How To Clean Plastic Sinks
Plastic kitchen sinks are often white in color and constructed of acrylic, which is a material that readily accepts stains due to its porous nature. Yet, you shouldn’t be concerned since I’ll show you an easy way to clean the plastic sink in the kitchen.
Everyone is aware of how significant an importance sinks play in the kitchen. We require it for everything, from washing our hands to cleaning our vegetables.
Because of this, there is a significant chance that it may become soiled, and this risk is increased significantly if the sink is of a light color.
If the sink is made of plastic, the area around it may get a darker color if someone puts a hot pan or pot in it. Simply because the hot pan has the potential to melt the plastic and leave a mark on it.
If your kitchen sink is made of plastic, you need to exercise extreme caution at all times. Avoid placing anything that gets heated directly on the surface.
Keeping your plastic sink immaculately clean is a very challenging and time-consuming task to undertake. Yet it’s not impossible!
You won’t believe it, but you can accomplish this task with inexpensive common household products and other cleaning supplies that are lying around your house. Yet, very few people are aware of this fact.
As a direct consequence of this, people have a habit of washing their plastic sink with harsh, poisonous, and acidic cleaners. And this, in turn, results in damage rather than the eradication of the stain.
We are sympathetic to your predicament. For this reason, we have compiled this helpful tutorial that will teach you how to clean a plastic sink and provide you with the information you need. We have provided you with a step-by-step tutorial for each of the three different cleaning methods that we have supplied.
So, without further ado, let’s get right to it, shall we?
Methods to Clean a Plastic Sink
The fact that sinks made of plastic or acrylic are typically white or off-white in color makes them more prone to discoloration and stains. In addition, the most common application for them is wiping off paints and other industrial contaminants. So, you should be prepared to deal with stains that are difficult to remove.
Acrylic is a sturdy material, although it is not as robust and durable as porcelain or stainless steel. Stainless steel and porcelain are both far more resilient than acrylic. As a consequence of this, heavy acidic cleaners do additional damage to the surface of the sink by burning holes in it.
Hence, it is difficult to discover a perfect cleanser that will help you to clean and efficiently remove stains from your basin because of the way the basin is constructed. Because of this, we have provided you with a few straightforward solutions that will assist you in cleaning your plastic sink.
Because the majority of these methods and stages employ commonplace items, you do not need to be concerned about any kind of harm. Let’s get underway then!
1. Vinegar and Baking Soda
Baking soda is a well-known alkalizing cleaning ingredient, whereas vinegar possesses naturally occurring antibacterial and cleansing characteristics; for those who are unaware of this, we will explain. As a result, when combined, they result in the production of a cleansing foam that is bubbly and frothy.
The application of the solution causes the stains on the surface to react, which breaks the bonds that hold the spots together. This, in turn, causes the stains to become more loosely attached to the surface, which makes it much simpler for you to scrub them away. In light of this, let’s examine the procedures that must be followed in order to clean the sink using the aforementioned components.
Step 1. Sprinkle Baking Soda On Sink
First things first, check to see that there is no moisture in your sink at all. After that, you should plug it in and then sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on its bottom and sides.
Step 2. Pouring Vinegar
The following step is to begin pouring vinegar into the sink. Also, using a damp sponge, wipe over the edges as well as the bottom surface, making sure that the vinegar and baking soda are thoroughly mixed together.
When you have finished doing this, you will observe that the solution transforms into a foam. You can now let the mixture sit on the sink for anywhere between half an hour and a full hour.
Step 3. Draining and Rinsing
After the allotted amount of time has passed since the beginning of the waiting period, the stopper should be removed and the sink should be allowed to drain. Finally, rinse the area well with hot water to remove any residue. After you have finished rinsing the sink, use a sponge and some liquid soap to clean the surface of the sink, and then rinse it once more. You will have an easier time removing stains if you do this.
2. Chemical Scrubs
If you find that the mixture of vinegar and baking soda does not entirely clean your sink, even after applying it, you may consider using a cleaner that is more effective. In light of the aforementioned, it should be noted that chemical scrubs that contain oxalic acid, calcium carbonate, or bleach are capable of efficiently removing stains, provided that you put in some work on your end.
When it comes to abrasive cleaners, the product known as “Bar Keepers Friend” is a common option. It has a texture that is quite comparable to that of baking soda. In addition to this, it has oxalic acid, which works by severing the chemical bonds that hold stains together. This makes it much simpler to remove the stains from the surface.
