Cleaning that Stubborn Kitchen Sink !

Kitchen sinks are one of the dirtiest spots in the house. Here's how to wipe away the germs and shine up your sink.

I recently heard that the average kitchen sink carries more germs than the average home toilet. Think about that the next time you go to rinse off your fruits and veggies or leave your favorite mug soaking in the sink. 

A simple rinse or cleaner-spritz of the sink doesn't cut it when it comes to annihilating stubborn germs living in your kitchen. But there are some relatively easy solutions to get your sink ready for food prep or a baby's bath. There are different techniques depending on the type of your sink, so read on to get your cleaning routine moving. 

Stainless Steel Sinks
If you have a stainless steel sink, you should always be sure to rinse your sink thoroughly after each use. Acids and salts have the potential to damage the finish of stainless steel, so it's important to avoid leaving such foods in the sink.

Mild soap and a nylon sponge suffice for daily cleaning. An all-purpose cleaner or a glass cleaner can be used to clean the sink as well. To prevent soap scum, you should always rinse the sink clean after using a cleaner or soap and then dry with a soft cloth.

A common problem with stainless steel are spots. Wipe this problem away with a clean cloth soaked in vinegar. To trouble spot stubborn stains, try wetting the surface of the sink and sprinkling liberally with baking soda; use a nylon scrubbing sponge to work the baking soda in, then rinse thoroughly. And to keep the finish of the sink at its finest, avoid using any of the following when cleaning the surface: bleach, ammonia and abrasive cleaners (including abrasive sponges and wool steel pads, as they tend to damage the finish).

Never use a chlorine solution in stainless steel sinks, say experts at Kohler. If one does hit the surface, rinse immediately to avoid corrosion. For general cleaning, Kohler recommends these products: Fantastik Antibacterial Heavy Duty, Formula 409 Antibacterial All Purpose and Formula 409 Glass & Surface.

Cast Iron Sinks
Just like their stainless steel counterparts, cast iron sinks should be thoroughly rinsed after each use. But for an added touch, thoroughly dry the entire basin with a clean cloth. For a deeper cleaning, follow the same baking-soda technique as above: wet the entire surface, sprinkle baking soda liberally to cover, scrub the powder onto the sink with a clean nylon sponge and rinse well.

Steer clear of abrasive cleaners. And if you really want to avoid stains, avoid placing items in the sink that will cause them (duh!) such as tea bags, coffee grinds or cans.

For store-bought options, the experts at Kohler recommend the following for cast iron sink:
Fantastik Antibacterial Heavy Duty
Formula 409 Antibacterial All Purpose
Windex Original

For rust removal:
Bon Ami
Super Iron Out Rust Stain Remover
Bar Keepers Friend

Ceramic Sinks
When it comes to cleaning a ceramic sink, opt for a cleanser in a gel or creamy-solution form; these help avoid scratches. Never use abrasive cleaners. If you have some tough stains to remove, instead opt for a solution of one part liquid chlorine bleach to sixteen parts water. (This is also useful for tough stains on cast iron sinks, but do not use it on stainless steel sinks!) You can also try a solution of undiluted white vinegar: apply with a clean cloth around the entire basin, then rinse.

Kohler advises you to add any of these to your shopping list for ceramic-sink cleanings:
Fantastik Antibacterial Heavy Duty
Formula 409 Antibacterial All Purpose
Soft Scrub Lemon Cleanser
Windex Original

For rust removal:
Bon Ami
Super Iron Out Rust Stain Remover
Bar Keepers Friend

Faucets and Handles
Finger prints and smudges on our sink hardware is a fairly common -- and pesky -- problem. Solve it by wiping them down with a clean cloth soaked in white vinegar. The vinegar also helps to sanitize the area, further ridding you of those stubborn germs!