Sink grids are handy inserts that fit into the bottom of a kitchen sink to protect the dink from damage. There are numerous different sizes, shapes, and designs to meet the needs of varying sink designs. Whether you have a Blanco sink grid, Franke sink grid, or any other brand, keeping them clean can be tricky.
Food and other debris can get caught in the grid, which needs to be cleaned regularly. Which leads us to the question: how do you clean a sink grid? Whether you want to do a quick rinse or a deep clean, this article will help you determine the best choice for your sink grid.
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What Are Sink Grids?
Kitchen sink grids, which may also be called sink racks or grates, sit in the bottom of your sink. They help protect and preserve the sink’s finish by creating a barrier between the sink itself and anything that could do damage.
Whether that is dirty dishes and other utensils or hot pans that could burn the sink, grids are an excellent option for protecting the sink.
However, sink grids, with all of the tiny squares, are also great at catching debris. So, cleaning them regularly is essential.
Cleaning Options
There are various ways that you can use to get your sink grid sparkling clean, some of which take longer than others. To clean the sink grid with as little elbow grease as possible, pop it in the dishwasher (if it fits) or steam clean it.
If you don’t have a steam cleaner, or the grid is too large to squeeze into the dishwasher, try scrubbing it with a few different products to return it to its once-clean state.
Try The Dishwasher
Are sink grids dishwasher safe? For the most part, yes, they are. Check with the manufacturer to verify that your specific product is dishwasher safe. Stainless steel sink grids can usually be washed in the dishwasher.
Some sink grids are large and won’t fit into a dishwasher laying flat. However, some grids have mechanisms that allow them to fold, which shrinks the size enough for you to pop into your dishwasher.
Before you put the grid into the dishwasher, remove the rubber feet and side bumpers. Then, put the grate in your dishwasher, run the cycle, and you are good to go!
Depending on how long your dishwasher takes in a cycle, this method could take a while. It doesn’t require much help from you, though, so you are free to take care of other items on your to-do list.
Steam Cleaning
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If you have a steam cleaner, give it a whirl on your sink grid. The steam can help loosen and remove any built-up gunk. To clean the grid, all you’ll need are:
- Steam cleaner
- Distilled water
This process usually takes about ten minutes of your time once you get started. We recommend using distilled water instead of tap water. Fill the reservoir with distilled water, then heat the machine.
Make sure you clean the grid on a surface that the steam won’t harm. Move the brush back and forth while lightly scrubbing the grid. The steam will do most of the work. Be careful not to touch the areas where you just cleaned, as it will be scorching. Steer clear of the steam as well.
Allow the grid to cool, then place it in a clean area to dry. Turn off the machine once you are done cleaning, and allow it to cool before handling it. Once it has cooled, empty the water reservoir. Disconnect the cleaning brush and rinse it out with fresh water. After the machine has completely dried, return it to storage.
Soap And Water
Try scrubbing it with soap and water if you don’t have a steam cleaner and the grid won’t fit into your dishwasher. For this cleaning method, you’ll need:
- Dish soap
- Hot water
- Soft-bristled kitchen brush
- Clean, soft towel
In a bucket or container, add warm to hot water with a few drops of dish soap. Dip the soft-bristled kitchen brush in the hot soapy water, then vigorously scrub the sink grid. It is usually easiest to scrub the grid in the sink, as it is supported and prevents the grid from bending.
Ensure that you reach the corners of each square in the grid where the wires meet, as food and hard water will build up in the cracks.
Once you’re done scrubbing the grid, rinse it clean with hot water. Next, use a clean towel to dry the grid. Otherwise, you can prop it up to dry in an airy place.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is excellent for various applications, including the removal of tricky stains on sink grids. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baking soda
- Sponge or soft-bristled cleaning brush
- Warm water
Remove all of the food scraps from the grate. Rinse off the scraps with warm water. Apply a thin layer of baking soda over the entire sink grid, then let it sit for ten to fifteen minutes. After it has sat, scrub the sink grid with the sponge or brush.
If you have a stainless steel grid, remember to scrub in the direction of the stainless steel grains. Since baking soda is a mildly abrasive cleaning agent, it can put scratches into the grid if you scrub in the wrong direction.
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Rinse the grid clean with warm water, then set it to dry.
Note: For an extra clean sparkle on stainless steel sink grids, try using a lemon wedge, vinegar, or olive oil. With the lemon, squeeze the juice over the baking soda on the sink grid. The lemon juice and baking soda will create a chemical reaction that effectively polishes and deodorizes the stainless steel.
Vinegar, which we’ll talk about next, can also help give your sink grate extra shine. Additionally, a touch of olive oil will provide the sink grid with a sparkling finishing touch, although this is entirely optional.
All you need to do is pour a couple of drops of olive oil on a clean cloth and wipe it onto the sink grid. Careful not to use too much, or you’ll end up with an oily mess on your hands.
Baking Soda And Vinegar
If some stubborn stains refuse to loosen, try using baking soda and vinegar to remove them. This method is also excellent for deep cleaning the sink grate. For this method, you’ll need:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Bottle sprayer
- Dish soap
- Soft-bristled kitchen brush
- Warm water
- Scraper
To start, use the scraper to remove any dirt or food on the grid. If you are having issues removing the gunk, you can try using your hands as well.
Next, combine dish soap and warm water. Using the soft-bristled kitchen brush, scrub the grid with warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Some stains will lift solely with the help of vinegar. However, if the stains are fixed in place, you’ll likely need to use baking soda and vinegar together. Mix baking soda and vinegar inside your bottle sprayer.
Spray the entire grid with the vinegar mixture, ensuring that you thoroughly saturate the stained areas. Allow it to sit for five to ten minutes. You may need to leave it to sit for a bit longer, but this is dependent on how challenging the stains are.
After the vinegar mixture has soaked on the sink grid for a while, wipe away the residue with the clean towel. You may need to scrub the grid with the mixture to help loosen the stains. Again, if you have a stainless steel grid, scrub with the grain. Rinse away any excess, then set it to dry in an airy place.
How To Clean The Sink Grid’s Rubber Feet
Many sink grids come with small rubber feet and side bumpers that help prevent it from moving around too much and bumping into your sink. To clean these, remove them from the grate and scrub them with a soft-bristled kitchen brush and warm soapy water.
Once you’ve finished cleaning the grate, reattach the feet and protectors.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens