Kitchen sinks get a lot of activity. They’re used to wash hands, strain pasta, defrost meat, wash dishes, and everything from a quick rinse of a pet’s water bowl to letting water run through a potted plant’s roots and soil. It’s everything germs need to breed, and according to the 2011 NSF Household Germ Study, one of the hottest germ spots in the house! Keeping your kitchen sink clean and clear is crucial, but harmful and caustic chemicals on food-safe surfaces isn’t what we recommend. Here are 12 tips to keep your kitchen sink clean and clear, from your helpful, top rated local plumber.
12 Tips to Keep a Kitchen Sink Clean and Clear
Wash dishes immediately after use: This will prevent food from drying and sticking to the sink, making it easier to clean. Try to get into the habit of washing dishes as soon as you’re finished using them, rather than letting them sit in the sink until it’s full.
Use hot water and dish soap: Hot water can help to loosen and dissolve any food particles or grease in the sink, and dish soap can help to cut through grime and dirt. Be sure to rinse the sink thoroughly with hot water after washing dishes to help remove any soap residue.
Scrape off any excess food: Before washing dishes, make sure to scrape off any excess food into the trash or compost bin. This will prevent food from clogging the drain and making it harder to clean the sink.
Use a sink strainer: A sink strainer can help to catch any food particles or debris that might otherwise go down the drain and cause clogs. Make sure to clean the strainer regularly to prevent it from becoming clogged itself. You can rinse it off under hot water or soak it in a solution of hot water and dish soap.
Use natural cleaners: Baking soda and vinegar can be effective natural cleaners for your sink. To use them, mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar together to create a paste, then apply the paste to the sink and scrub with a sponge or scrub brush. Rinse thoroughly with hot water. You can also use lemon juice or salt as natural cleaners. For a more natural option, you can use a mixture of water and castile soap to clean your sink. Disinfecting surfaces is simple, as well, and can be done with a little hydrogen peroxide. Just spray down counters and the sink, let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse/wipe away, and you’re all set!
Wipe down the sink regularly: To prevent grime and dirt from building up in the sink, make sure to wipe it down regularly with a sponge or dishcloth. This will help to keep it looking clean and fresh.
Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain: Grease and oil can solidify in the drain and cause clogs, so it’s best to avoid pouring them down the sink. Instead, pour them into a can or jar and dispose of them in the trash.
Clean the garbage disposal: Food waste can build up and feed bacteria in a garbage disposal really easily. To help keep this problem area clean pull out and clean the splash guard. Scrub it with hot water, or place it in the top rack of your dishwasher. With the faucet and water turned off, add a heaping handful of ice cubes, a tablespoon of baking soda, and thin slices of lemon, before adding another heaping handful of ice. Run the disposal without water until the disposal sounds as clean and smooth, then turn it off and run cold water for one minute.
Clean sponges dish washing brushes: One often overlooked area to keep a kitchen sink clean and clear are the cleaning tools themselves. Keep sponges well rinsed out and in a well aerated area, and never let them sit at the bottom of the sink, or in a pool of water. Use a dish brush whenever appropriate, and store the brush upright so it can dry out quickly. Many sponges and brushes can go in top rack of a dishwasher.
Use a plunger: If your sink becomes clogged, you can try using a plunger to clear the blockage. Make sure to cover the overflow hole with a wet cloth to create a better seal, then plunge the drain several times to try to loosen the clog.
Use a plumbing snake or auger: If the plunger doesn’t work, you may need to use a plumbing snake or auger to clear the clog. These tools can help to reach deep into the pipes and break up any blockages. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid damaging your pipes.
Call a plumber: If your sink is still clogged after trying the above methods, it may be time to call a plumber. A professional will have the tools and expertise to identify and fix any underlying issues with your plumbing.
Your Top Rated Local Plumbers
If keeping your kitchen sink clean and clear is difficult because the kitchen sink drain is clogged, or flowing slowly, feel free to give us a call. Check our service map, and reviews, we’re top rated local plumbers. We’ll get those drains flowing smooth. This is what we do. Call us anytime at 626.448.6455
