By Ed Biado
Did you know that your kitchen sink is probably very dirty? Microbiologists know something that most of us don’t. They are aware that millions of bacteria and germs live a
nd multiply endlessly in every part of the house. And the sink is one of their most favorite breeding grounds. To get you started, remember that the number one rule is to clean with a fresh clean cloth and/or sponge. If what you’re using to clean ain’t clean, it ain’t gonna do no cleanin’! While you think about that, here are 10 more tips:
1. Clean your sink daily to avoid acids from damaging its finish. A soapy solution is enough for your sink’s daily wash-down. A cloth soaked in vinegar will help you remove spots and mineral residue. Running the damp cloth over the entire sink should do the trick.
2. For stains, cut a lemon in half and sprinkle baking soda on the cut ends. Scrub sink stains with the lemon half. Reapply baking soda to the lemon as needed. If you can’t remove it using this simple solution, look for commercially available cleaners that are specifically formulated for stubborn stains.
3. An alternative is to mix a small amount of baking soda, about two teaspoons, with a cup of warm water. Allow the baking soda to dilute. Dip a wet sponge in the solution and clean the sink using small circular motions. Dry the sink with paper towels. If there are still stains, wetting the entire surface of the sink and liberally sprinkling baking soda onto the sink’s surface will help you deal with them stubborn ones.
4. You should also sanitize the drainage system. Pour one cup of baking soda solution followed by one cup of vinegar down the drain to get rid of odors and clogs. Allow the water to run for about a minute. Cool tap water is fine, but warm water will help eliminate more germs.
5. Never neglect your sink’s faucet and faucet handles. Fill a spray bottle with one part vinegar and one part water. Spray the faucet—and handles—to disinfect them. Wipe them dry and buff them to a shine with a dry paper towel.
6. Disinfect every week. Fill it with warm water and add a capful of bleach. Slosh some water into the overflow and scrub around it and the plug with an old toothbrush. Stubborn mineral residue can be dealt with by lining the entire sink with paper towels soaked in vinegar. Allow the vinegar to work its magic for about 30 minutes, undisturbed.
7. The cleaning doesn’t stop there. It should also extend to the countertops, especially the one adjacent to the sink as it pretty much has the same germ content.
8. Clean with anti-bacterial sponges. Sponges are the helipad of germs in any house because bacteria actually grow in them. Anti-bacterial sponges won’t kill the germs, but will prevent their growth. A good option in the stores is the Scotch-Brite Anti-Bac Scrub Sponge.
9. It’s best if you have different sponges to clean your dishes and sink with. It’s even better if you have one specifically for the sink, one for knives and cutting board for meat, one for knives and cutting board for vegetables, one for glasses and one for used dishes. Replace the sponges before they get tattered.
10. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive sponges and other solutions and products that are not made to be used on your sink. Different kinds of sinks (stainless steel, ceramic, etc.) have different thresholds on substances. Some cleaners might damage the surface of your sink.
Did you know that your kitchen sink is probably very dirty? Microbiologists know something that most of us don’t. They are aware that millions of bacteria and germs live a
nd multiply endlessly in every part of the house. And the sink is one of their most favorite breeding grounds. To get you started, remember that the number one rule is to clean with a fresh clean cloth and/or sponge. If what you’re using to clean ain’t clean, it ain’t gonna do no cleanin’! While you think about that, here are 10 more tips: 1. Clean your sink daily to avoid acids from damaging its finish. A soapy solution is enough for your sink’s daily wash-down. A cloth soaked in vinegar will help you remove spots and mineral residue. Running the damp cloth over the entire sink should do the trick.
2. For stains, cut a lemon in half and sprinkle baking soda on the cut ends. Scrub sink stains with the lemon half. Reapply baking soda to the lemon as needed. If you can’t remove it using this simple solution, look for commercially available cleaners that are specifically formulated for stubborn stains.
3. An alternative is to mix a small amount of baking soda, about two teaspoons, with a cup of warm water. Allow the baking soda to dilute. Dip a wet sponge in the solution and clean the sink using small circular motions. Dry the sink with paper towels. If there are still stains, wetting the entire surface of the sink and liberally sprinkling baking soda onto the sink’s surface will help you deal with them stubborn ones.
4. You should also sanitize the drainage system. Pour one cup of baking soda solution followed by one cup of vinegar down the drain to get rid of odors and clogs. Allow the water to run for about a minute. Cool tap water is fine, but warm water will help eliminate more germs.
5. Never neglect your sink’s faucet and faucet handles. Fill a spray bottle with one part vinegar and one part water. Spray the faucet—and handles—to disinfect them. Wipe them dry and buff them to a shine with a dry paper towel.
6. Disinfect every week. Fill it with warm water and add a capful of bleach. Slosh some water into the overflow and scrub around it and the plug with an old toothbrush. Stubborn mineral residue can be dealt with by lining the entire sink with paper towels soaked in vinegar. Allow the vinegar to work its magic for about 30 minutes, undisturbed.
7. The cleaning doesn’t stop there. It should also extend to the countertops, especially the one adjacent to the sink as it pretty much has the same germ content.
8. Clean with anti-bacterial sponges. Sponges are the helipad of germs in any house because bacteria actually grow in them. Anti-bacterial sponges won’t kill the germs, but will prevent their growth. A good option in the stores is the Scotch-Brite Anti-Bac Scrub Sponge.
9. It’s best if you have different sponges to clean your dishes and sink with. It’s even better if you have one specifically for the sink, one for knives and cutting board for meat, one for knives and cutting board for vegetables, one for glasses and one for used dishes. Replace the sponges before they get tattered.
10. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive sponges and other solutions and products that are not made to be used on your sink. Different kinds of sinks (stainless steel, ceramic, etc.) have different thresholds on substances. Some cleaners might damage the surface of your sink.
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