## How to Clean a Gunked-Up Kitchen Sink
Your kitchen sink is one of the most used and abused areas of your home. It’s where you wash dishes, rinse food, and dump all sorts of other gunk. Over time, this can lead to a build-up of grime, food particles, and other debris that can make your sink look and smell terrible.
If your sink is starting to look a little worse for wear, don’t despair. With a little time and effort, you can get it looking and smelling like new again. Here’s how to do it:
### 1. Gather your supplies
Before you start cleaning, you’ll need to gather a few supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
* A bucket or bowl of hot water
* A sponge or rag
* Dish soap
* Baking soda
* Vinegar
* A toothbrush (optional)
* A drain snake (optional)
### 2. Clear the sink
The first step is to clear the sink of any dishes, food, or other debris. Once the sink is empty, you can start cleaning.
### 3. Apply dish soap
Apply a generous amount of dish soap to the sponge or rag. Then, scrub the sink thoroughly, paying special attention to any areas that are particularly dirty.
### 4. Rinse the sink
Once you’ve scrubbed the sink, rinse it thoroughly with hot water. This will help to remove any remaining soap or debris.
### 5. Sprinkle baking soda
Once the sink is rinsed, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda around the drain. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and cleaner, so it will help to remove any lingering odors or stains.
### 6. Pour vinegar
Next, pour a cup of vinegar down the drain. Vinegar is a natural acid, so it will help to dissolve any clogs or build-up.
### 7. Let it sit
Let the baking soda and vinegar sit in the sink for at least 15 minutes. This will give the solution time to work its magic.
### 8. Scrub the sink again
After 15 minutes, scrub the sink again with the sponge or rag. This will help to remove any remaining baking soda or vinegar.
### 9. Rinse the sink
Once you’ve scrubbed the sink, rinse it thoroughly with hot water. This will help to remove any remaining soap, debris, or cleaning solution.
### 10. Use a toothbrush (optional)
If there are any stubborn stains or build-up, you can use a toothbrush to scrub them away. Just be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush so that you don’t damage the sink.
### 11. Use a drain snake (optional)
If there is a clog in the drain, you can use a drain snake to remove it. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
### Tips for preventing gunked-up sinks
Once you’ve cleaned your sink, you can take steps to prevent it from getting gunked up again. Here are a few tips:
* **Rinse your dishes before you put them in the sink.** This will help to remove any food particles or debris that could clog the drain.
* **Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain.** These substances can build up and cause clogs.
* **Use a drain strainer.** A drain strainer will help to catch any food particles or debris that could clog the drain.
* **Clean your sink regularly.** The best way to prevent gunked-up sinks is to clean them regularly. Just follow the steps outlined above once a week or so, and your sink will stay looking and smelling its best.