You want to keep your kitchen sink in the best possible shape. But how do you do that? You have to take into consideration the sink type, and choose the appropriate cleaning methods. Here are some tips for maintaining the quality of your sink.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel sinks, sometimes referred to as industrial sinks, are easy to maintain and don’t require much upkeep. Since most soaps and detergents contain chlorides, it’s best to frequently rinse your stainless steel sink, preferably after each use. Combine this simple daily treatment and weekly cleansing with an abrasive cleaner, ideally Bon-Ami or Zud. Unlike porcelain sinks, durable stainless steel stands up strongly to abrasive cleansers. Remember to always scrub in the direction of the polish lines so that your efforts blend with the surface of your sink.
For a less aggressive approach, try cleaning your stainless steel sink with a paste of baking soda and water. Rinse well and dry. Regularly drying your sink works wonders to prevent water and surface rust marks.
Looking for that extra sparkle? Use flour to polish your stainless steel sink into a gleaming finish. Rub dry flour in with a soft cloth, and then rinse and dry. Club soda will create sparkle as well. After placing the stopper in your sink, pour some club soda in and rub with a soft cloth. As always, dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots and surface rust. Add some shine with a few drops of baby oil. Wipe off with a paper towel and repeat for added shine.
Farmhouse Sinks
Clean the interior of your sink daily with a squirt of liquid dish soap, warm water, and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Store your preferred soap on your sink as a reminder to wipe it out daily. Rinse the soap off the sink with warm water. Wipe down the exterior front apron of your farm sink daily with a dry non-abrasive cloth and rubbing alcohol or white vinegar. Do not rinse the rubbing alcohol or vinegar off the sink. Remove tough stains from your farm sink with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Add just enough hydrogen peroxide to the baking soda to make a thick paste. Apply the paste to a non-abrasive sponge or soft-bristled cleaning brush and scrub the sink using circular motions. Rinse with warm water.
Porcelain Sinks
White porcelain sinks aren't the easiest item in the kitchen to keep clean. Stains and spots show up easily, and the sink starts to look dingy and dirty. Although porcelain is hard to keep looking clean, it's still one of the top choices for sinks. Clean your porcelain sink often with non-abrasive cleansers and non-scratching sponges. Hard scrubbing surfaces can scratch away the protective layer of the sink, and this makes it easier to stain. Use fresh lemons to whiten new spots and stains weekly if possible. Lemon is a natural bleaching agent and can fade away small stains without the use harsh chemicals. If you have stubborn stains that won’t budge, use a cleaner with bleach.
