Filling the Sink Before Cooking

• Place a stopper in your kitchen sink, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid to the sink, then fill it with hot water before you start cooking. Place dirty pots, pans and dishes in the sink and wash them while your meal is cooking. Washing as you go keeps food debris from soiling your sink as well as drying on the dishes, pots and other items. If your kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher, swish the dishes and other items around in the soapy water, then place the items in your dishwasher.
  
  

Washing and Rinsing the Sink Immediately

• Drain any dirty water from your sink immediately after washing the dishes and other items. Wash the sink out with hot water to remove any grease and debris. Use a soft brush to break up any grime that may be present. Rinse your sink thoroughly with hot water to flush it clean.
  
  

Washing Out Dishcloths and Sponges

• To keep your sink from developing an odor, remove any dishcloths and sponges from the sink and place them in vinegar or soapy water to break up any food debris that may be present in the items' fibers. Wash your dishcloths and sponges on a weekly basis by hand or in your home's washing machine. Throw out any cloths or sponges that are heavily soiled or damaged.
  
  

Cleaning Caddy

• Purchase or create a cleaning caddy containing a soft-scrub cleaner designed for the type of kitchen sink you have, a bottle of white vinegar, a clean white cloth or rag and a roll of paper towels. Place the cleaning caddy under your sink and use the container's supplies weekly to clean your sink and surrounding areas thoroughly even if you haven't used it during the week.
  
  

Drying the Sink and Surrounding Surfaces

• Dry your sink and surrounding areas with a paper towel after cleaning it on a daily basis and after a weekly overall cleaning. Drying removes any water droplets and keeps your sink spotless. You can also use a clean dishcloth or towel to dry your sink.
  
  

Vinegar Cleaning Tip

• To clean your kitchen sink quickly, place a stopper in the sink's drain, then pour ½-cup of white vinegar and fill the sink halfway with warm water. Let the vinegar stand for 10 minutes to break down any grease and debris, then scrub the sink with a soft cloth or rag. Drain the sink, then rinse it with hot water. The vinegar won't leave behind soap scum or residue.
  
  

Disinfecting

• To disinfect your sink after cleaning, pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of white vinegar on a paper towel, then wipe your sink, faucets and area around the sink thoroughly with the towel. The vinegar also removes any water spots that may be present.