How to Clean Kitchen Sink Effectively – Step by Step Guide

Your kitchen sink goes through more than you realize. From rinsing out greasy pans to tossing in half-eaten leftovers, it’s where food, grime, and bacteria collect daily. And believe it or not, your toilet might actually be cleaner than your sink. That fact alone is reason enough to clean more often.

Skipping regular sink cleanups doesn’t just leave it looking dull but also gives bacteria time to grow, causes odours to build, and can even slow down your drain.

Whether you’ve got a stainless steel kitchen sink, a classic porcelain one, or something in between, a proper cleaning routine can make all the difference.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll break it down clearly—no fancy tricks, just a clean kitchen sink and a fresher home.

Supplies You’ll Need

Start by gathering everything you’ll need. Having your supplies within reach will save time and keep the process flowing without interruptions.

• Dish soap
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Lemon slices
• Microfiber cloth
• Soft sponge
• Old toothbrush
• Hydrogen peroxide (optional for stubborn stains)
• Ice cubes and rock salt for garbage disposal
• Olive oil for polishing stainless steel

Each item on this list serves a purpose. From cutting through grease to lifting stains and deodorizing the drain, these supplies help you clean your kitchen sink effectively without relying on harsh chemicals.

Once everything’s ready, you can move on to the actual cleaning steps.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Kitchen Sink

Step 1: Remove Dishes and Rinse the Sink

Every masterpiece starts with a clean canvas—and your sink is no different. Before you get into scrubbing and polishing, clear out every dish, utensil, and stray sponge. Don’t just push them aside. Give yourself room to work.

Once the sink is empty, turn on the hot water and let it run for about 30 to 60 seconds. This does more than rinse the surface. The heat helps loosen grease, softens any stuck-on food, and preps the drain for what’s coming next. It’s especially helpful if you’ve recently washed greasy pans or poured cooking oil down the kitchen drain.

Think of this step like preheating your oven—it gets the surface warm and ready, making the rest of the cleaning easier and more effective.

If your sink is stainless steel, this initial rinse also helps bring out the natural shine once everything else is scrubbed clean.

Step 2: Sprinkle Baking Soda All Over the Sink

Now that your sink is warm and rinsed, it’s time to bring in the real cleaning power—baking soda. This isn’t just a pantry staple for cookies. It’s your secret weapon for tackling grime without scratching the surface.

Sprinkle baking soda generously across the entire sink. Don’t skip the drain area or the tight corners—these spots tend to collect the most gunk. If your sink has rust stains or greasy buildup, this is where the magic starts.

Got stubborn grime that won’t budge? Mix baking soda with a splash of water to form a thick paste. Dab it onto trouble spots and let it sit for a few minutes. This method works especially well for stainless steel sinks that have dulled over time or porcelain sinks marked by hard water stains.

The best part? Baking soda handles all of this without the need for harsh chemicals or strong fumes.

Step 3: Scrub Gently Using a Soft Sponge or Toothbrush

Now that your sink’s coated with baking soda, it’s time to get in there and do the work. No need to go full elbow grease—this step is more about technique than pressure.

Grab a soft sponge and add a bit of dish soap with warm water. Think of it like washing your favorite pan—not too rough, but not lazy either. Scrub in gentle, circular motions, moving from the center outward. Pay extra attention to the drain edges, seams, and especially under the faucet where grime likes to hide.

If your sponge starts to lose steam, add a few drops of liquid dish soap and keep going. For those hard-to-reach corners or small rust stains, bring in an old toothbrush. It fits perfectly around mounting hardware and tight spots without damaging the surface.

This step brings out the shine while protecting the material especially important for stainless steel kitchen sinks and delicate ceramic sinks.

Step 4: Disinfect with Vinegar or Hydrogen Peroxide

With the surface scrubbed and loosened debris out of the way, this next step targets what’s left behind—bacteria, buildup, and hidden grime.

Grab a spray bottle filled with white vinegar and mist it over the baking soda. The gentle fizz you’ll see isn’t just for show—it signals a chemical reaction that helps break down grease and lift residue, especially around the drain and faucet base.

Let the mixture sit undisturbed for five to ten minutes so it can work through layers you might not even notice.

If you’re working with a porcelain sink or want to brighten things up, hydrogen peroxide makes a solid alternative. It helps sanitize and whiten without being too harsh on the surface.

Finish by rinsing thoroughly with warm water. You’ll already notice a difference in how fresh and smooth the sink feels and the toughest part is nearly over.

Step 5: Freshen the Drain and Garbage Disposal

Even after a thorough scrub, the real trouble often lingers below the surface. Drains and garbage disposals are common hiding spots for grease, old food, and bacteria—and when left unchecked, they can start to smell.

