It might surprise you to learn that your bathroom is probably not the dirtiest place in your home. That distinction might go to your sink. And it's not just the dishes piling up in the basin that makes your sink filthy. It's the high density of bacteria in your drain that makes this area of your kitchen such a hotbed for germ activity. What makes it even more concerning is the fact that the germs present in your sink and drain can be easily transferred to your food resulting in illness or food poisoning. It's obvious that the sink and drain in most people's home could use some extra attention. Here's how to clean your sink and help your family avoid illness:
Basic cleaning
Many experts recommend cleaning sinks with a tablespoon of chlorine bleach mixed with around a quart of water. Although chlorine bleach is one of the most effective ways to kill germs, it's not without health hazards. If mixed with ammonia, the combination can be lethal. Plus, chlorine is thought to be a potential cancer causing agent. For this reason, you may feel more comfortable selecting an organic kitchen cleaning product from your natural food store. If you use diluted chlorine bleach, be sure to wear a mask to avoid inhaling the fumes.
To clean your sink, put on gloves and use a towel to remove any food debris. Apply gloves and pour a small amount of your chosen cleaning solution into the sink. Sprinkle some water onto the cleanser to dilute it a bit and use a soft cloth to vigorously scrub the sink basin using your gloved hand. Be sure to cover every portion of the sink. Once you've completed the basin, proceed to scrub the fixtures and area around the sink with your cloth. Rinse your cloth to remove the cleaning solution and wipe down the surrounding areas and fixtures with the exception of the basin. Once this is complete, turn on the hot water and rinse the basin thoroughly using the cloth to aid you. If you're using diluted chlorine bleach, it's imperative that you rinse thoroughly. After rinsing, use a soft towel to thoroughly dry your freshly cleaned sink since water droplets can cause discoloration. Do this type of thoroughly cleansing several times a week.
Preventative maintenance
Between your more intensive sink cleanings, take a few steps to reduce the bacterial population around your sink. Use an antibacterial cleaner to disinfect the sink after rinsing vegetables or if any raw meat has been in the area. This will help to destroy bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Be sure to sanitize your sponges regularly by running them through the dishwasher. Some people also recommend zapping them in the microwave for two minutes. If you do this, be sure to watch them closely as they could ignite.
When you clean your sink thoroughly on a regular basis, you reduce the risk of bacterial related illness, plus it's much more pleasant to have a basin that's clean and shiny!
