You likely use your kitchen sink every day to wash dishes and prepare food. An issue with this plumbing fixture can be a major inconvenience for your household. Although you should hire a plumber for repairs, taking the following steps will keep the sink in good shape and reduce the need for emergency services.

3 Maintenance Tips for Kitchen Sinks

1. Buff Out Scratches

Although scratches won’t affect your ability to use the plumbing fixture, small scrapes can harbor bacteria that can transfer to dishes and food. Sprinkle a powdered stainless steel cleaner in the sink and wipe the basin with a sponge to buff out the scratches. Baking soda is effective at removing nicks in porcelain enamel sinks.  

2. Address Rust Spots Immediately

Letting iron pans and metal utensils accumulate in a stainless steel sink can cause rust to form. Galvanic corrosion happens when the wet metal objects react to the stainless steel.

When left unchecked, the rust spots will gradually eat away at the sink. To extend the life of your investment, remove rust spots as soon as you see them. Rub a rust removal substance on the spots, as the solution will break the bond between the rust and metal.

When rusted metal objects are left in the sink, the deposits can leave rust stains inside porcelain enamel basins. Rub a lemon wedge covered in salt on the spots. The acidity will break up the deposits, and the salt will act as an abrasive to scrub them away. 

3. Apply a Plastic Cover

To protect your sink from future scratches and stains, put a perforated plastic cover inside the basin. The plastic will protect the fixture from corrosive rust on metal cookware and the impact of placing items in the sink. The cover can easily be washed with dish soap and water to prevent grime buildup.

 

If you encounter a problem that can’t be solved with the above advice, trust the team at Drain Doctor in Levelland, TX. The crew provides pipe repair, drain cleaning, equipment installation, and additional plumbing services to help residential and commercial clients in Hockley County conserve water and avoid inconvenient headaches. Check out their areas of expertise online, or dial (806) 894-3796 to schedule an appointment.