Mrs Hinch cleaning fan reveals easy 10p trick that banishes stubborn sink stains – even if they’ve been there for years
MAINTAINING a clean sink isn’t just about hygiene but also about making sure your sink is always looking aesthetically pleasing without any dirt or grime on show.
Whether dealing with stainless steel, ceramic, or composite sinks, homeowners will want them sparkling by the time they have finished their cleaning.
A quick daily wipe-down, coupled with a more thorough weekly clean, is a common routine that helps prevent the build-up of dirt and bacteria.
But there are those really tough stains that no matter how much you scrub, don’t seem to want to budge.
However, one cleaning fan has just the trick and it only costs 10p to do.
It came after a desperate tenant recently moved into their new rental and discovered their sink was stained with dark marks that looked like they’d been there for a while.
They asked for help from cleaning fans on the Facebook page Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips and Tricks, whilst also sharing a picture of the sink.
And it received over 70 comments with many giving their professional opinion on how to banish the tough stains.
One said: “Sprinkle with bicarbonate and slice a lemon in half and scrub, don’t rinse for a couple of hours then add dish washing liquid and use the other half of lemon and scrub again it should work.”
A second wrote: “Plug in, and pour cheap cola over and leave for a while.”
Whilst another added: “Cheap washing powder and hot water. Leave to soak overnight.”
Someone else helpfully suggested: “Fill with hot water, drop in a dishwasher tablet and leave overnight.
“Clean with a Cif or barkeeper’s friend the following morning.”
Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) is a brand of cleaning products that can be used to remove tough stains and restore and polish a variety of surfaces.
It drove me insane
Mrs Hinch cleaning fan
The cleaning fan continues: “It will lift a lot of the staining but not sure that will ever be perfect.
“It’s very scratched so [you] need to repeat the dishwasher tablet soak weekly.”
Whilst another also suggested something similar and wrote: “What about boiling hot water and dishwasher tab?”
Someone else, who has also experienced the same problem, added: “I just changed my sink from one of those.
“It drove me insane. The only thing that works is to soak it for a few hours in hot water with a lot of bleach.”
More bathroom cleaning tips
Keeping a bathroom clean and fresh can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but with a few practical tips and a regular cleaning schedule, it can be much more manageable.
1. Regular Maintenance
Daily Wipe-Down: A quick daily wipe-down of surfaces, such as the sink, countertops, and taps, can prevent the build-up of grime and soap scum. Keep a microfibre cloth handy for this purpose.
Ventilation: Ensure that your bathroom is well-ventilated to prevent mould and mildew. Open windows or use an extractor fan during and after showers.
2. Tackling Limescale and Hard Water Stains
Vinegar Solution: Hard water can cause limescale build-up on taps and showerheads. Soak a cloth in white vinegar and wrap it around the affected areas for a few hours, then scrub with a brush.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is another effective natural cleaner for limescale. Apply it directly to the affected areas, let it sit for a while, and then rinse off.
3. Cleaning the Toilet
Toilet Cleaner: Use a specialised toilet cleaner to scrub the bowl. Apply the cleaner under the rim and allow it to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush.
Bicarbonate of Soda and Vinegar: For a natural alternative, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda into the bowl, then add vinegar. The fizzing action helps to lift stains and disinfect.
4. Shower and Bath
Showerhead: Remove mineral deposits by soaking the showerhead in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. You can do this by filling a plastic bag with the solution and securing it around the showerhead with a rubber band.
Bathtub: Use a non-abrasive cleaner to scrub the bathtub. For stubborn stains, make a paste with bicarbonate of soda and water, apply it to the stains, and let it sit before scrubbing.
5. Tiles and Grout
Grout Cleaner: Grout can harbour mould and mildew. Use a grout cleaner or a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and water to scrub the grout lines. An old toothbrush can be particularly effective for this task.
Tile Cleaner: Regularly clean tiles with a mild detergent or a vinegar solution to keep them shiny and free of soap scum.
6. Mirrors and Glass
Glass Cleaner: Use a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to clean mirrors and glass surfaces. Wipe with a microfibre cloth to avoid streaks.
Shower Doors: Prevent soap scum build-up on glass shower doors by using a squeegee to remove water after each use.
7. Floors
Sweep and Mop: Sweep the bathroom floor regularly to remove hair and dust. Mop with a mild detergent or a suitable floor cleaner to maintain cleanliness.
8. Trash and Laundry
Empty Bins: Empty bathroom bins regularly to prevent nasty smelling odours.
Laundry: Keep a small laundry basket in the bathroom for used towels and bathmats, and wash them regularly.
9. Finishing Touches
Air Fresheners: Utilise air fresheners or essential oil diffusers to maintain a pleasant fragrance in the bathroom.
Organisation: Ensure toiletries and cleaning supplies are neatly organised and stored to minimise clutter and facilitate easier cleaning.