Sinks are in demand for both home remodels and new builds. They have made from strongest materials – they are quite durable. But, strong as they are, all sinks can scratch, chip and stain with age and rough use. Taking the time to correctly care for a sink will keep it looking like new.
1.Clean your sink every day to prevent a buildup of soap scum, grease, and dirt. Use a solution of 2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid to a gallon of water. Scrub the sink’s surface using a soft non-abrasive cloth or sponge. Wipe the sink dry with a dish towel or other soft cloth to eliminate water stains.
2.Avoid abrasive cleaners, which can scratch your sink. Those scratches become magnets for grease, soap scum and dirt. Scrubbing the sink with a solution of 1 tablespoon ammonia to 1 gallon of water will dissolve them and bring back your sink’s shine. A solution of 1 teaspoon of trisodium phosphate to a gallon of water effectively removes grease and soap scum build up as well. Also known as TSP, trisodium phosphate, a degreasing agent, can be found at most hardware stores in white powder form.
3.Deep clean your sink. Line the bottom of the sink with paper towels and pour in undiluted bleach. Be sure the area is well ventilated and let the bleach-saturated towels sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry with a dish towel or other soft cloth.
4.Remove rust stains with a paste made from a cup of borax mixed with a quarter-cup lemon juice. With a clean, soft cloth or sponge, rub the paste into the stain then rinse with warm water.
5.Place heavy items carefully into the sink. Avoid dropping them. Let hot pots and pans cool before you put them in the sink.
Things You Will Need
- DIshwashing liquid
- Non-abrasive cloth or sponge
- Ammonia
- Dish towel
- Trisodium phosphate
- Paper towels
- Bleach
- Borax
- Lemon juice
- Rubber gloves
Tip
- Sinks are available in a variety of colors. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct way to clean colored sinks to keep their colors bright.
Warnings
- Never mix cleaning agents like bleach and ammonia. Mixing them can cause toxic gas to form.
- Wear rubber gloves when working with strong cleaning agents.
- Do not clean a sink with vinegar. Although it is useful for cleaning many other items in your home, its high acid content can damage the sink’s surface.