How clean is a kitchen sink? Well, we run water over ours a lot. And then we worry about things like bacteria and other scary stuff that might be poisoning our kids because that’s not clean enough. So we buckled down in our Spring Cleaning for the kitchen, and learned how to clean the kitchen sink right… [photo via flickr]
Daily Cleaning
Make sure to stock up on the proper products to efficiently and safely disinfect the sink. Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to purchase harmful chemicals or additional equipment to achieve a safe and sanitized kitchen area. It may be best to avoid ammonia and bleach, as they may be dangerous to children or pets. By simply using common household items such as liquid dish soap, distilled white vinegar, and baking soda, a safe and germ-free kitchen sink can easily be attained.
It is important to regularly rinse out your sink to prevent any damage to the finish. A stainless stee
l sink can be altered from acidic foods and abrasive products while a porcelain sink can easily stain. Food residue or rust can build up and scratch the surface if proper maintenance isn’t performed.
For daily cleaning, a rag or a soft sponge combined with a mild soap and warm water can be used to wipe the sink clean. Afterwards, while the surface is still wet, sprinkle in some baking soda. Mix the baking soda into a paste and rinse thoroughly. This will help to remove stains from solid surfaces.
If stains are a problem, you may have the solution in your refrigerator. Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent and can help fade stains. Cut the lemon in half and apply it directly to the stain. Allow it to remain in contact for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.
Garbage Disposals
A sink with a garbage disposal will require additional attention to clean. Mixing vinegar and baking soda to pour down the drain will help prevent it from clogging. After the mixture has become fizzy, add a bit of hot water to rinse. With the water running, turn the garbage disposal on and add some ice to loosen up any leftover food particles. When this is finished, cut up some lemons and do the same. Not only will this help clean the drain but your kitchen will be filled with a pleasant aroma.
Faucets and Handles
Yes, finally the faucets and handles–which are prone to the build up of lime deposits. Again, using the vinegar will help solve this problem. Soak some paper towels in the vinegar and place them around the handles and faucets. Let sit for a few minutes and rinse with a soft sponge.
