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Simple steps to clean a sink without harsh chemicals
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Cleaning the sink is an easy household task that we'll show you how to tackle in minutes. By using cleaning products like baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar, and old-fashioned elbow grease, the grime in your kitchen sink won't stand a chance. Whether your sink is stainless steel, porcelain, ceramic, or enamel, faucet grime, basin stains, and drain odors won't stand a chance. Read on for a complete guide to cleaning your kitchen sink, faucet, drain, and disposal with expert advice from house cleaning professional Raymond Chiu.
Things You Should Know
- To clean a stainless steel sink, sprinkle ½ cup (136 g) of baking soda and scrub with a scrubbing brush, warm water, and dish soap.
- For a porcelain sink, cover the surface with paper towels and saturate them with hydrogen peroxide. Rinse the sink with water and buff with a microfiber cloth.
- To clean the drain, pour a mixture of ½ cup (136 g) baking soda and 1 cup (240 mL) warm water, then pour 1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of vinegar and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Steps
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Clean any dirty dishes and remove leftover food from your sink. Remove your sponge holder, drain stopper, scrub brush, and anything else you keep on the edge of your sink. Use gentle soap, soft cloth, and warm water to clean the faucet, drain, and outer rim.
- Acidic foods, bleach, and abrasive scrubbers can alter a stainless-steel sink's finish. Try to avoid letting acidic foods sit in the sink for a long period and avoid bleach-based sprays.
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Sprinkle baking soda and scrub with warm water and soap. Sprinkle ½ cup (136 g) of baking soda inside the sink. Add warm water and a drop of dish soap to a sponge or scrubbing brush. Scrub along the grain, working from the top of the sink down to the bottom. [1] X Research source Keep adding soap and water as needed until the sink is spot-free.
- Add 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of lemon juice to your sponge or scrubbing brush to help get out particularly tough stains and eliminate odors. [2] X Research source
- Use a toothbrush, dish soap, and hot water to get all the cracks between the sink and the countertop.
- Try to avoid using hot water—it could blemish the stainless steel finish. [3] X Research source
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Rinse with water and use a microfiber cloth to buff it out. Polish the sides and bottom of the sink to make sure it’s shiny and clean. [4] X Research source House cleaning professional Raymond Chiu also recommends “adding a few drops of baby oil to a microfiber cloth and gently wiping the stainless steel to add a nice sheen.” [5] X Expert Source Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.- Stainless steel is notorious for revealing water spots, so drying and buffing the area can help remove any before they stick.
- If you notice any spots you missed during the cleaning process, spray some vinegar on them, rinse with clean water, and buff the area with a microfiber cloth.
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Wash down the surface with a gentle soap and warm water. Remove any objects around your sink and use an extendable faucet or a damp cloth dipped in warm soapy water to wash away food particles and other debris.
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Cover the sink with paper towels and spray hydrogen peroxide. Let the solution sit in the sink for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse the sink completely with clean warm water. [6] X Research source
- Harsh scrubbing can damage porcelain, so try to use solutions like hydrogen peroxide to clean first. [7] X Research source
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Scrub rust and metal stains with lemon juice and table salt. Cover the rusted area with salt and squeeze the juice of half a lemon over it. Gently scrub the stain with a clean cloth or sponge. If the stain doesn’t come up, repeat this step and let the mixture sit for an hour before scrubbing again. [8] X Research source
- Alternatively, apply a thin coat of naval jelly to the area. Rinse the area as soon as you notice a change in the color of the stain. [9] X Research source
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Tackle deeper stains with a mild abrasive cleaner. If you have a stain that just won’t come out or you’d like an alternative to hydrogen peroxide, use a gentle abrasive cleaner that’s safe on porcelain . [10] X Research source Read the instructions on the back of the product and use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to clean your kitchen sink.
- One popular safe and effective cleaner is Bar Keeper’s Friend . Squirt the product directly onto the stain and scrub with a soft cloth. [11] X Research source
- Use mild abrasive cleaners sparingly to reduce the chance of discoloring or scratching your porcelain sink. [12] X Research source
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Rinse the sink with warm water and dry with a microfiber cloth. Use the cloth to buff out the sink until it’s shiny and smudge-free. Optionally, apply lemon essential oil to the microfiber cloth to repel soap scum and make the area smell fresh and clean. [13] X Research source
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Wash the handles and faucets with warm water and dish soap. Fill a bowl with warm water and a drop of dish soap. Dip a sponge or soft cloth in the solution and clean the faucet and handles. Use a toothbrush to get into any hard-to-reach areas. Rinse the area with cold water.
