Maintaining a clean and empty sink is a simple way to make your kitchen more functional and presentable. But there's more to sink hygiene than just knowing how to load the dishwasher. Every day, you should give your sink a thorough cleaning and disinfect it. The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) reports that after the kitchen sponge, the kitchen sink is home to the biggest number of germs in each given home.

How to Clean a Kitchen Sink

• Do the dishes or fill the dishwasher to remove all dishes from the sink. Put away the dish towels, scrubbers, and scrub brushes.
• Remove any food particles and other debris from the sink by washing it before attempting to sterilize it. Use warm soapy water to clean the sink. Scrub the inside and outside of the sink with a damp sponge and a few drops of dish soap. After that, wash the dish.
• After washing and drying the sink, sanitizing is necessary to kill any bacteria that may have been left behind (particularly if raw meat or poultry was washed in the sink). Use a suitable disinfectant to use in the kitchen. You can also use a solution of one tablespoon of bleach to one gallon of water to disinfect the sink.

Krowne MS-2424 Stainless Steel

Daily Maintenance of a Stainless Steel Sink

Step 1: Rinse

Rinse the sink thoroughly with hot water after using it for food preparation, rinsing, or washing dishes. To get all the leftover food and dishwater residue down the drain, use the sprayer attachment on the faucet or fill a cup with hot water.

Make sure the sink drain doesn't get clogged by turning on the garbage disposal while you're rinsing.

Step 2: Quick Clean

Put a few drops of dish soap on a wet sponge or dishcloth that won't scratch your dishes. Sponge off any dried-on food with some soapy water. Wipe under the edge of the counter where the sink is installed to get rid of any crumbs that may have been splashed there. Please give the sink a final rinsing.

Step 3: Dry With a Microfiber Cloth

To maintain the sink's gleam and shield it from mineral deposits, always dry it completely after cleaning. To avoid lint and maximize absorption and drying time, use a microfiber cloth.

Weekly Deep Clean of a Stainless Steel Sink

Step 1: Rinse

Start at the top of the sink and work your way down to remove all traces of residue using the spray arm of the faucet or a cup and hot water. A rag dampened with water can be used to clean the faucet.

Step 2: Coat With Baking Soda

Baking soda should be sprinkled on all surfaces, including the sink's spout. It should have little trouble adhering to wet surfaces. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can be used to clean stubborn food residue and cut through oil. It not only cleans the drain but also eliminates any lingering odors.

Pro-Tip

Distributing the baking soda can be simplified by using a flour shaker or an empty grated cheese container.

Step 3: Scrub the Sink

Clean the sink in the direction of the metal grain using a nonabrasive sponge or soft bristle scrub brush. The manufacturing process results in subtle lines or "grain" in brushed stainless steel sinks. To avoid any further scratches, stick to the designated paths at all times.

If you need to clean the area surrounding the sink's faucet or the edge of the sink, use an old toothbrush. It's important to remember to clean the drain hole as well. Keep it that way for now!

Just a warning: Never clean with steel wool, wire-bristled brushes, or harsh scrubbing pads. Rust can form on the particles left behind by the metal utensils.

Krowne KR19-22C 24"

Step 4: Spray With Vinegar and Rinse

Cleaning the sink with baking soda and distilled white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) is a great way to get rid of stubborn stains. The reaction between the baking soda and vinegar will cause foaming, so have no fear. Vinegar's acidity will dissolve the mineral deposits that create spots and streaks.

Rinse the sink and faucet thoroughly with hot or warm water once the fizzing has stopped.

Just a warning: Never clean with steel wool, wire-bristled brushes, or harsh scrubbing pads. Rust can form on the particles left behind by the metal utensils.

Step 5: Remove Tough Stains

Make a paste of 1/4 cup cream of tartar (potassium bitartrate). Add 1 cup distilled white vinegar to get rid of rust and other stains. You may find the cream of tartar in the grocery store near the leavening agents and stabilizers. Apply the paste to the stained area. Then work it in with a sponge to remove the stain. Give the paste at least five minutes to do its thing before rinsing it off. Restate if necessary.

Step 6: Buff to a Shine

After cleaning and drying the sink, use a microfiber cloth dampened with a few drops of coconut or olive oil to polish the sink and its fittings. The stainless steel will gleam after being treated with oil.

How Often to Clean it

In order to prevent the growth of bacteria and the retention of food particles, it is important to wipe the kitchen sink after each usage. If you clean once every day, you should only have to thoroughly clean once each week. Regular cleaning also includes the laundry room and any outside sinks.

How to Keep Your Stainless Steel Sink Clean

• Putting a dish mat in the sink is a bad idea. Trapped debris makes it more of a hassle to keep the sink tidy. Instead of using a solid grid to cover your fragile glasses, try an open one.
• After washing the dishes, make sure there is no soap left behind.
• As a preventative measure, you should rinse and clean out the sink after each usage.

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