle abrasiveness of cream of tartar did help lift some stubborn stains without scratching the surface noticeably. However, I found it less effective than baking soda for tougher grime or baked-on residue—especially if it's been there a while.
One thing to keep in mind is that lemon juice, being acidic, can slightly dull enamel surfaces if left on too long or used frequently without rinsing thoroughly afterward. Enamel coatings, particularly older ones, can be sensitive to prolonged exposure to acids—even mild ones like lemon juice. So I'd suggest doing a small test patch first and rinsing thoroughly after cleaning to avoid potential damage.
On a related note, has anyone here had experience using hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda? I've heard it's effective for removing stains due to its oxidizing properties, but I wonder about its long-term effects on vintage enamel surfaces. Would appreciate insights from anyone who's tried this combination out.
I've actually tried the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda combo on my old enamel bathtub...worked pretty well! I mixed it into a paste, spread it over the stains, and let it sit for about 15-20 mins. It definitely brightened things up without scratching or dulling the finish noticeably. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly afterward, because leaving residue behind can dry kind of chalky. Probably wouldn't use it too often though, just to be safe with vintage surfaces.
I've had decent luck with that combo too, especially on older porcelain sinks and tubs. One thing I'd add though—if you're dealing with tougher stains or buildup, try laying a damp cloth soaked in vinegar over the paste after applying it. Letting it sit covered for about 20-30 minutes can really boost the cleaning power without being harsh on vintage surfaces. Just be careful not to leave vinegar sitting too long, since it can dull finishes if you're not careful.
Also, totally agree about rinsing thoroughly afterward. I usually follow up with a quick wipe-down using warm water and a soft microfiber cloth to avoid any chalky residue. For regular maintenance though, mild dish soap or diluted white vinegar is usually enough—no need to break out the heavy-duty stuff every time.