- If you notice limescale on the fixtures’ surface, soak a paper towel in white vinegar and place it over the area. Wait at least an hour, then wash the area with water and soap.
- To remove any grime around the base of the faucet, grab a piece of floss and saw it back and forth around the area. Wipe away any debris with a damp paper towel or cloth. [16] X Research source
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Use vinegar to remove hard water from the faucet head. Fill a plastic bag halfway with white distilled vinegar. Use a rubber band to tie the bag around the sink faucet so the head is completely submerged. Let the faucet soak for at least 2 hours, then remove the bag and scrub the head with a toothbrush, dish soap, and warm water. [17] X Research source
- Add a few drops of lemon juice to the bag to help cut down on vinegar odors.
- To clean the kitchen sink sprayer, fill half a bowl with warm water and the other half with white vinegar. Dip a cloth into the mixture and wipe the hose and nozzle. [18] X Research source
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Thoroughly dry the fixtures with a microfiber cloth. Use the cloth to buff the faucet and handles until they’re shiny and free of water spots or stains.
- To prevent hard water stains in the future, try to wipe away water as soon as you’re done using the faucet. [19] X Research source
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Rinse your sink daily and wash it weekly. Every time you rinse or wash dishes or pour anything down the drain, give your sink a thorough rinse to prevent food particles from hanging around or staining the surface. Also, clean your sink once a week with warm water and liquid soap. [26] X Research source
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Deep-clean your sink, faucets, and drain every month. Do a thorough clean at least once a month to remove grease, dirt, and soap scum from the sink, faucets, and drain. [27] X Research source
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Clean your garbage disposal once a week and sanitize it monthly. Prevent gunk from accumulating by cleaning and running your garbage disposal at least every two weeks. Sanitize your disposal each month by pouring 1 tablespoon of bleach and 1 quart of water down the drain. [28] X Research source
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Clean your dishes every day. If you don't have a dishwasher, it can be easy to let the dishes go for a day or two (or longer). However, letting dirty dishes sit around can spread harmful bacteria. Clean your dishes , utensils, and surfaces with a sponge, dish soap, and hot water after each use. [29] X Research source
- Some cookware can’t be submerged in water—if you’re not sure, check the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning. [30] X Research source
- Allow rags, dishcloths, and sponges to air dry or throw them in the washing machine. Replace sponges and rags frequently. [31] X Research source
- House cleaning professional Raymond Chiu says to always “dispose of any leftover scraps in the garbage before placing [your dishes] in the sink.” [32]
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Expert Source
Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.
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Use a disinfectant spray to sanitize your sink and countertops. Mix 1 cup (240 mL) distilled white vinegar, 1 cup (240 mL) of water, 3 drops of tea tree or lemon essential oil, and 3 drops of grapefruit essential oil in a bottle with a spray attachment. Shake the bottle and spray directly onto the surface as needed. [33] X Research source
- White distilled vinegar can cut through grease and grime and contains acetic acid, which has antimicrobial properties. [34]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source
- Tea tree, lemon, and grapefruit essential oils have antibacterial and antiseptic properties. [35] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Alternatively, purchase a natural disinfectant spray to sanitize your countertops and sinks after each use.
- White distilled vinegar can cut through grease and grime and contains acetic acid, which has antimicrobial properties. [34]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can I clean gunk out from my sink?Raymond Chiu is the Director of Operations for MaidSailors.com, a residential and commercial cleaning service based in New York City that provides home and office cleaning services at affordable prices. He has a Bachelors in Business Administration and Management from Baruch College.Pour boiling water down your drain to rinse out anything that's stuck or built up in the pipes.
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QuestionMy drain seems to have a smell. I have used baking soda and vinegar mixture but it doesn't help. What else can I do?Community AnswerIf it's a garbage disposal put oranges, peel and all, in and turn it on. if it's just the drain take three oranges peel and the peels from six oranges, blend them to a liquid, pour it into the drain, and let set 30 minutes. Then run water into it. Repeat as needed. It gives your kitchen the smell of fresh oranges. Lemons or limes will work as well.
