The kitchen sink should actually be the cleanest place in the entire kitchen. However, as huge amounts of leftover food are washed down there, it is usually teeming with bacteria.

 

Fruit, vegetables and meat are washed in the sink. Cooking pots and dirty crockery in various stages of germ formation are added. Occasionally, even food bowls, toys and garden tools are washed there. Due to the variety of germs that are released into the sink, it is not enough to just clean the surface. What looks clean is not necessarily hygienically clean. The germs are where you can no longer see them, namely in the sink. Regular disinfection and thorough cleaning are necessary to keep the sink free of germs.
A washing-up brush, sponge and antibacterial cleaning agent are necessary. A solution of bleach and water or undiluted vinegar essence will clean the sink and drain thoroughly if rubbed well with a cloth on all surfaces and the drain hole. However, different products are recommended depending on the surface of the sink.

Stainless steel sinks

Stainless steel should be rinsed after each use, as acids and salts can damage the surface. For daily cleaning, use soap and a sponge, rinse off the soap residue with clean water and rub the surface dry.
Stains can be removed with vinegar. To keep the stainless steel surface shiny, you should avoid harsh agents such as ammonia and bleach, as well as abrasive brushes and steel wool.
Stubborn stains can be removed by sprinkling baking soda on the surface. Rub the baking soda in with a cloth and then rinse thoroughly.
Limescale stains can be removed by soaking kitchen paper in vinegar and leaving it to work on the surface, preferably for half an hour. Then treat the surface with a sponge and rinse thoroughly. To avoid limescale stains, the sink should be wiped dry after use.

Cast iron sinks

Cast iron sinks should be thoroughly rinsed and dried after each use. The best way to clean cast iron is with baking soda. The powder is spread over the surface and rubbed in with a cloth. Then rinse thoroughly and dry. The best way to keep a cast iron sink clean is to avoid staining in the first place. Used cooking pots should not be left in the sink and tea bags or coffee filters should not be left there.

Porcelain sinks

Porcelain can be cleaned easily, preferably with scouring milk or simple washing-up liquid. However, cleaning with scrubbing brushes and abrasive sponges should be avoided. Stubborn stains can be removed by soaking in vinegar for a longer period of time and then rinsing thoroughly. Drying is not so important for porcelain sinks as they are easier to clean. For tougher stains, use citrus cleaner or soak them in lemonade.

Fittings

The taps can be easily cleaned with a mild detergent, provided they are cleaned regularly and then rubbed dry. Rubbing with vinegar essence, which also disinfects, helps to remove fingerprints and limescale deposits.