Does your sink drain slowly? Does it always smell? Smelly, slow-running drains are a hassle, but thankfully they are very easy to fix on your own. In most cases, you can clean a kitchen sink drain with products you already have at home. With just a few simple steps, you can have your kitchen looking and smelling fresh in no time. The whole process should take about 20 minutes, making it an easy job to fit into even the busiest of schedules. If you have a clogged or stinky sink, these steps explain how to clean a kitchen drain.
How To Clean a Sink Drain
The good news is that cleaning your kitchen sink and drain doesn’t have to be a chore. Following these simple steps will help keep your kitchen sink clean and fresh, so you can enjoy cooking and cleaning in your kitchen without worrying about germs or bacteria.
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1. Gather Supplies
Cleaning your sink and drain is easy as long as you know what to use. While there a plenty of effective – and expensive – commercial drain cleaning products available, you really only need a few household items.
The best items for cleaning your sink drain are baking soda and white vinegar. Some liquid dish soap and a scrub brush or a sponge are helpful. You will also need a 6 to 8 quart stock pot or a kettle to boil water. For a streak-free finish on stainless steel or porcelain sinks, a microfiber cloth is helpful.
If your sink backs up or drains slowly, you will also need a plunger to clear the clog. Petroleum jelly will help form a better seal and make unclogging the drain easier.
To disinfect and deodorize your sink drain, you will need 1 to 2 lemons. 2 Limes or 1 orange work just as well. Day-old, or even week-old, fruit is just as effective as fresh too.
Although not necessary, rubber gloves as also suggested.
If you choose to use a chemical drain cleaner, read the label thoroughly. Take additionally safely precautions, including eye protection and a face mask or ventilator.
2. Empty the Sink
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Before you get started cleaning your kitchen sink, it’s important to make sure that it is completely cleared of any food items, coffee mugs, or dish racks. This will help ensure that you can properly clean the sink without having to worry about anything getting in the way.
3. Clean the Sink Basin
After emptying the sink, give it a quick pre-rinse with warm water to wash away any visible crumbs or food debris. Then wash the surface with dish soap and a soft scrub brush or sponge.
If the sink is really dirty, carefully pour in 6 to 8 quarts of boiling water. This will loosen caked-on dirt and soap scum. Scrub the surface again until it’s clean, then rinse with cold water.
4. Clean the Drain
To clean the sink drain, pour in a cup of baking soda. Then add a cup of vinegar. This will create a powerful foaming action that will remove built-up food particles and other dirt inside the drain.
Wait until the foaming slows, usually about 15 to 20 minutes. Then pour in another 6 to 8 quarts of boiling water to thoroughly rinse the drain. Rinse the sink with hot water to wash away any remaining suds or foam.
5. Plunge a Clogged Sink
If the drain runs slowly or the sink backs up, you can clear clogs with a standard flange plunger. With an inch or two of water in the sink, place the plunger flange inside the sink drain. Then move the plunger in steady up-and-down motions to create pressure and flush away the clog.
Most people think you need to go crazy with a plunger, but slow, steady pressure is actually more effective on stubborn clogs. To get the best pressure, put a layer of petroleum jelly on the rim of the plunger. Then stand on a step ladder so you can get a better angle when plunging.
6. Kill Germs and Odors with Lemons
If you have a garbage disposal, cut the lemons into quarters. If you are using an orange, cut it into eight pieces. Drop the fruit down the drain and run a little water, then switch your disposal on for a few seconds.
Wait 15 minutes, then turn the hot water and disposal on until the fruit is completely processed and the drain runs smoothly. The acid in the juice will kill bacteria, and the citrus smell will keep your drain fresh for a few weeks.
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If you do not have a garbage disposal, carefully juice the fruit into the sink to avoid dropping seeds down the drain. Let the juice sit in the sink for 15 minutes before flushing it with hot water.
While this will help kill germs and remove smells, the juice alone is less effective. You may need to rinse your sink every week to keep unpleasant smells and bacteria at bay. Also, use a drain catcher to keep food waste from going down the drain.
7. Rinse the Sink
Rinse the sink again with warm water. If you had to plunge the drain, wash away the petroleum jelly with more dish soap and a scrub brush.
8. Wipe It Dry
Lastly, wipe the sink basin dry with a microfiber cloth. This will prevent water spots and streaks, leaving your sink gleaming and bright.
How Often Do You Need To Clean the Kitchen Drain?
You should clean your kitchen sink drain at least once a month. This will help keep it free of clogs, bacteria, and odors. If you have a garbage disposal, give it a citrus rinse every two weeks. This will help remove food leftovers and prevent smells and germs.
Use a plunger on clogged drains as necessary. Even with regular drain cleaning, you should also use a drain snake every three to six months. This will help break up greasy clogs and other build-ups in the drain pipes.
What To Do About Slow Drains in the Kitchen?
If your kitchen drain runs slowly even after repeated cleanings, skip the chemical cleaners and call in the professionals. A licensed plumbing professional can inspect your sink drain and repair the damage quickly and safely. Plus, they can diagnose the issue and help prevent future issues.
Do you have a clogged drain or need help cleaning your sink? Five Star Rated has prescreen, local plumbers available in your area.
Plus, when you use one of our plumbers, you get the added protection of the Five Star Guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with their service, we will refund you up to $2,000.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens
