One of the places that should be constantly spotless and disinfected is the kitchen sink. For an obvious reason: we wash our food, dishes, pots and pots in it. Different types of sinks have different cleaning requirements. Read on to know what your sinks needs.
Basic Sanitizing Solutions for All Sinks
There are steps that should be followed for all types of sinks. First is to buy a commercial disinfectant and to use it following the manufacturer instructions. Kitchen sink disinfect are available in virtually every supermarket and home improvement store all over the country.
For sinks made of cast iron or ceramic, prepare a solution made of 50% water and 50% liquid chlorine. Be cautious when using the solution. Pour slowly to avoid splashes on areas that can be damaged by liquid chlorine.
Note: Never use the solution on stainless steel sinks.
You may also use undiluted white vinegar to remove stains and restore the shine of the sink. I suggest that you immerse a clean cloth in this substance and wipe the entire sink with it.
Stainless Steel Sinks
Stainless steel sinks need more attention if you want to keep them for years. You should rinse them thoroughly after every use to prevent potential grievance to the fixture. Salts and acids can erode the finish, so make sure to remove salty and acidic food right away.
Daily cleaning using a nylon sponge and mild soap is adequate. You may also use a glass cleaner. Just make sure rinse thoroughly at times, then wipe the surface dry with a soft rug.
Vinegar is effective in removing spots in stainless steel sinks. If this won’t suffice, wet the whole sink and sprinkle liberal amounts of baking soda. Never us ammonia, bleach or any abrasive cleaner. Also, reserve a nylon sponge for the scrubbing. Never use steel wood pads or abrasive brush because they will certainly damage the finish.
Mineral build-up can be resolved by lining the fixture with paper towels immersed in diluted white vinegar. Leave it like that for at least 30 minutes. Remove the paper towels, dispose properly and then scrub the area with a sponge soaked in soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and wipe the surface dry with a clean, soft cloth.
If home-made remedies are futile, resort to commercial stainless sink cleaners. Use them according to the instructions of the manufacturer.
Cast Iron Sinks
To maintain cleanliness, wash a cast iron sink thoroughly after every use. Its lifespan can also be stretched by wiping it thoroughly dry after rinsing.
For effective cleaning, wet the entire sink and sprinkle liberal amounts of baking soda over it. Scrub the baking soda against the surface using a clean nylon sponge. Rinse thoroughly then wipe the surface with a dry soft cloth.
Abrasive cleaners should also be avoided. If the spot is still there, try a commercially-prepared cleaner. Never leave dirty dishes, pots and pans on the sink for long periods. Acidic stuff should also be kept away such as coffee grounds, tea bags and citrus fruits.
Ceramic Sinks
Dish and glass cleaners are already enough to for regular ceramic sink cleaning. Be wary about the strength of the cleaner to prevent damage to your ceramic sink.
Handles and Faucets
A mild soap solution is usually enough for handles and faucets. Remove grime, soap a clean cloth in vinegar and wipe on the affected area. The sanitizing action of vinegar is another benefit.
