How To Clean A Kitchen Sink
Cleaning the kitchen sink isn’t fun, but it’s a weekly must-do on the chore list.
Laurey W. Glenn
When it comes to cleaning the kitchen, the kitchen sink plays an important role in the process. After all, the sink is the centerpiece of any kitchen and likely gets used the most. The kitchen sink–and drain–can also be the source of foul kitchen smells, so making sure it’s clean should be a priority.
How To Clean A Kitchen Sink
Cleaning the kitchen sink doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, a clean kitchen sink is as simple as gathering a few basic staples you likely already have on hand. No matter what material your kitchen sink is made of, we’re breaking down the best way to get the job done.
Considerations Before Getting Started
A couple quick steps before you start cleaning your kitchen sink can save you time in the long run. Before getting started, make sure you’ve cleared away any food items surrounding the sink or dirty dishes that may be sitting in the sink. Take a few seconds to run the faucet around the sink’s basin, removing any crumbs or loose food. Now that you’ve prepped the area, it’s time to clean the kitchen sink.
Related: Here’s How Often To Clean Every Surface In Your Kitchen
What You Need To Clean A Kitchen Sink
When you are cleaning your sink, the material of your sink is the most important factor. Common sink materials include stainless steel and composite materials (including granite and quartz). All white kitchen sinks are another popular option, but can be daunting to keep clean. The material of your sink will determine what products you need to clean it–and what products should be avoided.
Regardless of your sink material, you will need: a sponge and a microfiber cloth,
Kitchen Sink Drain
Baking soda
White vinegar
For A Stainless Steel Sink
Gentle dish soap
Baking soda
For A Composite Material Sink
Gentle dish soap
Baking soda
White vinegar
How To Clean A Kitchen Sink Drain
No matter the material of your kitchen sink, it’s important to clean the drain first. Cleaning the drain first ensures that the grease and food that has accumulated won’t cause unwanted smells, or worse–clog your freshly cleaned sink. Having a clean kitchen sink drain is as simple as baking soda, white vinegar and boiling water.
Remove the rubber stopper. If your sink has a rubber stopper, there’s a good chance it can (and should) be removed and cleaned. The underside of that stopper catches food and grease debris and should be thoroughly soaked and scrubbed.
Use baking soda. Put about ? a cup of baking soda down the drain.
Pour vinegar. Follow the baking soda with about two cups of white vinegar. Be warned–the mixture will bubble, but that means it’s working to break down materials.
Cover with a dish towel. After pouring the vinegar down the drain, cover with a dish towel.
Use boiling water. About five to ten minutes after the vinegar, pour three cups boiling water down the drain to release any remaining baking soda and vinegar residue.
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How To Clean A Stainless Steel Sink
Stainless steel is one of the most common kitchen sink materials, because it is durable, affordable and easy to maintain. For daily cleaning, rinsing a stainless steel sink with dish soap and warm water will help maintain the sink’s basin.
When it comes to deep cleaning a stainless steel sink, you will need a sponge, a soft microfiber cloth, dish soap, and baking soda. Be cautious to avoid abrasive scrubbers that can damage the coating of the stainless steel.
Wet The Sink. Before getting started, wet the entire basin of the sink with warm water.
Sprinkle the baking soda. Sprinkle the baking soda around the basin of your sink. It should adhere to the sides and bottom thanks to the pre-rinse.
Scrub with a sponge. Add dish soap to a damp sponge and begin scrubbing the sink, starting from the sides and working your way to the bottom of the sink basin. Starting from the outside and working in helps dirt move downward into the drain.
Rinse and dry. After the sink basin has been scrubbed, rinse with warm water. To avoid water marks, use a soft microfiber towel to dry the basin and surrounding lip.
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How To Clean A Composite Sink
If your kitchen sink is a composite material, it means that multiple materials were used to create it. This type of sink is often a cost-effective alternative to a natural stone (think granite or quartz) sink. Composite sinks are also more durable thanks to a wide range of materials used, including a sealant.
When it comes to deep cleaning a composite sink, you will need a sponge, a soft microfiber cloth, dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar. Be cautious to avoid abrasive scrubbers or tools, as well as products that contain bleach or ammonia.
Wet The Sink. Before getting started, wet the entire basin of the sink with warm water.
Sprinkle the baking soda. Sprinkle the baking soda around the basin of your sink. It should adhere to the sides and bottom thanks to the pre-rinse.
Scrub with vinegar. Dampen a clean sponge with white vinegar. Begin scrubbing the sink, starting from the outer sides and working your way to the bottom of the sink basin so the dirt drains into the drain.
Rinse and dry. After the sink basin has been scrubbed, rinse with warm water and use a soft microfiber towel to dry the basin.
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How Often To Clean The Kitchen Sink
When it comes to how often to clean a kitchen sink, it’s smart to make sure the task is done once per week. Even if your sink doesn’t look dirty, giving the sink basin a deep scrub once every seven days helps keep bacteria and other germs at bay.
Tips For Keeping A Kitchen Sink Clean
A kitchen sink is often one of the most-used areas of the home, so keeping it clean can feel like a tall order. Thankfully, a couple easy tips can help keep the area as clean as possible until it’s time for the weekly deep clean.
Don’t let dirty dishes pile up. This one may be easier said than done, but washing dishes prevents any caked-on food debris.
Sanitize your sink each time after handling raw meat or poultry. This helps keep bacteria to a minimum, which maintains a safe kitchen environment.
Rinse the sink each night. After doing the dishes, give your sink basin one last rinse to remove any dirt or grease lingering on the sides.
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