How To Clean Kitchen Sink: Tips & Hacks For Busy Homeowners
In a week, you use your kitchen sink for many things, from filthy pots and pans to leftover soil from your recently watered houseplant. Even though we wish it were different, your garbage disposal doesn't always smell like roses. Natural food and grime buildup won't linger and spread to other areas of your house if you know how to clean a kitchen sink and drain. So give your kitchen drain and sink some TLC and use our how-to guides to clean them regularly. Make it a habit by including them in your weekly cleaning schedule.
Why should you clean your kitchen sink?
Unsurprisingly, studies have found kitchen sinks (and their sponges) to be the germiest areas in your home, even more so than bathrooms. Just think about all the things that go down the drain every day.
According to Nicole Richard, a research associate and food safety specialist at the University of Rhode Island:
"Germs come from various sources like humans, soil on produce, raw meat, and our environment."
This means kitchen sinks could be a breeding ground for bacteria. That's why cleaning and sanitizing them regularly is important to prevent the spread of germs and reduce the risk of getting sick.
Cleaning the kitchen sink regularly is important to reduce the risk of getting sick.
What to use to clean kitchen sink?
- Sponge
- Plush microfiber cloth
- Scrub brush (optional)
- Soft cloth
- Microfiber cloth
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Lemon
- Salt
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Lemon wedges
- Coarse sea salt
- Ice cubes
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How to clean a kitchen sink made of stainless steel
Stainless steel sinks are more durable than many other sink materials. Unlike white kitchen sinks, stainless steel is less prone to permanent staining or rust. However, it's essential to be mindful of its vulnerabilities—avoid exposing it to acidic foods, bleach, or abrasive scrubbers, as they can damage the finish. To protect your stainless steel sink, don't leave acidic foods sitting in it too long, and refrain from using bleach-based sprays.
Prepping for easy cleaning:
- Sponge
- Plush microfiber cloth
Step 1: Apply cleaner and scrub
First, sprinkle baking soda over the wet sink and fill your sponge with dish soap and hot water. When cleaning a sink, start at the sides of the basin and proceed downward, directing any debris straight into the drain. Add more soap and water as necessary until the surface is clear of all scum.
Use clean water to rinse. Because water stains are known to appear on stainless steel, make sure to use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe down and polish your freshly cleaned sink.
Make sure to use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe down.
Step 2: Rinse and dry
Use clean water to rinse. Because water stains usually appear on stainless steel, use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe down and polish your freshly cleaned sink.
It's usually easier to clean a kitchen sink made of stainless-steel.
How to clean a white kitchen sink
A white kitchen sink can easily display rust and food splatters, not to mention wine and coffee stains. Consider using hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to help lift stains and return your sink to its original state.
Prepping for easy cleaning:
- Sponge
- Scrub brush (optional)
- Soft cloth
Step 1: Apply cleaner and scrub
Before completely covering the basin with baking soda, use a wet cloth to pat the sink down until it's slightly damp. Add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide over the baking soda and begin cleaning with a brush or sponge.
Use a wet cloth to pat the sink down until it's slightly damp.
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Step 2: Rinse and dry
Wash the mixture down the drain and pat dry with a soft cloth after thoroughly cleaning it.
A white kitchen sink can easily display rust and food splatters.
How to clean a porcelain kitchen sink
Like white sinks, glossy porcelain sinks are easy to rust and stain. While you can clean a porcelain sink using the same steps as white sinks, you should take a different approach to remove rust to protect the pearly finish.
Prepping for easy cleaning:
- Lemon
- Salt
- Dish soap
Step 1: Address rust stains
To remove the rust, just scrub it with a lemon half dipped in salt until the rust has disappeared.
Scrub it with a lemon half dipped in salt.
Step 2: Rinse and dry
After thoroughly washing it in warm, soapy water, pat dry with a microfiber cloth.
Rinse and dry with a microfiber cloth.
How to clean a composite kitchen sink
One of the many advantages of owning a composite sink is that it is fairly easy to look after. There are not many tools needed for routine maintenance on your sink!
Prepping for easy cleaning:
- Cloth/nylon brush/ kitchen sponge
- Soapy water solution (this can be washing-up liquid and water)
The simplest and most crucial way to keep your composite sink looking great is to rinse it with water after every use. But make sure you also give your sink a gentle cleaning every week using the above-mentioned products. Several times per week will suffice.
The simplest and most crucial way to keep your composite sink looking great is to rinse it with water after every use.
How to clean kitchen faucets and handles
You can clean all faucets and handles using soapy water with any material. Use a sponge or brush to wipe them down, and a toothbrush for hard-to-reach spots.
Still existing white spots after cleaning? Those are lime deposits from minerals in your tap water. Try adding a spoonful of vinegar to your soapy water mixture and doing one final scrub should do the trick.
How to clean kitchen faucets and handles.
How to clean a drain and disposal
Your kitchen should smell nice. Our simple method for cleaning a smelly drain will help you eliminate unwanted odors. We'll show you how to freshen up your kitchen drain using three common ingredients you likely already have.
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How to clean a kitchen sink drain
Step 1: Pour the mixture into the sink.
Remember the 1:2 ratio, which is one part white vinegar to two parts baking soda. Add the white vinegar gradually after pouring the baking soda down the drain. Give the flamboyant pair fifteen minutes to work their magic.
Pour the mixture into the sink.
Step 2: Use boiling water
To remove any last bits of material from the drain, wash away with boiling hot water.
Use boiling water.
How to clean a garbage disposal
Here's a simple mix to clean your garbage disposal.
Fill it with lemon wedges, salt, and ice cubes. Turn on the disposal with cold water running until the ice is gone. The salt scrubs the blades, while the ice removes buildup. Coarse salt, like rock or sea salt, works best. The lemon helps deodorize and leaves a fresh scent.
And remember to clean your bathroom sink too.
Fill it with lemon wedges, salt, and ice cubes to clean your garbage disposal.
Tips for keeping a kitchen sink clean
Your kitchen sink is often the most-used area of the home, so keeping it clean can be a hard duty. Thankfully, some easy tips can help keep your kitchen clean.
- Don’t let dirty dishes pile up. This one may be easier said than done, but washing dishes can prevent any caked-on food debris.
- Sanitize your sink after handling raw meat or poultry. This helps keep bacteria to a minimum, maintaining a safe kitchen environment.
- Rinse the sink after doing the dishes, and give your sink basin one last rinse to remove any dirt or grease lingering on the sides.
- For keeping your kitchen sink clean, it's best to do a deep scrub once a week. Even if it looks clean, thoroughly cleaning every seven days helps prevent bacteria and germs.
Conclusion
Just a few easy steps, you can have an answer on how to deep clean a kitchen sink and ensure your kitchen remains a safe and inviting space for cooking and meal preparation. So why wait? Start implementing these tips today and enjoy a cleaner, healthier kitchen sink in no time!
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