In order to demonstrate how to use this cleanser properly, we are going to use it as an example throughout the rest of the instructions. Continue going…
Step 1. Read Label Before Applying The Cleanser
Before using the cleaning agent, you should always double check that you have read and understood the directions that are printed on the label. This is an extremely important preventative measure that will keep you safe.
You are welcome to start dusting the powdered cleanser, which in this case is called Bar Keeper’s Friend, on the dry sink. Create a paste with the help of the water, and then let it sit on the surface for about a quarter of an hour.
Step 2. Continuous Scrubbing
After the allotted amount of time has elapsed, scrub the surface in a circular motion using a soft cloth or sponge that does not contain abrasives. The stains ought to be removing themselves with relative ease. Go on with the cleaning technique until the plastic sink in your bathroom is completely clean.
Step 3. Rinsing and Drying
To ensure that your sink is completely clean, first rinse it with hot water and then let it air dry.
Step 4. Seal The Surface
After you have finished everything that has to be done to clean the acrylic, use a cloth to apply an acrylic cleaner such as Gel-Gloss. This will act as a sealant on the surface, preventing any further stains from appearing on it.
3. Denture Tablets
It makes sense to have some background knowledge regarding denture tablets before delving into the specifics of the cleaning technique. In connection with this topic, these are essentially pills that are utilized for the purpose of eliminating stains from fake teeth. As a result, they may also be used for performing the same purpose for plastic sinks, which is another application for their versatility.
Denture tablets produce an effervescent response when they come into contact with stains, which makes it simple to clean the stains away. That’s not the end of it. In addition to that, they contain brightening chemicals that will make your plastic or acrylic sink look spotless and brand new. Now that we haven’t wasted any more of your time, let’s get started on the stages that are included in the cleaning method.
Step 1. Drop The Tablets In The Sink
After the stopper has been plugged in, water should be added to the sink. Put anywhere from five to ten denture cleaning pills into the solution to get the cleaning process started. After the bubbles have started to form, the solution should be left alone for one to two hours, or perhaps overnight.
Step 2. Draining The Sink
Throughout the time that you are resting, you should continue to check the sink. As soon as the bubbling stops, you can remove the stopper from the sink, which will allow water to flow freely down the drain.
Step 3. Wiping Down The Stains
In conclusion, use a damp sponge and use it to scrub the bottom of the sink to remove any trace of the tablets that may have been left behind. It is important to get this done before the debris that was left behind dries out or crusts over.
Having done that, you can moreover utilize the sponge to remove the loosened stains from the surface. In addition, use the detergent to clean the sides and bottom of the sink for a more thorough cleaning. After this step, you should give it a rinse and then dry it.
How To Clean Plastic Kitchen Sink?
To begin the process of cleaning a plastic kitchen sink, sprinkle baking soda on the spots that need to be cleaned. The next step is to spray vinegar on the surface and clean it with a brush. After rinsing with water, apply dish soap to the item. After giving it some time to sit, polish it with a towel made of microfiber to reveal a clean and shiny sink.
Alternative Cleaners
Some people choose to clean their plastic kitchen sinks using natural and environmentally safe options rather than chemicals, despite the fact that chemical cleaners can be helpful in this task.
These solutions provide a more environmentally friendly method of cleaning while maintaining the same level of effectiveness.
One such solution, which makes use of lemon juice and baking soda, is as follows:
Baking soda and lemon juice together make for a potent natural cleaning solution that, when applied to a plastic sink, may eliminate odors, eliminate stains, and leave the sink looking clean and new.
This solution that is better for the environment can be used as follows:
- Cut a fresh lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl. Alternatively, you can use bottled lemon juice if fresh lemons are not available.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the stained or dirty areas of the sink. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive that helps remove stains and grime.
- Dip a clean cloth or a soft brush into the lemon juice and apply it to the baking soda-covered areas. The acid in the lemon juice reacts with the baking soda, creating a mild foaming action that helps lift and loosen dirt and stains.
- Gently scrub the sink using the lemon juice-soaked cloth or brush. Focus on the areas with stains or discoloration, applying a bit more pressure if needed. The combination of lemon juice and baking soda will work together to break down stains and leave the sink looking cleaner.
- Rinse the sink thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue. Use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe away the baking soda and lemon juice mixture.
This all-natural cleaning procedure is not only efficient but also kind to the surrounding natural habitat.
As citric acid, which is found in lemon juice, possesses antibacterial characteristics, this substance is an excellent natural disinfectant.
Baking soda has the ability to neutralize aromas, resulting in a sink that smells fresh and clean after use.