How to Clean a Kitchen Sink

When we go on a kitchen cleaning spree, we can often miss some key areas. One such spot is the kitchen sink. It constantly comes in contact with food waste and dirty dishes. Add to that the moisture and heat, and it makes for the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Cleaning the kitchen sink is important, and yet often overlooked.

Different sink materials require different cleaning methods. So, to help you out, in this post, we will go over how to clean a kitchen sink and make it shine.

So, if you have ever:

• Left your sink dirty for too long;
• Wondered how to clean a specific type of sink;
• Wanted to know how to clean taps,

Then keep reading! This post has the answers.

No matter what type of sink you have, always begin cleaning by removing any dirty or clean dishes from the basin. Make sure there is no leftover food in the sink, too.

How to clean a stainless steel sink

Cleaning a stainless steel sink is easy! Just remember – don’t use anything that could scratch the steel, such as a scourer or a harsh brush. A soft cloth or sponge works best in this case.

If your drain is clogged and your sink has standing water in it, you’ll want to take care of that first. Take a look at our helpful blog post on unclogging a sink drain.

How to clean a ceramic sink

Ceramic sinks require a slightly different approach than stainless steel ones. So, here is what to do:

1. Wet the basin.
   Start by wetting the sink slightly with a damp cloth. Go over all the sides and the bottom of the basin.
2. Clean the drain.
   Again, pour hot water down the drain to loosen up any build-ups.
3. Remove stains with baking soda.
   Sprinkle baking soda all over the sink basin, coating it fully.
4. Scrub with a damp sponge.
   Using a damp sponge or cloth, scrub the sink in a circular motion, focusing more on the heavily stained areas.
5. Rinse the sink.
   When the stains have disappeared, rinse the sink basin with warm water.
6. Pour lemon juice.
   To naturally whiten your ceramic sink, squeeze a few lemons. Coat the sides and bottom of the sink with the lemon juice. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
7. Rinse again.
   Once more, rinse the sink to get rid of the leftover lemon juice.
8. Dry.
   Dry the sink with a clean, dry cloth.

How to clean a porcelain kitchen sink

Cleaning a porcelain kitchen sink can be done using the same method as ceramic ones. Just remember to use non-abrasive sponges or cloths to avoid scratching the sink and ruining the finish. For deeper cleaning, follow these steps:

1. Wash the basin.
   Begin by washing the sink basin with some washing up liquid and warm water.
2. Clean the drain.
   You know the drill – pour hot water down the drain.
3. Spray with hydrogen peroxide.
   This is a bleaching agent, so wear protective gloves and be careful. Spray the surface of the sink with hydrogen peroxide and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Rinse away with water.
4. Remove stains with baking soda.
   Mix baking soda with some warm water to form a paste. Scrub away the stains using this solution.
5. Finish up with salt and lemon juice.
   If they prove too stubborn, sprinkle salt over the stains. Pour some lemon juice over the salt and scrub gently with a soft cloth. Rinse with water.
6. Dry.
   Once again, dry the sink with a clean cloth.

How to clean an aluminium kitchen sink

To clean an aluminium sink, you can use methods similar to cleaning a stainless steel one.

1. Create a cleaning paste.
   Mix some baking soda and water to form a paste.
2. Scrub the sink.
   Spread the mixture over the entire surface of the sink and scrub gently in a circular motion.
3. Rinse.
   Wash away the leftover paste with warm water.
4. Clean the drain.
   Pour some hot water in the drain.
5. Make the sink shine.
   To prevent water spots and give the sink a shiny finish, rinse it with white vinegar and scrub with a soft sponge or cloth.
6. Dry.
   Dry the basin with a clean, dry cloth.

How to clean a granite composite kitchen sink

For granite sinks, regular upkeep is key. It’s always better to perform light cleaning often instead of heavy cleaning once in a blue moon. Avoid using any bleaching agents, spray cleaners or descaling solutions, as they can ruin the finish and colour.

1. Wash away food deposits.
   Wash the sink basin with warm water and some mild soap, using a soft cloth.
2. Clean the drain.
   Again, pour some hot water down the drain.
3. Remove stains with white vinegar.
   Use a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water to remove limescale and stains. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.
4. Dry.
   Dry the basin completely with a clean cloth.

How to clean taps

Cleaning the faucets is just as important as washing the rest of the sink. All you need is some soapy water and white vinegar.

1. Create a cleaning solution.
   Mix some warm water and dish soap in a bowl, combining them well.
2. Wipe the faucets.
   Thoroughly scrub the taps with the soapy water, using a sponge or cloth.
3. Shine the taps with vinegar.
   Dampen a soft cloth with white vinegar and buff the faucets until they shine.
4. Dry.
   To avoid water spots, thoroughly dry with a clean, dry cloth.

Does all this sound like too much work?

If you don’t have the time and energy for cleaning a kitchen sink, or if you simply want to spend your time elsewhere, why not let the professionals help? The reliable domestic cleaners at Fantastic Services are happy to take care of your kitchen for you. With guaranteed results, you can sit back and relax while the cleaners make sure your sink, or your entire home, is sparkling clean.

Booking is easy! Simply use our online form to choose a date and time that suits your schedule.

Save time to do the things you enjoy – let Fantastic Services handle the hard work!

Takeaways

• Avoid using harsh brushes and scourers that can scratch the surface of your sink.
• Baking soda is a great way to remove stubborn stains.
• White vinegar can help disinfect your sink, make it shine and remove limescale.
• Different sink types require different approaches to cleaning.
• Avoid using bleaching agents on granite composite sinks.
• If you don’t have time for cleaning the kitchen sink, you can always turn to the professionals.

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Did you find this post useful? Did you manage to make your kitchen sink sparkle again? Share with us in the comments below!

Image source: shutterstock / Andrey_Popov

• Last update: March 2, 2020

Posted in Cleaning Guides