How to Care for Your Sink

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There's something about a clean sink. In the midst of chaos in the kitchen or bathroom, things don't seem so out of control if your sink is clean and shiny. In fact, most pros tell us to keep that area clean because it gives us more of a feeling of control over the mess than anything else will. So how do we take care of the most used and abused fixture in the house? Read on to find ideas both innovative and tried and true.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Bleach
Scouring powder or liquid scouring gel
Glass cleaner
Towels
Sponges

Step1

Fill a porcelain sink with hot water and add a cup of bleach to it to deal with long standing stains. Let it sit for an hour or two. Clean it out with dish washing liquid to clean all traces of bleach out.

Step2

Finish by attacking any stains with scouring powder. If there are still marks left, try leaving a paste of scouring powder and water on the stain for a few hours. If everything else fails, wet a small pumice stone and gently rub the stain. Realize that this can damage the finish so only do this as a last resort--very carefully.

Step3

Wash stainless steel sinks with warm sudsy water. Only scour with powder or gel cleanser when it really needs it and then no more than once a week. Rub only in the direction of the grain. Rinse well and dry thoroughly. Follow up with a glass cleaner for a perfect shine.

Step4

Don't leave standing water in stainless steel as it will ruin the shiny finish on your sink. Also avoid leaving wet rags or steel wool pads on the sink as this could leave rust spots. With proper care, your sink should last for many, many years.

Tips & Warnings

Clean up your sink first for a greater feeling of control over the mess in the bathroom or kitchen.
Never mix bleach with scouring powder--it releases a dangerous gas which can cause you to pass out.