How to clean a kitchen sink
The drainage system of the kitchen sink is prone to clogging. Pouring hot water is not the most optimal solution. Instead, you can apply these methods that not only clear the blockage but also eliminate bad odors.
1. Use Rice Water and Baking Soda
Simply prepare a small amount of rice water in a bowl, then add an appropriate amount of baking soda and mix well. Pour this mixture down the clogged drain, and it will start to clear gradually.
This method is effective because rice water itself has strong cleaning properties, and when combined with baking soda, the result is even better.
2. Detergent Powder and Vinegar
If the drain is clogged due to grease or oil buildup, you can add a bit of vinegar to the detergent powder and mix it with 3 cups of hot water. Detergent powder has strong cleaning abilities, and adding vinegar improves the effectiveness.
3. Pipe Cleaner
An easy and convenient method is to use a professional pipe cleaner that is safe, convenient, and inexpensive, without damaging the pipes. The process may vary slightly depending on the product, but the general steps are as follows:
Dissolve the pipe-cleaning powder in water.
Pour the solution down the clogged drain.
Wait for 60-180 minutes (depending on the type of powder and the severity of the clog) for the powder to break down the debris in the sink drain.
Flush with clean water.
4. Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Salt Mixture
Mix baking soda and salt in a 1:1 ratio, then prepare 200ml of white vinegar. Pour the baking soda and salt mixture into the drain, followed by the vinegar. Cover the drain and wait for 1-2 hours. Then, pour hot water into the drain to enhance the cleaning of the blockages in the sink.
5. Plunger
First, pour some water into the sink. Then, place the rubber plunger firmly over the drain. Apply strong downward pressure on the plunger and pull it up repeatedly. Keep doing this until the water begins to drain properly.
6. Use a Spring or Metal Hook
Prepare a spring or metal wire, and use pliers to straighten it. Bend one end of the wire into a U-shape. Slowly insert the U-shaped end into the drain, rotating it to catch debris on the hook. Move the hook up and down several times until you pull out all the debris from the pipe.
How to Prevent Kitchen Sink Clogs
Clean up food scraps and debris after preparing ingredients or washing dishes.
Avoid pouring grease or leftover food down the sink.
Use a drain filter and clean or replace it regularly.
Occasionally pour boiling water down the drain, even when the sink is not clogged, to flush away excess grease.
Use a metal hook to immediately remove large items that you may have accidentally dropped into the drain.
Avoid using water with excessive impurities or dirt, as this can clog both the drain and the faucet.
Use simple drain unclogging tools that are easy to use at home.
