The Ultimate Sink Cleaning Checklist

Your kitchen sink works hard every single day—catching crumbs, handling dirty dishes, and rinsing food scraps. But how often do you give it the deep clean it truly deserves? Even if it looks clean, your sink can harbor bacteria, stains, and odors that regular rinsing won’t fix. That’s why we created The Ultimate Sink Cleaning Checklist—your step-by-step guide to restoring shine, freshness, and function to the most-used fixture in your kitchen.

1. Clear and Rinse

Start by removing everything from the sink—dishes, sponges, and drying racks. Rinse the basin with warm water to wash away loose debris. If your sink has a drain cover or strainer, take it out and give it a quick scrub to remove trapped gunk and residue.

2. Scrub the Basin

Apply a gentle cleanser suited for your sink’s material. For stainless steel, use baking soda and a soft sponge; for porcelain or composite sinks, go with a mild detergent. Scrub in circular motions, paying special attention to corners and around the drain. Avoid steel wool or harsh pads—they can scratch or dull your finish.

3. Clean the Drain and Disposal

Pour a cup of baking soda, followed by white vinegar, down the drain. Let the fizzing action work for 10–15 minutes, then flush with boiling water. For garbage disposals, grind ice cubes and citrus peels to sharpen blades and remove odors.

4. Polish the Faucet and Handles

Faucets often collect fingerprints, lime scale, and water spots. Wipe them with vinegar on a microfiber cloth, then dry and buff for a streak-free shine. Don’t forget the faucet base—bacteria love to hide there.

5. Disinfect the Edges and Underside

These often-overlooked areas can harbor mold and grime. Use a toothbrush dipped in disinfectant to scrub the rim, sealant line, and any joints. For undermount sinks, wipe along the countertop edge to prevent buildup.

6. Maintain Daily and Weekly Habits

• Rinse and wipe your sink after every use.
• Empty the drain strainer daily.
• Do a deep clean once a week using baking soda and vinegar.
• Keep a microfiber towel nearby to dry your sink—this prevents water spots and rust.

Bonus Tip:

Place a sink mat at the bottom of your basin to prevent scratches, and replace sponges regularly—they’re one of the biggest sources of kitchen bacteria.

At I Hate My Sink, we believe a clean sink is the foundation of a happy kitchen. Following this checklist not only keeps your sink shining—it extends its lifespan, prevents damage, and makes every wash, rinse, and prep more enjoyable.

So grab your gloves and give your sink the care it deserves—because when your sink looks good, your whole kitchen feels better.

‍