How to Properly Clean a Sink

Everybody has a sink, but not everybody cleans it right. I cannot even begin to count the number of supposedly clean sinks I have walked by that had a nasty, disgusting smell emanating from it. Considering that we use sinks to prepare food and clean our dishes, doesn’t it make sense to invest time and money into maintaining a spotless and sanitized sink? Maintaining a clean sink doesn’t just keep your house smelling and looking nice, it also prevents the spreading of diseases like E.coli, Salmonella, and Hepatitis.

First of all, keep your sink dry when you are not using it. This means wiping it down well after finishing up with food preparation and/or dishes. Leftover water in your sink will attract fruit flies, allow bacteria to grow, and aid in the formation of mold. Use a towel to scrape up every last ounce of water. Your sink needs to be so dry and spotless that you can see your reflection in it.

Second, don’t rely on scratch pads to clean your sink. Scrubbing it with a scratchpad will wear out the sink and reduce its luminosity, especially if you are sink is made out of stainless steel (the most common type of sink). You are better off using either paper towels or a clean cloth towel. I emphasize clean because a dirty towel will not result in a clean sink.

Third, run really hot water through your sink once you are done using it. This will weaken bacteria and help unclog the sink’s plumbing tubes. Plus, hot water serves as a free and natural degreaser. Hot enough water will even eat away oils and other viscous substances. Next, once all the dirt and oil has been brushed off with the water, pour either baking soda, vinegar, or lemon in your sink. Spread it around and let it sit for 30 minutes. This will eat up remaining bacteria and also leave your sink smelling nice and fresh.

Afterwards, wash out the sink with hot water once again. If you have a multipurpose cleaning agent, then spray it in the sink. Spread it around and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then come back and dry it all up. You do not need to run hot water again. The multipurpose will sanitize the sink, thereby making it safe for use later on.

When you finish eating a meal, make sure you wipe off all the remaining scraps of meat and food into the garbage can. Otherwise, it can clog up the sink and also increase the likelihood of bacteria and mold congregating in your sink. I recommend filling one sink with really hot, soapy water to use for soaking your dishes. Make sure you actually clean the dishes and the sink before you goto bed though. Otherwise, bacteria and mold will begin to form and your sink will start stinking by morning.

I use to be one of those guys who would do his dishes once a week. Dishes would keep piling up in my sink. By the end of the week, my entire apartment would reek of mildew and filth. Do you want to be like that? I would imagine that you don’t! So instead of being lazy, do your dishes and clean your sink properly! Not only will it keep your home beautified, but it will make sure everybody stays safe and germ free.