10 ways to keep the kitchen sink clean, whether the sink is made of stainless steel or Kuarzite, in this guide you will find how to keep it clean.
The kitchen sink is one of the busiest and most used areas in our home. It’s where we clean our dishes, wash our vegetables, and do many other daily tasks related to preparing meals. However, due to its constant exposure to water, food remains and cleaning agents, it can quickly become dirty and messy if not properly treated.
Keeping the kitchen sink clean and hygienic is essential to ensure a healthy and welcoming environment in our culinary workspace. Luckily, there are several simple and effective ways to keep it clean and to preserve its long-term beauty.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 ways to keep your kitchen sink clean. We will see the importance of emptying and cleaning dirty dishes immediately, the use of accessories and trays to maintain order, as well as the use of specific detergents depending on the material from which is made.
We will also review the importance of daily cleaning, limescale removal and proper care of stainless steel sinks and Kuarzite sinks.
By following these practical tips, you can keep your sink clean, hygienic and free from germs and bacteria. Let’s get started right away, here are the topics you’ll find in this article:
10 ways to keep your kitchen sink clean
1. Keep the sink tidy
It seems obvious, but keeping the kitchen sink tidy and clean is not always easy. It is an area that is used frequently, both for food preparation and for cleaning and drying dishes and other kitchen utensils.
To keep it tidy and thus facilitate cleaning, Evhoc has created a collection of specific accessories for sinks:
- Multifunctional chopping boards - to be used as a drainer, support surface or aesthetic cover, they are very useful for facilitating cleaning of the sink;
- Baskets - compatible with the sinks of all the Evhoc collections, the baskets can be used as a drainer, vegetable support surface or aesthetic cover;
- Multifunction grids - available in hpl or steel, the grids can be used as a support or trivet both in the sink and on the kitchen top;
- Trays - useful for storing cutlery to dry, but also for washing fruit and vegetables, the trays help keep the sink tidy and facilitate cleaning after each use.
2. Do not leave food residues and dirty dishes in the sink
Leaving food residues and dirty dishes in the sink can not only cause unpleasant odors, but can also favor the proliferation of unwanted bacteria and germs. In addition, food residues can dry and stick to the walls of the sink, making it more difficult to clean up later.
To prevent this problem, it is advisable to rinse dishes and utensils thoroughly immediately after use, removing any food residue. Afterwards, it is recommended to wash them with dish soap and warm water, making sure to completely remove all traces of dirt.
It is important to empty the sink regularly, eliminating food residues collected in the filter or drainage system. This helps maintain a hygienic environment and prevent the build-up of unpleasant odors.
3. Clean the sink strainer well
It is of the utmost importance to clean the sink strainer thoroughly to ensure an effective drainage function and to prevent the accumulation of dirt and residues. The filter plays a vital role in retaining remains of food, preventing it from clogging the exhaust system and causing problems.
To properly clean the sink strainer, remove the strainer gently, being careful not to damage it. Once removed, check for buildup of food remains or grime.
You can use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush or non-abrasive sponge to gently remove the unwashed. Make sure you reach all parts of the filter and clean it thoroughly.
If the filter is particularly dirty or has stubborn buildup, you can soak it in warm water with a little dish soap. Leave the filter to soak for a few minutes to loosen the dirt, then scrub gently with a brush or sponge to completely remove the residue.
Once you have finished cleaning, rinse the filter thoroughly with warm water to remove all soap residue. Make sure it is completely dry before placing it back in its original position in the sink.
4. Clean the sink strainer well
Cleaning the sink daily is an essential practice to maintain hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen. This simple and healthy habit can prevent the formation of bacteria, mold and bad smells in the sink, helping to maintain a healthy and welcoming environment.
Use a soft sponge or a clean cloth soaked in water and a suitable detergent to remove food residues, stains or traces of limescale. All this will make it possible to eliminate unsightly streaks of dirt from the sink, thus guaranteeing you a hygienic space to prepare your daily meals.
This good habit will allow you to have, with just a few minutes of sponge and detergent a day, the clean and fragrant sink you've always wanted. However, a little more thorough cleaning will occasionally be necessary.
There is no golden rule to follow: much depends on the material of the sink, the use made of it, the frequency of use and the products used daily for cleaning.
In any case, we generally recommend that you take a few more minutes (and a little more energy) once or twice a month to dedicate yourself to the hygiene of your sink. This way, the surface of the sink will always remain as new.
5. Use the right product depending on the material
The material with which the sink is made greatly affects the techniques and products that can be used to clean the kitchen sink. There is no ideal product for cleaning every type of sink, so we suggest that you always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the warnings available on the different bottles of detergent.
We will dedicate two specific spaces to the cleaning of stainless steel and Kuarzite sinks: in this paragraph we will limit ourselves to a few brief indications on the techniques and products to be used on sinks made of different materials.
For granite sinks it is advisable to avoid acid or abrasive detergents, which could damage the surface: it is better to simply opt for warm water and neutral soap, making sure that the surface is completely dry after cleaning to avoid the creation of limescale and detergent halos.
