Are You Cleaning Your Kitchen Sink Often Enough? An Expert Weighs In

Sometimes you can rest on your laurels after you complete a task. Unfortunately, cleaning your kitchen sink isn't one of those times. According to the National Sanitation Foundation, your kitchen sink is the germiest place in your house (and in case you're wondering, the germiest item is the kitchen sponge). This is true even if your sink doesn't look dirty. Everyday activities like scrubbing pots and rinsing poultry introduce germs and bacteria to your kitchen sink on a regular basis. So how often do you really need to clean your kitchen sink? Perhaps even more importantly, how do you sanitize your kitchen sink and get rid of those pesky germs? Here's what you need to know.

How Often Do You Need To Clean Your Kitchen Sink?

Once a week, says Leanne Stapf, Chief Operating Officer of Cleaning Authority in Washington, D.C. This is true even if it looks clean to the naked eye or went unused for a stretch of time.

"Even if a sink is going unused or looks clean, you should still stick to a weekly cleaning. Bacteria can build up from unexpected places over time and dust can easily settle in unused spaces," Stapf said.

Stapf adds that you can also do minimal cleaning maintenance every other day with the quick swipe of a disinfectant wipe or cleaning spray, especially during flu season. This will help you keep those nasty germs at bay until you have time for a deeper cleaning.

What Do You Need To Clean Your Sink?

A fresh towel or cloth to scrub your sink is best, according to Stapf. You can also use a sponge, but fresh is the keyword here. A dirty sponge or cloth will just spread bacteria all over your sink.

What Is The Best Cleaner To Use?

"Use warm, soapy water, and baking soda to wash these areas," says Stapf. This is what she recommends for the mixture:

• 3 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 tablespoon dish soap
• 1/4 cup warm water

You can also sprinkle a little baking soda onto a damp soft cloth and buff out the sink for stainless steel surfaces." Be sure to get the sides of the sink and the area around the drain. Rinse well to avoid leaving behind any streaks.

How Often Should You Sanitize Your Sink?

Always sanitize your sink after handling raw meat or poultry, says Stapf. "Wiping or rinsing these areas is not enough to kill any bacteria that may have spread around your kitchen while you were preparing your food," says Stapf.

How To Sanitize Your Kitchen Sink:

1. Start by filling your sink with warm water.
2. Add a small amount of bleach and allow it to sit for at least five minutes before draining.
3. When you're finished, be sure to wipe down the handles and faucet, too.