The Right Way to Clean a Kitchen Sink, From Stainless Steel to Copper

Your sink can accumulate grime and bacteria quickly, whether it's from dirty dishes or leftover food put down the garbage disposal. Over time, that grime can build up on the surface of your sink, giving it a dingy and dirty appearance. Luckily, giving your kitchen sink and drain a proper clean is relatively straightforward and can be done with a few everyday cleaning products—no matter what material your sink is made out of.

How Often to Clean a Kitchen Sink

Your sink can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which is why you should aim to clean it regularly. "If you use your sink daily, I recommend cleaning it weekly to keep bacteria growth down and prevent buildup and surface staining," says James Cantrell, virtual handyperson expert at Frontdoor.

How to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink

Knowing how to clean a stainless steel sink properly is important, as they can be prone to scratching during the cleaning process, says Trisha Lake, owner and CEO of TLC Cleaning. Remember to scrub following the natural grain of your sink.

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these materials on hand before getting started.

• Water
• Dish soap
• Baking soda
• Microfiber cloth
  

Steps

Follow these steps when cleaning a stainless steel sink.

1. Combine 1 teaspoon dish soap with 1 quart of hot tap water.
2. Apply the mixture to a microfiber cloth.
3. Use the cloth to gently clean the sink, going in the direction of the grain.
4. Wipe down the handles and faucet with the cloth.
5. Rinse away residual soap with warm water.
6. If stains remain, sprinkle baking soda in your sink.
7. Use a damp cloth to clean the sink with the baking soda, going in the direction of the grain.
8. Rinse away residual baking soda residue with warm water.
9. Use a clean cloth to dry the sink and edges. 

How to Clean a White Porcelain Sink

Both porcelain and ceramic sinks are very durable and can be cleaned with most household cleaners. To clean your porcelain sink, follow these steps from Leanne Stapf, CEO of The Cleaning Authority.

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these materials on hand before getting started.

• Water
• Bleach
• Baking soda
• Dish soap
• Microfiber cloth
  

Steps

Follow these steps when cleaning a porcelain sink.

1. Fill your sink with warm water.
2. Add a small amount of bleach and let it sit for five minutes.
3. Drain the sink.
4. Combine 3 tablespoons baking soda, 1 tablespoon dish soap, and 1/4 cup of warm water.
5. Apply the mixture to a microfiber cloth.
6. Use the cloth to gently clean the sink.
7. Wipe down the handles and faucet with the cloth.
8. Rinse away residual baking soda and dish soap with warm water.
9. Use a clean cloth to dry the sink and edges. 

How to Clean a Copper Sink

Avoid using any abrasive products when cleaning a copper sink, as these can remove the dark patina that naturally develops on copper over time.

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these materials on hand before getting started.

• Water
• Dish soap
• Microfiber cloth
  

Steps

Follow these steps when cleaning a copper sink.

1. Combine 1 teaspoon dish soap with 1 quart of hot tap water.
2. Apply the mixture to a microfiber cloth.
3. Use the cloth to gently clean the sink.
4. Wipe down the handles and faucet with the cloth.
5. Rinse away residual soap with warm water.
6. Use a clean cloth to dry the sink and edges. 
   

How to Clean a Kitchen Sink Drain

Kitchen sink drains can build up with grease and fat over time. Flush it out with baking soda and vinegar during your weekly cleanings.

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these materials on hand before getting started.

• Pot
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• Water
  

Steps

Follow these steps when cleaning a kitchen drain.

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Pour the baking soda into the drain, then slowly pour the vinegar in after.
3. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes.
4. Pour boiling water down the sink.