How to Keep Drains and Sinks Clear and Clean
Sinks are an essential plumbing fixture in the home. Not only do they allow you to wash your hands, but they also provide a space to clean up dirty items, such as dishes. While you should take care of all aspects of your home, taking care of your sink is one of the most essential things that a homeowner can do.
If your sink is in great shape now, good. However, that doesn’t mean it will always be that way, especially if you don’t help to maintain it. Contrarily, if your sink is in need of some extra help right now, then there’s no time to lose. Either way, no matter if you’ve just installed a brand new basin fixture or if you’re stuck with an old pipes that frequently clogs, these pointers on how to take of your sink can be applied to any household.
How to Keep Your Sink’s Drain Clear
One of the top-most bothers when it comes to sinks is clogged drains. Not only is it a pain for those trying to use the sink, it’s also highly unsanitary for still water to sit in your sink basin while it slowly seeps down the drain. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to clear a clogged drain that don’t require calling in a professional and spending an arm and a leg.
Drain cleaners and snakes are two useful tools for eliminating clogs in your sink’s pipes. While they can be used to clear out a clog when it occurs, these two tools can also be used regularly to help prevent clogs from occurring in the first place.
Drain cleaners can simply be poured down the sink drain and flushed out with boiling water, while drain snakes are pushed down the clogged pipe and rotated to get the job done. When used in conjunction with each other, drain cleaners and snakes are a sure solution to keeping your sink’s drain clear.
How to Get Rid of Sink Stains
It may seem simple, but regularly cleaning your sink will help prevent it from getting stains. Sinks are easy to clean, and using a clean, damp sponge can remove quite a bit of unwanted dirt and debris. If you’re dealing with a kitchen sink, never leave food or dishes sitting in it for long periods of time. If you can’t get to your dishes right away, do your best to at least rinse them before leaving them sitting in the sink.
Additionally, after you’ve cleared your sink of dishes, toothpaste, or whatever other materials have been sitting in it, take a sponge and wipe down the sink’s basin. Sinks can acquire scum and grime, and if they’re not regularly wiped down, a layer of this can build up in the sink’s basin.
How to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Clean
If you’re dealing with a kitchen sink that has a garbage disposal installed, then you’ll want to make sure you keep your garbage disposal just as fresh the actual sink basin. Some ways to do this can include adding ice cubes, baking soda, boiling water, and orange peels to your disposal. While the baking soda and water will help clean out your disposal, the orange peels can add a fresh scent to your sink.
When and How to Bleach Porcelain Sinks
If the bathroom sink is what you’re working with, and if it’s made of porcelain, you can line the sink with paper towels and soak them in bleach. After about 30 minutes, toss the paper towels and give your porcelain sink a thorough wipe down and rinse. Voila — your porcelain should now be brighter than before!
Don’t follow these instructions If your sink is made with colored porcelain, as it could cause discoloration. Instead, a mild detergent can get the job done.
Final Tips To Keep Your Sink Clean and Draining Clearly
Along with typical sink cleaners, there are some natural products that can help lift stains and keep your sink’s basin looking clean and shiny. Baking soda, when mixed with water, makes a toothpaste-like consistency. This can then be used with a scrubbing pad to clean out sink basins.
If you’re dealing with lime deposits in your sink, vinegar can easily clear them up. Simply apply the vinegar to the lime deposits with a towel and wait ten minutes before buffing them away.
Finally, lemon juice has some powerful properties that can help de-stain your sink. Mix a half-cup of powdered borax with juice from half a lemon and rub the mixture on whatever stain you’re trying to life. Whether your sink is made from porcelain or stainless steel, this quick tip will get rid of stains that are causing your sink to be an eyesore.
Resources— Houzer, One 51 Place, Reader’s Digest
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