To clear things out, pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by another half cup of white vinegar. Let the fizzing mixture sit for 15 minutes while it works through residue and buildup. This simple combination helps loosen grime without using harsh chemicals.

Once time’s up, flush it all through with hot water.

For garbage disposals, ice cubes and rock salt can help knock loose stuck debris. Want to add a natural deodorizer? Drop in a few lemon peels and run the disposal for about 30 seconds.

Disposals that aren’t cleaned regularly can become a breeding ground for bacteria and odor-causing mold—routine maintenance keeps that in check.

Step 6: Wipe and Dry the Sink Thoroughly

After all that cleaning, don’t let a few stray drops undo the work. Water left sitting in the sink may seem harmless, but over time it can leave behind spots, streaks, and even dull the finish—especially on stainless steel.

Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe down the entire surface. Start with the basin, then move around the faucet, drain, and any fixtures. Be sure to reach the corners and seams where moisture tends to settle.

Drying helps prevent water spots and leaves your sink looking crisp, not cloudy. On stainless steel kitchen sinks, this step also helps preserve that natural sheen.

Step 7: Polish for a Final Touch (Stainless Steel Only)

Once everything’s clean and dry, why not take it one step further? If you have a stainless steel sink, this quick polish can make it look showroom-new—and help it stay that way longer.

Add a few drops of olive oil or baby oil to a soft, clean cloth. Gently buff the surface in circular motions, covering the entire basin and the surrounding edges. This not only adds a clean, reflective shine but also helps resist fingerprints and streaks throughout the week.

Think of this step as the final swipe on a well-made bed—it’s small, but it makes everything feel complete. Polishing once a week can go a long way in keeping your stainless steel sink looking sharp, even between deep cleanings.

It’s a small detail, but one that keeps your kitchen looking polished in more ways than one.

Extra Care Tips by Sink Material

Stainless Steel Sinks

Stainless steel looks great when it’s clean, but it also shows every fingerprint and scratch if not treated right. Keep yours in top shape with these quick care tips:

• Avoid using steel wool or abrasive scrubbers. These can leave scratches and dull the finish.
• Skip harsh chemicals. Stick to mild cleaners like baking soda, dish soap, or white vinegar.
• Always wipe in the direction of the steel’s grain. This helps prevent visible streaks and reduces micro-scratches.
• Dry the sink after each use to avoid water spots and mineral buildup.
• Polish once a week with a few drops of olive oil for a streak-free, fingerprint-resistant shine.

These small habits go a long way in keeping your stainless steel sink looking fresh day after day.

Porcelain Sinks

Porcelain sinks have a smooth, glossy finish that looks elegant but they’re also more delicate than they seem. A little extra care helps preserve their shine without damaging the enamel.

• For stains, spot clean with a paste made from hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Let it sit before gently scrubbing.
• Use a soft sponge and a baking soda and water paste to lift tougher marks without scratching the surface.
• Avoid vinegar on areas where the enamel has worn down. It can erode the finish over time.
• Skip abrasive scrubbers and harsh chemicals. They can scratch or dull the surface permanently.
• Be careful not to drop heavy pans or utensils. Porcelain chips more easily than other materials.

A gentle approach keeps your porcelain sink looking smooth and bright without risking damage.

Composite/Granite Sinks

Composite and granite sinks are known for their durability and modern look, but they still require mindful cleaning to avoid discoloration or surface damage.

• Clean regularly with dish soap and warm water to remove daily grime without wearing down the finish.
• For deeper cleaning, stick to a pH-neutral cleaner to maintain the integrity of the material.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing tools that could scratch or dull the surface.
• Don’t leave acidic foods or liquids—like lemon juice or tomato sauce—sitting in the sink. They can stain or damage the finish over time.
• Steer clear of acidic cleaners, which may cause the surface to lose its luster.

With the right care, composite sinks stay sleek and stain-resistant for years.

Reach Out to Modern Maids for Your Deep Kitchen Cleaning

You now know how to clean a kitchen sink like a pro—but let’s be honest, not everyone has the time (or patience) to scrub around faucet seams or battle stubborn stains with baking soda and vinegar.

That’s where Modern Maids comes in.

We offer deep kitchen and full house cleaning services in Dallas and Austin, handling the mess so you don’t have to. Our team doesn’t cut corners—we clean them. From dirty dishes to hidden gunk around your garbage disposal, we make sure every surface shines.

So whether your sink needs a reset or your whole kitchen could use a refresh, let us do the dirty work. Call us at (469)-430-8860 or book a service online today.

Go ahead and enjoy the sparkle without lifting a sponge.