Warm water and neutral soap also for cleaning ceramic sinks. In the presence of particularly stubborn stains, it is also possible to opt for products based on sodium bicarbonate. On the other hand, abrasive sponges should be avoided, as they could scratch the enameled surface of the sink.
Finally, particular attention should be paid to the cleaning of marble sinks, a surface as elegant as it is delicate, which could be irreparably ruined by the use of products that are not suitable for this type of material.
The most important rule is to avoid acidic products, such as citrus juice or hydrochloric acid-based solutions, which could damage the marble.
The only exception is vinegar, provided however that it is previously diluted with water and applied to the surface of the sink with extreme delicacy.
6. Dry the sink well after washing it
Cleaning the sink is not limited to simply removing stains with water and other detergents: it is essential to dry the surface well once all cleaning operations have been completed.
Leaving the water to dry in the sink can in fact favor the formation of limescale deposits, generating stains which can then be difficult to remove and which may require the use of specific anti-limescale products.
A wet sink can favor the proliferation of moulds, germs and bacteria: complete drying of the surface after cleaning operations can avoid this unpleasant inconvenience and help you preserve a healthy and hygienic environment.
Finally, remember that some materials, such as marble and granite, are particularly sensitive to water and prolonged exposure to humidity can cause damage or alterations to the surface of the sink.
7. Avoid leaving metal objects in the sink for a long time
Another good habit is to avoid leaving metal objects, such as classic crockery, in your kitchen sink for a long time. Once used, it is advisable to wash, dry and immediately put forks, knives, spoons and scissors back in their place: in doing so, in addition to giving an immediate impression of order and cleanliness, you will have the possibility of better preserving the surface of your sink.
First of all, it is good to remember that kitchen sinks, however resistant, are not indestructible. Leaving metal objects in a stainless steel sink for a long time can cause scratches on the surface. This does not apply to Kuarzite and marble sinks. The result, in addition to being decidedly unsightly, can generate scars and lesions in which dirt and food residues that are difficult to remove can get stuck.
Secondly, metal objects can be sensitive to water and to the detergents used to clean the sink: although modern crockery is mainly made of stainless materials and therefore not subject to rust, it is best to avoid keeping metal objects in the sink for a long time. sink to minimize the risk of contaminating the foods we are going to consume with any chemicals.
8. Avoid cutting directly over the sink
An advice similar to the previous one is to avoid cutting food directly in the kitchen sink. Using scissors and knives on the surface of the sink can in fact cause scratches which, in addition to being unsightly, can make cleaning procedures more complicated.
Cutting food directly in the sink can also accelerate the deterioration of the material with which the surface of the sink is made and, not secondarily, increase the risk of contaminate the food that we are going to consume.
If you really don't want to give up the convenience of cutting meat, fish, fruit and vegetables near the sink, we recommend using Evhoc's multifunctional chopping boards: they avoid the risk of scratching the sink surface and can also be used as dish drainers, support or simple aesthetic covers.
9. Eliminates unpleasant odors from the sink drain naturally
There are so many ways to get rid of unpleasant smells from the sink drain naturally. The classic grandmother's remedy is made of baking soda and vinegar: just pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain and then slowly add half a cup of white vinegar to have a chemical reaction capable of eliminating accumulations of fat and food and neutralizing the smells.
Another traditional remedy is given by the simple lemon juice: just pour some juice down the drain, leave it for a few minutes and then rinse everything with warm water to have a fresh citrus aroma that will mask all the unpleasant smells from the drain.
Even more simple boiling water can help eliminate the unpleasant odors that come out of the sink drain. A little boiling water poured down the drain can in fact flush out any buildup of food, grease and other residues that may have become stuck in the pipes.
10. Use a soft sponge
We close this handbook on the most effective ways to clean your kitchen sink with a simple common sense tip: always prefer the use of soft sponges and avoid abrasive cloths or stiff brushes which can instead cause damage and scratches to the sink surface.
Soft sponges are characterized by extreme versatility, since they can be used without particular fears on any type of surface, and are much easier to handle to reach the corners and narrowest points of the sink.
Furthermore, despite their softness, this kind of sponges are particularly effective for cleaning your sink: thanks to their porous structure, they are in fact capable of capturing and retaining all food and dirt residues, without running the risk of damaging the surface of your sink.
Cleaning tips for stainless steel sinks
There are specific precautions for cleaning a stainless steel sink. After cleaning the sink with water and a sponge, wipe the surface with a cloth soaked in white vinegar and then dry with a soft cloth to obtain a shiny, clean look.
For more stubborn stains, you can opt for the use of baking soda, which has abrasive properties. After applying the baking soda, simply rinse with warm water and dry with a towel. Furthermore, to remove rust and limescale stains, lemon juice is an effective option, while lemon peel can be used to deodorize the sink.
