How To Whiten Old Porcelain Barber Chair

Old porcelain on Barber Chairs can yellow or darken due to age, mineral deposits, hair chemicals, and cleaning residue. The key is to whiten it without scratching or etching the porcelain glaze, which would cause faster re-staining later.

Below is a progressive cleaning approach, from mild to deep restoration.

Before You Start: Important Precautions

• Test any method on a small, hidden area first

• Avoid abrasive pads or sandpaper

• Do not mix different chemical cleaners

• Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation

Porcelain is durable, but the glaze can be permanently damaged by harsh abrasion.

Step 1: Deep Clean Surface Dirt and Oils

Before whitening, remove buildup that blocks cleaners from working.

What to Use

• Warm water

• Mild dish soap or neutral cleaner

• Soft sponge or microfiber cloth

How

1. Wash the porcelain thoroughly

2. Rinse completely

3. Dry with a clean cloth

This alone may restore some brightness.

Step 2: Remove Yellowing With Baking Soda Paste

Best for light to moderate discoloration.

What to Use

• Baking soda

• Water

How

1. Mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste

2. Apply to stained areas

3. Let sit for 15–30 minutes

4. Gently scrub with a soft sponge

5. Rinse and dry

Why it works:
Baking soda is mildly alkaline and non-abrasive.

Step 3: Treat Deep Stains With Hydrogen Peroxide

Effective for aging yellow stains and chemical discoloration.

What to Use

• 3–6% hydrogen peroxide

• Paper towels or cotton cloth

How

1. Soak towels in hydrogen peroxide

2. Lay them over stained areas

3. Cover to prevent evaporation

4. Leave for 1–4 hours

5. Remove, rinse thoroughly, and dry

Repeat if needed.

Step 4: Address Mineral and Hard Water Stains

Common around bowl edges and drain areas.

What to Use

• White vinegar or citric acid solution

How

1. Apply to mineral-stained areas

2. Let sit 10–15 minutes

3. Wipe gently with soft cloth

4. Rinse immediately

Important:
Do not leave acidic solutions on porcelain too long.

Step 5: Restore Shine After Whitening

Whitening can leave porcelain looking dull if residue remains.

Optional Finish

• Non-abrasive porcelain polish

• Soft microfiber cloth

Polishing seals micro-pores and slows future staining.

What NOT To Use

Avoid these completely:

• Steel wool

• Scouring pads

• Bleach gel with abrasives

• Sandpaper or polishing compounds

• Industrial acid cleaners

These damage the glaze permanently.

When Whitening Will Not Work

Whitening cannot fix:

• Cracked glaze

• Deep scratches

• Porcelain where glaze has worn away

In these cases, stains return quickly. Professional reglazing may be the only long-term solution.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Porcelain White

• Rinse after each client

• Wipe dry to prevent mineral deposits

• Avoid hair dyes and chemicals sitting on the surface

• Use only non-abrasive cleaners

Regular care prevents repeat yellowing.

Summary

Best approach to whiten old porcelain barber chairs:

1. Clean surface buildup

2. Use baking soda for mild stains

3. Use hydrogen peroxide for deep yellowing

4. Remove mineral deposits carefully

5. Polish and maintain regularly

Done correctly, porcelain can regain much of its original brightness without damage.