How To Clean Your Kitchen Sink Drain In 3 Easy Steps

 

Hint: You probably have what you need in the pantry.

When it comes to cleaning the kitchen, making sure the cabinets are wiped down, refrigerator is sanitized, and cleaning the sink are obvious steps–but it’s important not to miss a crucial hiding spot for dirt, grease, and grime: the kitchen

sink drain.

“It’s been said that the kitchen sink is dirtier than a toilet and that includes the drain,” cleaning expert Jill Koch tells Southern Living. “This area is exposed to so much food making it susceptible to bacteria like E.Coli and Salmonella so it's important to keep it clean often so that your dishes are being cleaned in a clean space.”

Not sure where to start? Koch details how to clean your kitchen sink drain, as well as how to clear out any clogs.

What You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Vinegar

Koch says the simplest and most natural option is to use baking soda and vinegar to clean your kitchen sink drain–but they should not be used together.

“This is a common misconception, but baking soda and vinegar when combined actually cancel each other out,” Koch explains. “So it might make a satisfying fizzy reaction, but neither one is really doing anything when they are combined.”

Step-By-Step Directions

Instead of using baking soda and vinegar together, Koch suggests using one and then the other:

1.     Start by sprinkling baking soda down the drain. “I just eyeball it–but about one half cup to one cup–and I like to top it with a little drizzle of dish soap as well,” Koch says.

2.     Let it sit for about five minutes, then rinse with hot water. 

3.     Then, pour a cup of vinegar down the drain.  “Both of these will help clean and deodorize the sink drain,” Koch says.

What To Do If Baking Soda And Vinegar Doesn’t Work

If the baking soda and dish soap followed by vinegar method doesn't work, Koch suggests trying an enzyme cleaner.  

“These contain living bacteria that produce enzymes that will eat and break down food particles,” Koch says, adding that this can help clear any minor buildup and small clogs, as well as clean the drain.  

Before getting started, check the bottle for instructions.

“You'll want to let it sit a little bit before rinsing,” Koch explains. Enzymes work more the longer they sit, so don't rush to rinse it after pouring it down the drain.  When it is time to rinse, I would rinse with hot water and follow with some baking soda and dish soap for odors and additional cleaning.”

Is Baking Soda And Vinegar Bad For Your Kitchen Sink Drain?

Koch says that the acidity of vinegar can be hard on copper or brass pipes over time. 

“But overall both vinegar and baking soda are great natural methods to use for cleaning your sink drain and if only done once a month or so, it should be fine,” Koch says.

Always contact a plumber if you have any concerns or questions.

How Often To Clean A Kitchen Sink Drain

Unlike the kitchen sink–which should be cleaned weekly if not daily says Koch–the drain can be done less often.  

“Ideally, I'd say to try to clean it once a month,” Koch says. “This not only helps keep it clean and prevents buildup, but it also prevents odors and clogs.”

How To Unclog A Kitchen Sink Drain

If a sink drain is clogged and you want to try to clear it before having to call a plumber you can try an enzyme cleaner or boiling water.  Both can be helpful at clearing minor clogs.  

“Commercial drain cleaners and de-cloggers can be very hard on the pipes, so I love to try simple, more natural methods first before advancing to a commercial cleaner,” Koch says.