How to clean a Kuarzite sink
If you have a sink in Kuarzite, an exceptionally resistant material designed by Evhoc, here are some tips for cleaning it. First of all, the use of chemical products or cleaners is not recommended as they could damage the surface in the long term. For effective daily cleaning, we suggest instead using a dishwashing detergent with the addition of baking soda.
To remove the stains caused by drops of water, however, it is possible to polish the surface with a damp cloth and a few drops of olive oil. In the case of more persistent stains, white vinegar proves to be an excellent ally: just spray it on the surface, leave it to act for at least 4 hours and then rinse it off.
To give the sink a greater shine, you can finally rub it gently with a soft cloth and some flour, and then rinse it with water.
Which model to choose according to your needs: 5 proposals
DEUS
Deus is a stainless steel countertop sink that features a brilliant scotch-brite satin finish and a plate with pre-drilled holes to facilitate the practical installation of the mixer.
In perfect balance between style and practicality, it is made in such a way that can fit in all kitchen tops and has a 20 cm bowl bottom with rounded internal corners with a large 12 mm radius to facilitate rinsing and cleaning operations.
It is available in different sizes, in order to satisfy all your needs: Small (55x51cm), Medium (75x51cm) and Extralarge (two tanks for a total surface of 75x51cm).
LUMIUM
Timeless elegance and beauty for Lumium, a stainless steel sink with a brilliant scotch-brite satin finish. The simple and minimal design makes it the ideal solution to combine with any type of kitchen top.
Also in this case the product is available in different models and sizes. You can choose between the under-mount and top-mount versions.
The drop-in version includes: Small top-mount (54x44cm), Medium top-mount (74x44cm), Extralarge top-mount (two basins for a total surface area of 74x44cm).
The undermount version, on the other hand, includes: Small undermount (54x44cm), Medium undermount (74x44cm) and Extralarge undermount (two bowls for a total surface area of 74x44cm).
Practicality remains an essential element of the product. The bottom of the tank is 20 cm high and has a unique slope. The external edge is rounded with a radius of 10 mm, while the internal corners are beveled with a large radius of 12 mm to facilitate cleaning and rinsing of the sink.
DESIDERATA
The Desiderata sink by Evhoc stands out for its advanced design and functionality. This line features a single bowl Kuarzite sink. This product has the particularity of having a pre-drilled plate (with 5, 4 or 3 pre-holes, depending on the size) to also place any accessories, as well as a step to allow the worktop to be extended with a chopping board or colander.
Available in three sizes (XS, 57x51cm; S, 79x51cm; L, 86x51cm), it features the AcquaFlow drain with chromed cover to ensure an innovative filtering and draining system. The internal corners are made without sharp edges, with a radius of 8-10mm to facilitate cleaning operations.
The range of colors is also wide, with different colors available: black, cement grey, white and dove grey.
UNICUM
Another proposal in Kuarzite is Unicum, a single bowl sink available in the over-top and under-mount versions and in two different sizes: Small (57x50cm above-mount and 54x44cmm below-top) and Large (79x50cm above-mount and 76x44cm below-top).
Ideal for anyone wishing to furnish their kitchen with a modern and contemporary style and character, the Unicum sink has a wide and deep basin bottom, with a height of 20cm, and a single slope. The internal corners are bevelled with a 5 mm radius without sharp edges, always with the aim of facilitating cleaning operations.
The catalog of colors to choose from is once again extensive: black, cement grey, white and dove grey.
ADHOC
We close this article with the Adhoc series, a line of Kuarzite countertop sinks that stands out for its high versatility and for the ability to adapt to all kitchen configurations.
The sink is available in three sizes that present three different configurations. The Adhoc S model consists of a 35x40cm tank and a drainer for a total area of 86x50cm. No drainer but two tanks instead in the Adhoc M version: each tank has a size of 35x40cm for a total surface of 86x51cm.
Finally, the complete package in the Adhoc L model: two bowls and a drainer for a total area of 116x43cm, ideal for those who have a large kitchen and a large surface area for their sink.
All models have rounded internal corners to facilitate cleaning operations. The finishes are available in three colours: black, concrete gray and oatmeal.
Keep your kitchen sink clean and in great condition
In this article, we've explored 10 practical ways to keep your sink clean, no matter what material it's made of.
We started by highlighting the importance of maintaining order with the use of special accessories, such as multifunctional chopping boards, baskets, grids and trays. Not only do these accessories make cleaning easier, but they also help keep the sink tidy and organized.
We then emphasized not to leave food residues and dirty dishes in the sink, and discussed the importance of cleaning the sink strainer to ensure effective drainage function and prevent dirt buildup.
Remember to use the right product depending on the material of the sink. While for granite and ceramic sinks it is advisable to avoid acid or abrasive detergents, for stainless steel and Kuarzite sinks there are specific indications for optimal cleaning.
Keeping your kitchen sink clean requires constant effort, but by following our practical advice you can preserve its beauty and hygiene in the long term.
Remember to always consult the manufacturer's instructions and warnings available for your specific sink, and to adopt the recommended cleaning and maintenance practices.