Cleaning a Sink
Posted on 17/09/2020
How to Clean a Kitchen Sink
We take many things for granted, until it comes the time to clean them. Then we notice the stains and the dirt and that is not a pretty sight. A clean and fresh sink is nice to have, but someone has to do the dirty work. Postponing the cleaning of a sink can result in serious problems and a blocked sink will take much longer to fix than just regular cleaning. The time required to clean your sink is between 5 and 10 minutes, which means that you can do it even more than once a week. Here is the best way to do this cleaning chore:
First of all, gather your supplies – a good cleaning detergent, microfiber cloths, a sponge, an old toothbrush. You don’t need professional tools to have a clean sink in no time. Take a look at the sink from all sides – it’s normal to be covered in leftovers from soap and toothpaste, to have stains from water and hairspray and to be generally dirty or even rusty in places. Take away everything that’s on it – this is where dirt accumulates the most. Think about whether there are any stains which require special treatment and start cleaning. Scrub the entire area and apply some pressure on persistent stains. One method is to put the plug, fill the sink with hot water and wait for it to loosen some of the dirt. Second of all, start wiping down the area. Your best friend during this stage is an all-purpose cleaning solution.
A really good natural cleaner is baking soda, which not only removes stains, but it also helps remove drain odour. Rinse the sink with baking soda on a sponge and use the toothbrush for the edges and corners. Some stains are not that noticeable, but there can often be places where food or toothpaste has stuck and it remains even after the rinsing stage. Touch with your hands the entire area, if you feel any bumps, this is where you should apply more pressure while wiping. If you have bought any speciality cleaners, you should definitely use them, but don’t mix a few of them, as you may cause toxic fumes or damage to the surface. Always follow the instructions on the detergent if you are using it for the first time. After you have rinsed the sink thoroughly wipe it dry. This is a stage which may take some more time, but don’t skip it, especially if you have a stainless steel sink. Any droplets left in the sink will spot the area and discolour it. Dry the sink and it will be sparkling clean.
In order to maintain a clean sink, it’s a good idea to quickly wipe it down after using it every time. It won’t take that long and you can use special cleaning wipes or paper towels and keep them nearby so you don’t forget that routine. If there are any persistent stains on your stainless steel sink, purchase a special cleaner and first test it in a hidden area of the sink. If you have a porcelain or vitreous sink, you can use a mixture of vinegar and hot water for light stains. For the harder ones, you may need to buy a limescale remover. Avoid using abrasive cleaners for the following sink surfaces: fibreglass, acrylic, stainless steel and marble. You can use a bit of scouring powder on porcelain and vitreous sinks, but don’t overuse it. In order to have a thorough cleaning of the sink, you need the following materials: an all-purpose cleaner, cleaners for specific stains, microfiber cloths, cleaning wipes and paper towels are optional.
