Singapore Plumbing Works

Find More Germs Here Than On Your Toilet Seat

Yes! You’ve read it right.

According to WebMD:

“Although the mere thought of retrieving anything from your toilet bowl may be enough to make you sick, your toilet may be cleaner than your kitchen sink.”

Eileen Abruzzo, director of infection control at Long Island College Hospital of Brooklyn, New York

The preparation of raw food in the kitchen means it has become the perfect breeding ground for germs and bacteria.

Food scraps and particles from plates left to soak, or rinsed from dirty dishes can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella. These bacteria and germs can transfer to your hands, which then will be transferred to your food items when you handle them.

Cases of food poisoning have occurred due to food becoming contaminated via a sink. Examples have occurred in which vegetables for a salad or other foods became contaminated via a sink with bacteria which cause food poisoning from raw meat and other sources.

Hence to sanitise your sink and to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria, we highly recommend washing it with bleach and hot water, and letting the solution run down the drain. Remember to remove your drain plug and wash it thoroughly too.

Cleaning Your Kitchen Sink

Use multipurpose liquid or cream cleanser.

Alternatively, use a paste of baking soda and water.

A sponge scourer is best because it can be flipped over to scrub heavier dirt. Don’t forget to sterilise and disinfect your sponge scourer after use too.

For Stains

Use a little extra cleanser and more effort for water spots, rust marks and grimy tidemarks.

For stubborn stains, try rubbing with a soft cloth and vinegar.

How To Clean Various Sink Types

Stainless steel sinks are very robust, hygienic and easy to clean. But they won’t be able to retain that brilliant shine, and will develop a more muted matte glow.

Enamel sinks chip and scratch easily. Avoid harsh abrasives, scourers and acid-based cleaning products.

Porcelain sinks crack easily, so be careful. One of the more common reasons a porcelain sink cracks is due to a very rapid or extreme change in temperature, like when hot liquid is poured into the sink. When the hot liquid touches the cold porcelain, it creates temperature stress that cracks the surface of the sink.

Acrylic sinks should be treated more gently. Don’t use harsh abrasives or scourers.

To remove tough stains from your acrylic sink, fill it up with warm water and add a cap full of bleach. Let this bleach water solution sit in the sink for 3-5 minutes. While the sink is soaking, use a soft sponge dipped in the solution to scrub away any tough stains that may be visible.

Composite material sinks can be cleaned using mild cream cleanser and a soft scourer. To remove stubborn stains on composite sinks, you can try an overnight soak using diluted bleach.

Importance Of Kitchen Sink Hygiene

To summarise, the kitchen sink is a hub of activity, from washing dishes to preparing food. However, it can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, posing a risk to food safety and our health.

To maintain kitchen sink hygiene:

• Wash your hands frequently, especially after handling raw meat, poultry, and seafood
• Clean and sanitize the sink and surrounding areas regularly
• Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from ready-to-eat foods
• Use a food thermometer to ensure proper cooking temperatures
• Store food at proper temperatures (refrigerate perishables promptly)
• Clean and sanitise utensils and dishware thoroughly

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses, ensuring a safe and healthy kitchen environment.

Do not compromise on the health of your family. If your kitchen sink has stubborn stains, or have accumulated grime and bacteria over time which is impossible to get rid of, consider replacing it.

Replacing an old, dirty sink with a new one can improve hygiene standards in the kitchen dramatically. So  don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance from Singapore Plumbing Works if you need help replacing your kitchen sink.