The Secret To A Clean Sink Lies In Your Pantry

If your plans to clean your sink bring up thoughts of harsh chemicals scents, it's time to switch up your routine. The good news is that non-toxic alternatives to traditional cleaning products are easy to create.

While your sink might not be at the top of your list of things to clean in your home, you may want to move it up a few spots. According to Kitchn, your sink stores more bacteria than your toilet bowl — and it's much closer to your food. Furthermore, cleaning it out doesn't require a blast of disinfectants like you might think. By using cleaning agents that naturally remove the organic matter lodged in your sink, you can scrub the germs off much more effectively. 

If you have a stainless steel or porcelain sink, grab some baking soda, vinegar, and a citrus peel to get started. Begin by giving your basin a rinse to remove any loose debris and food particles, then sprinkle baking soda all over the surface (via PopSugar). From here, drizzle vinegar on top of the baking soda and let it start to fizz.

Now that you've added the vinegar, allow it to bubble and zap bacteria. This substance is a natural disinfectant and helps kill germs while removing hard water stains from the surface. From here, start to scrub in circular motions with a soft sponge or cloth. If your sink is covered with chalky lime spots, use a paper towel rinsed in vinegar to soak the areas and help remove the stain (via RealSimple).

You'll likely notice grime and grease starting to form beneath your hands — this is good! If the smell of vinegar is too much, you can also use lemon or lime juice to do the trick. Following this step, start to rub the surface of your sink with a lemon or orange peel to help remove any smells and shine the surface. Then rinse and enjoy the shine! To finish, rub your sink with a paper towel and add a small amount of olive oil to buff the surface. If your drain needs a little extra attention, add more baking soda and scrub with an old toothbrush.

Rather than filling your kitchen with the smells of a science lab, you can use a few natural ingredients you have in your pantry for a deeper, safer clean.