Frequency of Sink Cleaning: Expert Opinions Get Weighed In
Frequency of Sink Cleaning: Expert Opinions Get Weighed In
Sinks encounter various substances and materials day-to-day. This multifunctional fixture serves for hand washing, tooth brushing, dish washing, food preparation, and waste disposal. Due to frequent usage, sinks get dirty rapidly, necessitating regular cleaning to ward off bacterial growth. But how often should you clean it to hinder this? This article explores expert recommendations for cleaning bathroom and kitchen sinks and the indicators that a thorough scrub is needed.
Jonathon Thigpen, co-founder and proprietor of Transparent Cleaning, a cleaning service company, and Toby Schulz, CEO and co-founder of Maid2Match, an online platform that connects users with local certified cleaners, and Danny Pen, the president at N Era Plumbing & HVAC, a locally-owned and operated plumbing & HVAC company, share their insights.
How Often Should You Clean Your Sink?
Several factors determine the appropriate cleaning frequency for your sink. "The frequency of scrubbing depends on factors such as usage, material, and water quality," says Pen. Frequently used sinks or those exposed to more debris (like food scraps) require more frequent cleaning. To prevent future buildup, experts advise implementing a regular cleaning routine tailored to your needs.
"To prohibit bacterial growth, we recommend performing a weekly routine clean and a monthly, disinfecting scrub," says Jonathon Thigpen, co-founder and proprietor of Transparent Cleaning. The recommended cleaning frequency might differ between kitchen and bathroom sinks based on usage.
Location and Use Matters
Bathroom sinks can be cleaned whenever the bathroom is cleaned. Moderate cleaning should suffice, as long as there isn't a major mess, like hair clippings or hair dye.
"Kitchen sinks, however, need daily attention as they encounter more dirt, debris, and bacteria daily," says Toby Schulz, CEO and co-founder of Maid2Match in Brisbane, Australia. "If you use the kitchen frequently, then you should also clean the kitchen sink daily," he suggests, and he recommends an immediate clean if the sink comes into contact with raw meat.
Deep Clean Certain Areas
Be sure to clean the sink's drain and under it for a complete cleaning.
"Clean the drain using a cloth, preferably microfiber, or a soft sponge daily, or even after each use," says Danny Pen, president at N Era Plumbing & HVAC. "This simple practice helps prevent water spots, decreases soap scum, and minimizes bacterial growth," he adds. Regularly deep clean the entire sink every three months, focusing on hard-to-reach areas like faucet aerators and the sink's edges.
Consider Your Material's Cleaning Protocol
The type of material your sink is made of affects the sink's cleaning schedule as well.
"Stainless steel sinks benefit from a daily rinse to prevent water spots and minor scratches, while porcelain sinks don't need cleaning as frequently but may require a thorough scrub since they can stain more easily," Pen explains.
Consider Your Water's Hardness Level
Water hardness also impacts the cleaning schedule. Hard water contains minerals like magnesium and calcium, leading to visible stains, water deposits, and harder cleaning requirements.
"Regularly cleaning your sink prevents hazards like bacteria and maintains aesthetic appeal by preventing hard water stains or limescale buildup and discoloration," says Thigpen.
Signs That Your Sink Needs to Be Cleaned
Even when it's easy to overlook, there are several signs that indicate your sink needs cleaning.
"Some signs that it's time to clean your sink are when you notice a ring of grime forming around the sink's edge or bottom, or if you start noticing any odors," says Thigpen.
Unpleasant odors often originate from the drain and can be removed using baking soda. "If a warm, musty smell emerges when running hot water, it's usually due to bacteria in residue that heat activates—this can be a sign to clean quickly, even if the sink appears fine," says Pen.
Take note of pooling water around the faucet, grime around the fixtures, or persistent water spots indicating soap scum buildup. If you notice a slow drain, it could mean it's time to clean the pipes and remove a potential clog.
In light of their expertise, Jonathon Thigpen from Transparent Cleaning suggests performing a weekly routine clean and a monthly, disinfecting scrub for sinks to prevent bacterial growth. Toby Schulz, CEO of Maid2Match, emphasizes the need for daily cleaning for kitchen sinks, especially after contact with raw meat.
Regarding material-specific cleaning, Pen advises a daily rinse for stainless steel sinks to prevent water spots and minor scratches, while porcelain sinks may require a more thorough scrub due to their susceptibility to staining. Hard water, containing minerals like magnesium and calcium, necessitates regular cleaning to prevent stains, deposits, and harder cleaning requirements.