Things You'll Need
Scouring cleanser with bleach added
Sponge
Dry towel
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 drops of dishwashing liquid
Rubber sink mats help protect many sink surfaces from scratches and stains but, as the mats protect your sink, they can become stained. Stains on rubber sink mats happen as a result of constant exposure to water, food, grease, and other dirt and debris. Moisture and warmth from your kitchen can add mildew growth to the stain mix as well. As stains accumulate, your rubber mat looks and smells unpleasant. Removing stains from your sink mat is simple and, when done regularly, provides you with a clean, fresh place when you use your sink.
Step 1
Wet your rubber sink mat on both sides with plain cool water. Moistening the rubber surface will help the cleanser to suds up better and work toward cleaning your rubber sink mat.
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Step 2
Sprinkle scouring cleanser with bleach added all over one side of your rubber sink mat to remove stains and mildew. Scrub the rubber surface with a clean, wet sponge, working the scouring cleanser into a soapy lather over the stained surface. Add more cleanser as needed to scrub all of the stains from your rubber sink mat.
Step 3
Turn the rubber sink mat over and scour the second side as well. The side of the rubber mat that is against the sink's surface often becomes more mildewy than the top side since the bottom is constantly exposed to moisture. Sprinkle extra cleanser on, if necessary, to tackle stains and mildew.
Step 4
Rinse both sides of your rubber sink mat with cool water to remove stains and cleanser. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 if any stains or mildew remain.
Step 5
Towel-dry your rubber sink mat with a clean towel. Allow the sink mat to air dry completely. Stand or prop it up so that air can circulate around the mat.
Step 6
Rub one tablespoon of olive oil into the surface of your rubber sink mat to keep the rubber from drying and cracking. Let the oil absorb into the rubber for one hour, then wash the mat with a couple drops of dishwashing detergent and water to prevent the oil from transferring to dishes.
Tip
Stand your rubber sink mats up whenever possible so that they can dry on both sides.
Finish washing the dishes or cleaning up after dinner by rinsing off your rubber sink mats. This helps to prevent staining.
Warning
Liquid household bleach will dry out the rubber sink mat material.
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