The kitchen sink is often seen as a symbol of cleanliness. This is, after all, a place where you do most of your washing and cleaning. Look around any kitchen sink and there is a good chance you’ll find cleaning staples like soap, sponges, washcloths and brushes. Considering this, you might be surprised to know that the kitchen sink is usually one of the dirtiest things in a house.
The combination of moisture and food particles, along with other debris, creates a prime breeding ground for illness-causing bacteria. This is why it’s important for you to know how to clean your kitchen sink. Follow the steps below for a breakdown of what you’ll need to do!
Cleaning Different Types of Kitchen Sinks
There are many different types of kitchen sinks made up of different materials, from porcelain to brass. Some sinks require special care when cleaning and maintaining them. Copper sinks, for example, need regular waxing.
We’re going to concentrate on cleaning porcelain sinks and stainless-steel sinks as these are some of the most common types of kitchen sinks.
How to Clean Kitchen Sinks without Harsh Chemicals
When it comes to cleaning the inside of your house, you may want to avoid using chemical cleaners. Chemical cleaning agents can have strong odors and cause headaches and eye irritation. Some are extremely dangerous—and even toxic—if ingested. Chemical cleaners can present big risks especially if you have small children or pets.
For these reasons, natural cleaning alternatives have become very popular. They are far less risky to use and have around the house, and they are highly effective at cleaning. Below, we’ll outline how to clean your sink without the use of harsh chemicals. These methods work incredibly well, and you can use them for cleaning both porcelain and stainless-steel sinks.
Using White Vinegar
No guide on how to clean a kitchen sink would be complete without mention of white vinegar. White vinegar is great for tackling grease, germs and lime buildup.
If you’re looking to disinfect your kitchen sink, vinegar is also your answer. White vinegar can kill bacteria without presenting the same risks as chemical cleaners.
To clean your sink with vinegar, mix up a solution of equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Because of vinegar’s versatility as a cleanser, it’s a good idea to always have a spray bottle of it handy. After giving your sink a good rinse to clear out any debris, begin spraying down the sink with the vinegar solution and wipe dry.
Don’t forget your faucet! Vinegar works well for breaking up lime buildup that may have accumulated around the spout. To remove lime buildup, wet a cloth with vinegar and warm water and wipe the faucet clean.
If you are feeling adventurous, scrub your sink with baking soda before spraying with vinegar. Then, add the vinegar and witness the fizzing reaction between the baking soda and vinegar. Let the fizzing solution sit for a few minutes before rinsing and drying the sink.
Cleaning with Lemon
Another popular natural cleaning alternative is cleaning with lemon. The process is pretty simple. Just take a lemon, cut it in half or into smaller wedges and scrub your sink with the cut-up pieces. Add some salt for a little more help; its coarseness will help move any of the more difficult-to-remove particles stuck to your sink. Once you are satisfied, rinse and dry the sink.
Disinfecting Kitchen Sinks with Bleach
Warning: Do not use bleach in a stainless-steel sink. Bleach can be corrosive to the steel and ruin your sink. If you have a porcelain sink, check the pipes under your sink. Don’t use bleach if you have stainless-steel pipes.
Vinegar may be a reliable natural disinfectant, but if you’re looking for something with more of a kick, bleach may be the way to go. While it’s not very safe for stainless steel, a bleach solution can be safe for your porcelain sink.
There are two main methods you can use to disinfect your kitchen sink with bleach. First, you can plug the drain and fill your sink with warm water and add bleach to create a solution. Keep in mind, you need very little bleach to create a disinfecting solution. You should only use about one-fourth of a cup of bleach for every gallon of water. Let that solution sit in the sink for a few minutes before draining and rinsing thoroughly.
Alternatively, you can create a solution in a bucket or bowl and use it to wipe the sink. Remember to use gloves when handling the bleach to protect your hands. When you’re done disinfecting your sink, make sure to give it a strong rinse so all the bleach washes away.
How to Clean Sink Drains and Garbage Disposals
At this point, you may not be surprised that one of the best ways to clean both your sink’s drain and garbage disposal is by using the old baking soda and vinegar method. Add equal parts baking soda and vinegar down both drain holes of your sink and let the solution do the rest! After a few minutes, flush both sides of your sink with warm water.
To help with bad odors from your garbage disposal, put scraps of citrus peels into the disposal and run it with cool water. Some experts suggest freezing your citrus peels so they break up more easily in the disposal.
Of all your kitchen sink parts, the garbage disposal and drain take the brunt of debris and food waste. Because of this, it’s especially important to clean and maintain these parts. You’ll also want to consider clog-prevention tips like making sure you aren’t putting large pieces of food and grease down your drain.
If a problem eventually arises after normal wear and tear, having a home warranty plan can save you from high repair or replacement costs. You might even find that the cost of a home warranty is less than the cost of a garbage disposal repair!
Maintain Your Sink in between Cleanings
Regular cleanings are an important part of maintaining your sink and keeping your household healthy. Between cleanings, you can help keep your sink in good order by:
- Spraying the sink with white vinegar after each use
- Drying the sink after each use
- Not leaving dishes or other items in the sink for an extended amount of time
With regular upkeep and cleaning, your kitchen sink shouldn’t be a source of stress. Though, after years of use, issues can inevitably arise with any appliance in your house. That’s why we’re here to provide you with tips and home warranty plans that keep your life moving and house functional.