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QuestionHow can I remove scratches from stainless steel stove and sink?Free EagleCommunity AnswerTake a wet rag (old flour sack towels work best), wring it out, and fold it into 6 or 8 folds to make a nice pad. Apply Ajax or Comet powder cleaner on to the rag. Clean in the direction of the grain of the stainless steel. Then take a second rag, run it under hot water (as hot as you can stand), use this one to rinse off the Ajax/Comet, again working in the direction of the grain. Then imminently dry with a dry cloth - again in grain direction. Over time, the scratches will disappear.
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Tips
- When cleaning your drain, try not to mix the baking soda and vinegar before pouring them in so that the chemical reaction takes place near the top of the drain.Thanks
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Warnings
- When cleaning, test products on a small hidden area first to make sure it won’t damage the rest of the surface.Thanks
- Try to avoid letting lemon juice sit on the surface of your enamel sink for longer than 10 minutes. The acidic nature of the juice can erode the enamel if left on for too long.Thanks
- House cleaning professional Raymond Chiu says to “refrain from pouring grease down the drain.” It can clog your pipes and lead to costly plumbing problems. Instead, pour it into a “sealable container” and “throw [it] in the appropriate garbage.” [36] X Expert Source Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.Thanks - Try to avoid using bleach, chlorine, alcohol, or glass cleaners on sinks because they can ruin the finish and possibly discolor the sink over time. [37] X Research sourceThanks
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Things You'll Need
- Water
- Gentle dish soap
- Microfiber cloth
- Soft cloth
- Old toothbrush
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Naval jelly
- Baby oil
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Paper towels
- Lemon wedges or peels
- Coarse salt
- Ice
- White vinegar
- Biological washing powder
- Tea tree , lemon , and/or grapefruit essential oils
- A gentle abrasive porcelain cleaner
- Natural disinfectant spray
References
- ↑ https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-clean-stainless-steel
- ↑ https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-clean-stainless-steel
- ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/expert-shared-tips-for-cleaning-porcelain-stainless-steel-sinks-2022-3
- ↑ https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-clean-stainless-steel
- ↑ Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-porcelain-sink/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-porcelain-sink/
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-an-old-porcelain-enamel-bathtub-or-sink-137148
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-porcelain-sink/
- ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clean-home/room-room/kitchen-appliances
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-porcelain-sink/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-porcelain-sink/
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-an-old-porcelain-enamel-bathtub-or-sink-137148
- ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/household-advice/a657060/your-kitchen-cleaning-action-plan-sinks/
- ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/household-advice/a657060/your-kitchen-cleaning-action-plan-sinks/
- ↑ https://www.housedigest.com/1385246/use-dental-floss-make-cleaning-sink-easier/
- ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/faucet-sink-shower-cleaning-hack-using-vinegar-does-it-work-2021-4
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-your-kitchen-sink-sprayer-246483
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-hard-water-stains/
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/kitchens/cleaning-a-kitchen-sink-drain
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/kitchens/cleaning-a-kitchen-sink-drain
- ↑ Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/10-ways-to-get-rid-of-that-awful-smell-in-your-kitchen-sink-223627
- ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/story/how-to-clean-garbage-disposal
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/10-ways-to-get-rid-of-that-awful-smell-in-your-kitchen-sink-223627
- ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/expert-shared-tips-for-cleaning-porcelain-stainless-steel-sinks-2022-3
- ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/expert-shared-tips-for-cleaning-porcelain-stainless-steel-sinks-2022-3
- ↑ https://www.nsf.org/blog/consumer/clean-germiest-home-items
- ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/dishes/food-safety
- ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/dishes/dishwashing-made-easy
- ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/dishes/dishwashing-made-easy
- ↑ Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-an-allnatural-cleaner-for-your-kitchen-counters-projects-from-the-kitchn-213066
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19286325/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7587387/
- ↑ Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.
- ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/expert-shared-tips-for-cleaning-porcelain-stainless-steel-sinks-2022-3
About This Article
Article Summary
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To clean a stainless steel kitchen sink, mix together 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/4 cup of lemon juice and pour this mixture all over your sink. Let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it with hot or boiling water. To clean the drain, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Pour this directly into the drain, and follow it with 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain with a plug and let it soak for 5-10 minutes while you boil some water. After it has soaked, pour the boiling water down the drain. To learn how to clean a porcelain sink, read on!
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