Cleaning And Sterilizing Drains So They Don’t Get Mildew And Built Up Bacteria

With all of the waste that flows through our drains such as food particles, oil, grease etc, it is not surprising that over time, a foul swell smell will develop. This is due to the accumulation of decomposing matter that causes bacteria and mildew to build up. Fortunately, we do not have to put with the bad odour. Below are a number of tips to cleaning and sterilizing drains so they don’t get mildew and built up bacteria:

1. To clean around the sink and tap, add a tablespoon of vinegar with soapy warm water. Using a cloth, wipe all around the sink and tap. You can use a soft bristled brush such as a tooth brush to get into the corners. When you have finished, wipe the surface clean with a new clean dry cloth.

2. Pouring a quality drain cleaner solution through the sink into the drain pipes will help remove foreign debris. Read the directions and follow them precisely so that you do not do damage your pipes. Some chemical drainers are corrosive and can ruin the pipes. Many experts recommend a biodegradable natural cleaner as these cleaners will not damage the pipes and are safe for the environment.

3. Once a week, mix a 1/2 cup of lemon juice or 1/2 cup of vinegar with a 1/2 cup baking soda and let it sit for an hour. Run hot water through the drain as this will clear out debris and neutralize the odour. As well, you can pour brine (strong salt water) solution down the drain to keep grease from building up which can cause mould and bacteria growth. It will also clear out food matter and other debris.

4. To keep your drain free of mildew, bacteria, and odour, you should run really hot water through the drain. Not only will this prevent odours, but will make sure debris is removed from the pipes which will prevent the growth of bacteria and mildew. As well, use drain insert strainers to prevent food matter from going into the drain. As well, the inserts will help keep the drain is free of hair and other material that can cause clogs.

There are things you can do after you finish using the sink to prevent bacteria and mildew growth. Each time you finish using the sink, clean the sink, and run hot water through it. You want to make sure you have flushed out any soapy water. As well, this will help keep the drain pipe free of matter and it will also prevent stains for forming around the drain hole. Never use any abrasive cleaners to clean the sink as it can cause scratches.

Cleaning a kitchen sink and the drains after each use is the best prevention to the build up of mildew and bacteria. Rinsing the sink with hot water after each use will prevent debris from accumulating in the pipes, but for more serious problems than just unclogging and cleaning drains, it is important to call a professional plumber.