If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the sink is the heart of the kitchen. Meal prep and clean-up tasks are all centered around the kitchen sink.
That’s why it’s important to keep your sink properly cleaned.
Whether you have a white or black acrylic sink doesn’t matter. The color is through-and-through making them virtually stain-resistant.
If you have an acrylic sink, we’ve found these cleaning methods to work best.
3 Methods To Clean Your Acrylic Sink
The good news about cleaning an acrylic or composite sink is that you won’t usually need any special cleaner. A daily wipe down with a soapy cloth and a hot water rinse is great for maintenance.
To maintain shine, remove stains, and keep your surface sanitary, it’s recommended to do a more thorough cleaning once a week.
The best methods utilize common household products that you can easily DIY instead of purchasing harsh chemicals.
As with all household cleaners and chemicals, use in a well-ventilated space and do not mix chemicals. If one method doesn’t work, be sure to rinse the sink with water before trying a different method as mixing household chemicals can cause noxious fumes or other unwanted chemical reactions.
Vinegar And Water
White vinegar and water are a natural mixture that won’t harm the surface of your acrylic sink. The naturally acidic vinegar works to cut grease and grime, lift stains, and kill germs.
Simply mix ⅔ water with ⅓ vinegar in a spray bottle. If you like, feel free to add essential oils for a more pleasant aroma in the kitchen.
Before you begin, rinse and wipe the surface of the sink.
Spray the sink completely with your vinegar and water mixture. Allow it to sit for five or ten minutes, then wipe again with a clean, damp cloth.
Rinse completely with water, and towel dry to avoid water spots. This mixture can also be used on your faucet and countertops.
You may have heard that baking soda is a good cleaner for stainless steel sinks. That’s also true for acrylic ones.
For tough stains, you may choose to add a sprinkle of baking soda on top of the vinegar mixture. Use a soft sponge and a little elbow grease to remove stubborn sink stains.
Diluted Bleach
Chlorine bleach is a common household chemical known as a stain remover, white laundry brightener, and germ killer. It’s a great addition to your sink cleaning arsenal and super easy to use too.
Simply fill your kitchen sink with warm water and add bleach.
Half a cup of bleach per gallon of water is suggested, but some homeowners have had success with as little as one cap full of bleach added to a sinkful of water.
Once the bleach is added, you simply wait. Fifteen minutes to one hour is sufficient.
When time is up, simply drain and rinse your sink. You may want to wipe it out or use a little elbow grease on any stains that remain before fully rinsing out the bleach water.
In the end, you will have a clean and disinfected surface.
Rubbing Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol, commonly known as rubbing alcohol, is found in almost every bathroom cabinet where it’s kept for first-aid use.
However, it’s also a great household cleaner because of its disinfectant properties and ability to remove stains.
Rinse and dry your sink before applying alcohol. Apply the alcohol directly to a damp, soft cloth or sponge, and then firmly wipe the surface clean.
Pay special attention and give a little extra force to any stains that may linger on the surface.
Alcohol evaporates quickly, so a rinse at the end may not be necessary.
How Do You Restore The Shine To An Acrylic Sink?
Just like a stainless steel or porcelain sink, an acrylic sink can lose its luster and shine. While daily maintenance is the key to keeping your sink in top condition, don’t despair if yours has a dull or dingy appearance.
Whether you have a white or black acrylic sink doesn’t matter when it comes to restoring the shine. If the finish has become dull, it may be time to invest in a polishing compound.
Applying a compound like Bar Keeper’s Friend with a soft cloth or sponge is a safe and effective way to help restore the shiny finish. For best results, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Preventing Stains And Marks On Your Sink
The best way to prevent stains from forming on your acrylic sink is to incorporate daily maintenance tasks as part of your daily routine. Don’t leave dishes, cleaning rags, sponges, or steel wool in the sink for long periods.
Doing so can cause water spots or rust stains to appear. Instead, empty your sink at the end of the day (if not more often), give it a wipe down, rinse with hot water, and dry the surface with a soft towel.
It’s important that you don’t use steel wool or abrasive cleaners (especially powders) to clean your skin. Doing so will cause scratches where stains will be more likely to show up.
A little dish soap on a soft sponge is all that is needed for daily cleaning. Be sure to rinse the sink thoroughly to prevent a buildup of soap scum, and dry the sink with a soft towel to avoid hard water stains.
Conclusion
There are several simple and affordable ways to clean your acrylic sink. Try all three of our suggestions, and decide which one works best for you.
By keeping daily maintenance and weekly cleaning routine, your sink will stay looking newer longer.