## Kitchen Sink Strainers: A Comprehensive Guide to Materials, Finishes, and Guarantees
### Materials
Kitchen sink strainers are typically made from one of three materials:
* **Stainless steel:** Stainless steel strainers are durable, rust-resistant, and easy to clean. They are the most popular type of strainer on the market.
* **Brass:** Brass strainers are also durable and rust-resistant, but they are more expensive than stainless steel strainers. They can also tarnish over time, so they require more maintenance.
* **Plastic:** Plastic strainers are lightweight and inexpensive, but they are not as durable as stainless steel or brass strainers. They can also stain or discolor over time.
### Finishes
Kitchen sink strainers come in a variety of finishes, including:
* **Brushed nickel:** Brushed nickel is a popular finish for kitchen sink strainers because it is durable and easy to clean. It is also resistant to fingerprints and smudges.
* **Polished nickel:** Polished nickel is a more expensive finish than brushed nickel, but it is also more shiny and reflective. It is important to note that polished nickel can show fingerprints and smudges more easily than brushed nickel.
* **Chrome:** Chrome is a durable and shiny finish that is easy to clean. It is a good choice for kitchens with a modern or contemporary design.
* **Oil-rubbed bronze:** Oil-rubbed bronze is a dark, distressed finish that is popular for kitchens with a traditional or rustic design. It is important to note that oil-rubbed bronze can show fingerprints and smudges more easily than other finishes.
### Guarantees
Some kitchen sink strainers come with a finish guarantee. This guarantee protects the finish from defects for a certain period of time. The length of the guarantee varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but it is typically one to five years.
It is important to read the terms of the finish guarantee carefully before purchasing a kitchen sink strainer. Some guarantees only cover certain types of defects, such as peeling or chipping. Others may require you to return the strainer to the manufacturer for repair or replacement.
### How to Choose a Kitchen Sink Strainer
When choosing a kitchen sink strainer, there are a few things to keep in mind:
* **The material:** Choose a material that is durable, rust-resistant, and easy to clean. Stainless steel is the best choice for most kitchens.
* **The finish:** Choose a finish that matches the style of your kitchen. Brushed nickel is a good choice for modern or contemporary kitchens, while oil-rubbed bronze is a good choice for traditional or rustic kitchens.
* **The size:** Make sure the strainer is the right size for your sink. It should be large enough to catch food scraps and debris, but it should not be so large that it blocks the water flow.
* **The warranty:** Consider purchasing a strainer with a finish guarantee. This will protect the finish from defects for a certain period of time.
### How to Install a Kitchen Sink Strainer
Installing a kitchen sink strainer is a simple process that can be completed in a few minutes.
1. Remove the old strainer from the sink.
2. Clean the sink drain.
3. Apply a bead of silicone sealant around the base of the new strainer.
4. Insert the strainer into the sink drain.
5. Tighten the strainer by hand until it is snug.
6. Allow the silicone sealant to dry completely before using the sink.
### How to Clean a Kitchen Sink Strainer
Kitchen sink strainers should be cleaned regularly to prevent them from becoming clogged. Here are a few tips for cleaning a kitchen sink strainer:
* Remove the strainer from the sink.
* Rinse the strainer with water to remove any food scraps or debris.
* Scrub the strainer with a mild dish soap and a soft brush.
* Rinse the strainer thoroughly and replace it in the sink.
### Troubleshooting Kitchen Sink Strainers
Kitchen sink strainers can sometimes become clogged, especially if they are not cleaned regularly. If your kitchen sink strainer is clogged, here are a few things you can do:
* Remove the strainer from the sink.
* Use a plunger to plunge the sink drain.
* Use a drain snake to clear the clog.
* Call a plumber if the clog cannot be cleared with a plunger or a drain snake.
### FAQs
**Q:** How often should I clean my kitchen sink strainer?
**A:** You should clean your kitchen sink strainer at least once a week.
**Q:** Can I put a kitchen sink strainer in the dishwasher?
**A:** Most kitchen sink strainers are not dishwasher safe. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure.
**Q:** What is the best way to remove a clogged kitchen sink strainer?
**A:** The best way to remove a clogged kitchen sink strainer is to use a plunger. If the plunger does not work, you can try using a drain snake.
**Q:** Can I use a kitchen sink strainer to catch hair?
**A:** No, you should not use a kitchen sink strainer to catch hair. Hair can clog the strainer and make it difficult to clean.