The Focus Way · Cleaning guide
How to use The Pink Stuff paste (and where not to)
By the Focus Cleaning team · Published
The short answer
The Pink Stuff is a mildly abrasive cleaning paste. Put a pea-sized amount on a damp sponge, rub the mark gently, then rinse the surface well with clean water. Test a hidden spot first, use light pressure, and don't use it on hot or warm surfaces. More paste doesn't mean a better clean.
Before you start
What you'll need
- The Pink Stuff paste
- A damp, soft sponge
- Gloves, if your skin is sensitive
- Clean water and a cloth for rinsing
Safety first
- Don't use it on hot or warm surfaces, such as a cooktop that's still warm.
- Wear gloves if your skin is sensitive, and keep the tub closed and out of reach of children.
- Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or other cleaning products. Some combinations release toxic gas.
- Keep the room ventilated: open a window and run the exhaust fan while you work.
- Wear gloves, read the label on any product, and follow its directions.
- Store products in their original labelled containers, out of reach of children and pets.
Check the surface
- It's mildly abrasive: too much pressure can scratch glass, acrylic and highly polished or mirror-finish steel.
- Check the surface maker's care advice before using any abrasive product.
- Test a small hidden spot first and check it once it's rinsed and dry.
Step by step
- 1
Check the surface
Make sure the surface suits a mild abrasive, isn't hot, and isn't glass, acrylic or a high-polish finish.
- 2
Test a hidden spot
Try a tiny amount somewhere out of sight, rinse it off and check the surface once dry.
- 3
A pea-sized amount on a damp sponge
Wet the sponge, squeeze it out and pick up a pea-sized amount of paste.
- 4
Gentle pressure
Rub the mark lightly in small circles. Let the paste do the work rather than pressing hard.
- 5
Rinse well
Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water so no paste is left behind, then wipe dry.
What the Focus team recommends
We keep pastes like this for the marks that a normal clean doesn't shift, such as on ceramic basins and tiles, and we always rinse and dry afterwards. For everyday cleaning, a mild detergent and a soft cloth are usually enough.
Questions
Can I use The Pink Stuff on glass or a shower screen?
We'd avoid it. It's mildly abrasive, and too much pressure can scratch glass and acrylic.
Will more paste clean better?
No. A pea-sized amount with light pressure works best, and too much just leaves more to rinse off.
Is it safe on stainless steel?
Some stainless finishes shouldn't have abrasives at all. Check the maker's advice, test a hidden spot and wipe gently along the grain.
Sources and further reading
- Stardrops The Pink Stuff Miracle Cleaning Paste · Chemist Warehouse (product page and label directions)
- Keep it clean · Australian Stainless Steel Development Association (ASSDA)
Appliance and product manuals always take priority over general advice.
Last reviewed:
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Focus Cleaning looks after homes on Sydney's Northern Beaches and North Shore. Regular house cleaning · Deep & spring cleaning