You’d be surprised what the average family kitchen sink has to deal with on a daily basis. Not only is it responsible for being the main cleaning area for the food we eat and the utensils we eat off, some sink-owners clean their teeth at it, wash the family pet in it, and some are even guilty of forcing rotton food items through the grate.

Being an all-rounder for activities that involve water, including food preparation and cleansing, it is vital to keep your sink hygienic – especially after a sink’s extra-curricular activities.

As our awareness of environmental issues grow and the fact that everything that goes down the drain ends up in our waterways and eventually our foodchain, you need to always be careful of what you put in your sink – cleaning products included. Bleaches are detrimental to septic systems and sewer treatment processes. Please also note that some harsh chemicals and ‘built-in’ abrasives can corrode and scratch your sink.

Here are some eco-friendly ways to clean your sink, remove stains and odours without adding to pollution or toxins that poison our planet, and protect your sink at the same time:

Removing marks:

Soak uncoloured paper towels in vinegar. Cover the marks with strips of the towels. Allow to stand for 1 hour. Remove and clean. This will work for both ceramic and stainless steel sinks.

Dip an old toothbrush in Bicarbonate of Soda and scrub around taps and the plug hole. Be aware this can scratch a stainless steel sink.

Wet the sink. Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda all over. Use a wet sponge to gently scrub the sink using small circular motions. Rinse thoroughly. Be extra gentle with a stainless steel sink.

Moisten a cloth with undiluted white vinegar and wipe over sink.

Rub a cloth dipped in club soda over your sink.

Removing rust stains:

Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with ½ cup of white vinegar. Rub vigorously. Rinse. Be aware this will scratch a stainless steel sink.

Removing grease from around sink plug holes:

Rub plug hole with half a lemon.

Polishing a sink:

Dip a cloth in vinegar. Polish the sink. Dry.

Rub your sink with olive oil. Wipe clean.

Getting rid of odours:

Pour a small mix of Bicarbonate of Soda and Vinegar (equal amounts) down the sink. Rinse with hot water.

Tips for protecting your sink from scratches, stains and odours:

Use rubber or plastic mats on the bottom of the sink.

Avoid using ‘scouring powders’ or steel wool.

Use a sink strainer to catch food particles. Dispose of them in your bin or compost.