Cleaning Up Under Your Kitchen Sink
When cleaning, most people adopt the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ philosophy. For example, many of us are mortified when we see stains on our sink’s surface. But what about the space under the sink? You can bet it’s collecting dust and other substances we’d rather not think about.
However, there will come a time when the area under the sink must be addressed, and when that time comes, you want to take a safe approach. Certain ingredients can damage the pipes or cause other hazards. A thoughtful strategy will ensure a clean environment without risk.
What Ingredients Can Harm You?
Look under the sink. What’s the first thing you see? If the area is relatively uncluttered, pipes are a stand-out feature.
Cleaning your sink requires interacting with your pipes- and pipes can quickly erode when they encounter certain chemicals that may be found in cleaning products. These include:
Chlorine: A central component of bleach, chlorine breaks down the oxide layer on metal, making it prone to rust. Rust weakens the structural integrity of your plumbing, leading to cracks and leaks.
Ammonia: Ammonia has alkaline properties that dissolve grease, grime, and stains. Guess what else it can dissolve? Your pipes. It’s best to leave ammonia out of your cleaning routine.
Sodium Hydroxide: This common cleaning ingredient is so corrosive it can burn skin. Imagine what it can do to your piping.
Any highly corrosive or reactive chemical can damage pipes. They are especially dangerous to plastic and older metal pipes. Other chemicals to look out for include sulfuric and muriatic acids.
What to Use Instead
You can successfully clean under your sink by using non-corrosive cleaners such as:
White vinegar
Hydrogen peroxide
Isopropyl alcohol
Castile soap
Baking soda
In addition to not corroding your pipes, these materials are also eco-friendly. They won’t damage the environment. Unlike corrosive ingredients, they also won’t cause respiratory issues.
White vinegar is especially recommended because it can eliminate mold in damp areas. It also has deodorizing characteristics and can neutralize unpleasant odors.
Tips for Cleaning Under the Sink
Your under-the-sink cleaning routine should look something like this:
Remove all items from under the sink.
Use a damp cloth or sponge to apply a safe cleaner to wipe down the surfaces under the cabinet. Pay special attention to areas with concentrated dirt and grime.
Use a dedicated cleaner to treat mold or mildew if identified.
Rinse the area thoroughly with warm water.
Allow the space to dry completely before putting the items back.
This approach outlines a safe routine to ensure a clean environment without damaging your pipes. What tips do you have to share?
