Maintaining a CLEAN sink is not just about hygiene, it is also about ensuring that your sink always looks aesthetically pleasing, without any visible dirt or grime.
Whether it’s stainless steel, ceramic or composite sinks, homeowners want them to shine after cleaning.
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A quick daily cleaning, combined with a more thorough weekly cleaning, is a common routine that helps prevent the build-up of dirt and bacteria.
But there are also stubborn stains that won’t go away no matter how hard you scrub.
However, one cleaning fan offers a solution and costs only 10 cents.
The problem arose after a desperate tenant recently moved into his new rental home and discovered that his sink was covered in dark stains that looked like they had been there for a while.
They asked for help from cleaning fans on the Facebook page Mrs Hinch cleaning tips and tricks, while also sharing a photo of the sink.
More than 70 responses were received, with many giving their professional opinions on how to remove stubborn stains.
One of them said: “Sprinkle with bicarbonate of soda and cut a lemon in half and scrub it. Don’t rinse it for a few hours, then add washing up liquid and use the other half of the lemon and scrub it again. It should work.”
A second wrote: “Plug it in, pour cheap coke over it and leave it for a while.”
While another added: “Cheap washing powder and hot water. Let it soak overnight.”
Someone else helpfully suggested: “Fill it with hot water, put a dishwasher tablet in and leave it overnight.
“Clean up the next morning with a Cif or a friend of the bartender.”
Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) is a brand of cleaning products that can be used to remove stubborn stains and restore and polish various surfaces.
It drove me crazy
Mrs Hinch Cleaning Fan
The cleaning enthusiast continues: “It will remove a lot of stains, but I’m not sure it will ever be perfect.
“It’s very scratched, so [you] “Soaking with dishwasher tablets should be repeated weekly.”
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While another suggested something similar, writing: “How about boiling water and dishwasher tablets?”
Someone else who experienced the same problem added: “I just replaced my sink with one of these.
“It drove me crazy. The only thing that helps is to soak it in hot water with a lot of bleach for a few hours.”
More bathroom cleaning tips
Keeping your bathroom clean and fresh can sometimes seem like a chore, but with a few practical tips and a regular cleaning schedule, it can become a lot easier.
1. Regular maintenance
Daily Wipe: A quick daily wipe down of surfaces like the sink, countertops, and faucets can prevent the buildup of dirt and soap scum. Keep a microfiber cloth handy for this.
Ventilation: Make sure your bathroom is well ventilated to prevent mold and mildew. Open windows or use an extractor fan during and after showering.
2. Tackling limescale and limescale
Vinegar Solution: Hard water can cause limescale buildup on faucets and shower heads. Soak a cloth in white vinegar and wrap it around the affected areas for a few hours, then scrub with a brush.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is another effective natural cleaner for limescale. Apply it directly to the affected areas, let it sit for a while and then rinse it off.
3. Cleaning the toilet
Toilet cleaner: Use a special toilet cleaner to scrub the bowl. Apply the cleaner under the rim and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush.
Bicarbonate of soda and vinegar: For a natural alternative, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda into the bowl and then add vinegar. The fizzing action helps remove stains and disinfect.
4. Shower and bath
Shower Head: Remove mineral deposits by soaking the shower head in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. You can do this by filling a plastic bag with the solution and securing it around the shower head with a rubber band.
Bathtub: Use a non-abrasive cleaner to scrub the tub. For stubborn stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the stain and let sit before scrubbing.
5. Tiles and grout
Grout Cleaner: Grout can harbor mold and mildew. Use a grout cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub the grout. An old toothbrush can be particularly effective for this task.
Tile Cleaner: Clean tiles regularly with a mild detergent or vinegar solution to keep them shiny and free of soap residue.
6. Mirrors and glass
Glass Cleaner: Use a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to clean mirrors and glass surfaces. Wipe with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks.
Shower Doors: Prevent soap scum from building up on glass shower doors by removing water with a squeegee after each use.
7. Floors
Sweep and mop: Sweep the bathroom floor regularly to remove hair and dust. Mop with a mild detergent or a suitable floor cleaner to keep the floor clean.
8. Waste and laundry
Empty the trash cans: Empty the trash cans in the bathroom regularly to prevent unpleasant odors.
Laundry: Place a small laundry basket in the bathroom for used towels and bath mats and wash regularly.
9. The final touch
Air Fresheners: Use air fresheners or essential oil diffusers to maintain a pleasant scent in the bathroom.
Organization: Make sure toiletries and cleaning supplies are neatly organized and stored away to minimize clutter and make cleaning easier.
