Are you a new homeowner, or just trying to be tidier? Are you wondering how to clean a sink properly?
Cleaning a sink the right way doesn’t mean you’re going to be scouring for hours. In fact, solid sink cleaning can be a cinch with some forethought and organization.
Here’s what you need to know about how to clean a kitchen sink.
1. Start With Scrubbing
If you’re like most American sink cleaners, a quick wipe down is usually the most cleaning your sink will get. True cleaning, however, involves a bit more elbow grease.
Many folks opt for a non-abrasive scrubber or a brush that dispenses soap. While mild dishwater and soap will work most of the time, some stains call for a little more action.
A white kitchen sink, for example, may require a blend of hydrogen peroxide and baking powder. You can start by wiping down your sink, and then sprinkle the basin with baking powder. After that, you can sprinkle the sink with hydrogen peroxide and scrub it with a brush before rinsing the mixture down the drain.
A porcelain sink will also require a bit of creativity when it comes to stains. A little bleach will work, but you can also sprinkle salt on a cut lemon and scrub it onto rusty stains. This can then get rinsed away using a softer cloth.
If your sink is cast iron, try to pour a little baking soda in and scrub it out with vinegar. A little extra dish soap can also help you do the trick.
2. Handle Those Faucets
You can attack the faucets and handles on your sink next. Soapy water will work no matter what your sink is made of.
You may notice that grime tends to build where your faucet meets the base. For hard-to-reach areas, a toothbrush can come in handy. You can also use a sponge, but it will take a little maneuvering.
3. Clear Your Drain and Garbage Disposal
It’s easy to clean out your drain using products you keep around the house. Just pour a mixture of one-part baking soda and two parts white vinegar into the drain itself. You’ll have to pour the baking soda down first and chase it with the vinegar.
After fifteen minutes, you’ll see the mixture start to bubble. Pour some boiling water down the drain to get rid of any remaining products.
You can also clean out your garbage disposal with some lemon wedges sprinkled in salt. It will help to scrub off any dirt and grime.
4. Disinfect
A simple disinfectant spray will work when you’re ready to spray everything out. In the days of COVID-19 regulations, you may want to be extra careful and use an EPA-approved product.
If you don’t have a disinfectant handy, filling a spray bottle with one-part vinegar and one-part water will also do the trick. A combination of hot water and antibacterial soap will work for surfaces that don’t jive with vinegar.
Believe it or not, your sponge can also be a real source of bacteria in your kitchen. After you’re done cleaning, it helps to clean off your mat, your brush, and even your sponge holder. If your sponge starts to smell or look dirty, it’s time to throw it out and invest in a new one.
5. Polish it Off
If you really want your sink to sparkle, you can polish it off with common household products after you’re done scrubbing.
You can deodorize the entire sink basin by rubbing the peel of a lemon or orange on it. It’s then possible to buff the sink with a paper towel sprinkled with olive oil. This can keep your sink glowing, even for a few weeks before you need to buff again.
When to Call an Expert
Scrubbing out your sink can be rewarding, but there may come a time when you need to hire a professional.
Your house will require deep cleaning from time to time that goes beyond ordinary wiping and sweeping. A professional outfit can ensure that your home is purified from top to bottom so you feel better about keeping your family happy and germ-free.
If you feel like you don’t have the time to give your home the detailed attention it deserves, a professional cleaning service may be well worth the investment.
Saving You Money
A professional cleaning service will also come equipped with its own professional-level cleaning equipment that includes scrubbing brushes, the right disinfectants, and strong vacuums. If you feel like mixing your own potions or investing in serious equipment would detract too much from your own responsibilities and budget, you can always call on a professional to help your house get tidy from head to toe.
A residential cleaner will take the time to get into the nooks, crannies, and corners that you may be missing on a regular basis. They can help you get rid of dust and keep your house allergy-free for kids and pets.
The valuable time and money you save on cleaning your home may be well spent on other productive endeavors. If you’re worried about the cleanliness of your kitchens and bathrooms, it may be worth your while to get some recommendations from your family and friends and quality local house cleaners.
The Skinny on How to Clean a Sink
There’s an art to cleaning a sink thoroughly and beautifully. When you’re ready to learn how to clean a sink properly, take the time to come up with a plan for getting into all the nooks and crannies. You can then be confident that it will be shiny, germ-free, and ready for all of the important dishes your family produces!
Don’t stop cleaning your house now. For more information on local professional cleaning services, contact us today.
