How to Clean Kitchen Sink and Drain

How to Clean Kitchen Sink and Drain

How to Clean Kitchen Sink and Drain

A clean kitchen sink is not just for show; it stops odours and bacteria build-up and keeps your whole kitchen fresh. Whether it’s scrubbing away food stains or deodorising a smelly drain, cleaning makes a big difference. Here’s the ultimate guide on how to clean your kitchen sink and drain, plus tips to keep your kitchen sink drain pipe and garbage disposal in top shape.

How to Clean Kitchen Sink and Drain by yesmaids.co.uk

What Products You Need

Before you begin, gather your products:

  • Sponge
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Baking soda
  • White vinegar
  • Dish soap
  • Boiling water
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Lemon
  • Using a cup of vinegar can help in cleaning stubborn stains.
  • Rubber gloves
How to Clean Kitchen Sink and Drain by yesmaids.co.uk

How to Clean Kitchen Sink and Drain | Step-by-Step

1. Clear and Pre-Rinse the Sink

Remove all dishes, utensils, and any garbage disposal debris from the sink to give your kitchen a cleaner look. Give the sink a quick pre-rinse with warm water to wash down any visible crumbs and residue.

2. Using Baking Soda and Scrub

For a stainless steel sink, sprinkle a good amount of baking soda over the wet surface. Add a bit of dish soap to your sponge and scrub to give your kitchen a fresh feel. Focus on the sides of the sink basin, working your way down to the bottom. Baking soda is a mild abrasive, so it won’t scratch the surface. This not only cleans but also gets rid of any lingering odours that may come from food particles.

3. Rinse with Boiling Water

Once you’ve scrubbed the sink, rinse it well with clean water. To get better results, pour boiling water down the drain. This not only removes residue but also dissolves minor clogs and grease build-up in the kitchen sink drain pipe. If your drain is prone to clogs, do this step weekly using easy methods, and you’ll avoid major blockages.

4. Dry and Buff

Use a microfibre cloth to dry and buff the sink. Stainless steel can show water spots, so drying helps keep it shiny. If you want to add extra sparkle, a quick wipe with a bit of olive oil on the cloth will leave your sink sparkling.

How to Clean Kitchen Sink and Drain by yesmaids.co.uk

How to Clean a White or Porcelain Sink

White and porcelain sinks get stained from coffee, tea, and food. Here’s how to remove those stubborn marks:

  1. Wet the sink slightly and sprinkle baking soda over the surface.
  2. Add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide and scrub gently with a sponge. The fizzing action of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda will lift the stain.
  3. Rinse with warm water and wipe dry with a soft cloth for a cleaner finish.

For rust stains, cut a lemon in half, sprinkle salt on it, and scrub the area directly. This natural method works wonders in removing rust without damaging the finish. Or for stubborn rust spots, you can use a commercial rust remover.

How to Clean a Smelly Drain

Having a smelly kitchen sink drain is gross, but you can learn how to clean it effectively. But thankfully a combination of baking soda and vinegar can get rid of bad odours. Regular maintenance of your drain with these natural ingredients will keep the stinky smells away.

How to Clean Kitchen Sink and Drain by yesmaids.co.uk

1. Pour Baking Soda and Vinegar

Start by pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow with two cups of white vinegar. The mixture will fizz and help dislodge grime and neutralise odours. This will not only deodorise but also break down minor blockages caused by grease or food particles.

2. Wait and Flush with Boiling Water

Let the baking soda and vinegar sit for 15 minutes. Then flush the drain with boiling water to rinse away any remaining debris. If the smell persists, repeat the process and scrub the drain cover with a toothbrush dipped in vinegar.

How to Maintain Your Garbage Disposal

A garbage disposal can be a source of bad smells if not maintained. Here’s how to clean it:

  1. Run cold water and turn on the disposal to clear out loose debris.
  2. Pour baking soda into the disposal, then white vinegar. Let it fizz for a few minutes.
  3. Add boiling water to flush out the mixture.
  4. To freshen up, toss in a few lemon peels and run the disposal with cold water. The lemon peels will clean the blades and leave a fresh scent.

For stubborn odours, you can freeze a mixture of vinegar and water into ice cubes and run them through the garbage disposal. The grinding action of the ice will dislodge stuck debris, and the vinegar will neutralise odors.

Tips to Keep Your Sink and Drain Clean

  1. Don’t Pour Grease Down the Drain: Grease solidifies as it cools and can cause major blockages over time. Instead, pour it into a container and throw it away in the trash.
  2. Use a Drain Strainer: A drain strainer will catch food particles and prevent them from going down the drain.
  3. Flush with Hot Water Weekly: Pouring hot or boiling water down the drain weekly will dissolve grease and prevent buildup.
  4. Clean the Sink Daily: Wipe down your sink with dish soap and water daily to prevent stains and odors from forming.

When to Call a Plumber

Despite regular maintenance, there may be times when a clogged or smelly drain needs professional help. If your sink or drain is still clogged after your best efforts, it’s time to call a plumber. Persistent clogs or bad smells can mean a more serious issue with your plumbing system, like a blockage further down the pipe or a broken drain line. If you notice water backing up into other areas of your kitchen, that means the problem goes beyond your sink and needs expert attention.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to clean a sink and kitchen drain properly helps maintain a hygienic and odor-free kitchen. Regular cleaning with simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda can prevent buildup and keep your sink sparkling clean. Make it a habit to clean your sink weekly and address smelly drains quickly to ensure your kitchen remains fresh and welcoming.

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