Sink stoppers are one of those things that most people don’t think about cleaning until there’s a problem.
But if you’re going to spend money on something, you should probably take care of it right away.
Types of Sink Stopper
There are two types of sink stoppers: plastic and metal.
Plastic is the more common type of sink stopper because they’re easier to install. But they can be harder to clean.
Metal sinks have a built-in drain pipe that makes them less likely to leak when you pour water in them. They also tend to be more expensive than plastic ones.
If your sink has a built-in drain, you’ll need to remove the stopper before you can clean it. If not, then you can just unscrew the top of the stopper and wash it out with soap and hot water.
Steps for Removing Plastic Sink Stoppers
To remove a plastic sink stopper, first, make sure that the faucet isn’t running. Then use an old toothbrush or rag to loosen any dirt or grime from around the edges of the stopper. You may want to soak the stopper in some soapy water too.
Next, grab the edge of the stopper and pull it up. It might come off easily, but if it doesn’t, try using a pair of pliers to pry it loose. Once you’ve removed the stopper, rinse it thoroughly under running water.
Next, you’ll want to replace the stopper. To do this, simply screw it back into place. Don’t forget to tighten it down firmly.
Steps for Removing Metal Sink Stopper
A metal sink stopper won’t require as much work as a plastic one. All you need to do is unscrew the top of it.
You can either do this by hand or with a tool like a wrench. Either way, it’s important to keep the stopper steady while you unscrew it. This will help prevent it from falling out of its hole.
Once the top of the stoppers is off, you’ll want to liquid and warm water to get rid of all the gunk. Rinse the stopper well after you finish washing it.
When you’re done, put the stopper back together again. Make sure that it’s tight enough to hold any remaining give it a good scrubbing. Use dishwashing detergent to clean it.
Steps to Clean Your Sink Stopper
Here’s how to clean your sink stopper:
Step 1: Remove the stopper from its housing.
You’ll need a wrench or pliers for this step.
Step 2: Rinse out the stopper with warm soapy water.
Use a sponge or rag to soak up excess water.
Step 3: Scrub the stopper with a brush or scrubby pad.
If you use a brush, make sure not to scratch the side of the sink where the stopper sits.
Step 4: Dry the stopper thoroughly.
Dry towels work well for this.
Step 5: Replace the stopper back with its housing.
Make sure to put it back in the same way you took it out.
Step 6: Test your sink again.
If everything looks good, then you’re done!
The next time you notice any leaks, check your sink stopper first. If it doesn’t look dirty, you might want to consider replacing it.
Different Ways to Clean Sink Stopper
Here are three ways to clean your sink stopper:
1. Use a Cleaner
Use a cleaner designed specifically for sinks to remove stubborn sink stoppers. These cleaners contain chemicals that dissolve grease and grime, leaving behind a residue that helps prevent future buildup.
2. Use Vinegar
Vinegar is another effective solution for removing sink stoppers. Simply pour vinegar into the sink, let sit for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse. The acidity in the vinegar dissolves the soap residue and loosens the stopper.
3. Use Baking Soda
Baking soda works well for removing sink stoppers too. Mix one part baking soda with two parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the stopper and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes. Then simply rinse off the baking soda and wipe down the sink.
These methods work well for sinks, but they may not be suitable for every situation. For example, if you use bleach to clean your sink, you’ll need to rinse out the sink after using these cleaners.
Tips For Keeping Your Sink In Tip Top Shape
Here are a few tips to keep your sink in tip-top shape.
1. Keep your sink clear of debris. Dirt and other particles can build up over time and cause clogs. To avoid this, regularly sweep around the sink and under the faucet.
2. Keep your sink free of spills. Spills can also lead to clogs. So take care when storing cleaning supplies and food items near the sink. Also, don’t leave wet rags lying around.
3. Don’t overload your sink. Overloading your sink can lead to overflows. This will require more frequent trips to the sink to empty the basin.
4. Be careful with hot water. Hot water can damage your sink. Never run cold water through a hot sink. And never use boiling water to wash dishes.
5. Check your sink frequently. You should check your sink at least once a day. Look for signs of leaks and blockages.
6. Change your filter regularly. Filters help keep your sink clean by trapping bacteria and preventing them from building up on the sides of the sink.
7. Wipe down your sink periodically. Wiping down your sink regularly keeps it looking fresh and clean.
8. Remove rust stains. Rust stains can appear on your sink as a result of corrosion. To get rid of these stains, mix one cup of ammonia with one gallon of warm water. Pour the mixture into the sink and scrub away. Rinse thoroughly.
9. Avoid harsh detergents. Using harsh detergents can harm your sink. They can erode the surface or even crack the porcelain.
10. Use non-abrasive cleansers. Non-abrasive cleanses won’t scratch your sink’s surface. They’re gentle enough to use on most surfaces.
11. Clean your sink regularly. It’s important to clean your sink regularly so it stays in good condition. Regularly wiping down your sink removes dirt and germs.
12. Use a quality product. A high-quality sink cleaner will provide better results than a low-quality product. If you want to find a great sink cleaner, try our list of best kitchen sink cleaners.
13. Maintain proper drainage. Make sure that there are no obstructions in your pipes. Drainage problems can cause flooding and overflow issues.
14. Replace your sink drain screen. The drain screen is what allows water to flow properly from the sink. It helps prevent clogs. But eventually, it needs replacing.
FAQs
How do I know when my sink stopper needs replacing?
If you notice any leaks or dripping from your sink, it could mean that your sink stopper has become clogged. If this happens, call a plumber immediately.
What can I use to clean my sink stopper?
You can use a cleaner designed specifically for sink stoppers. These products contain chemicals that dissolve grease, grime, and soap scum. They also leave behind a residue that prevents future buildup.
How often should I replace my sink stopper?
Sink stoppers need to be replaced every few years. This is because they collect soap scum and other debris over time. But before you throw out your old stopper, make sure to check its condition first. You can tell whether your sink stopper is in good shape by looking at how easily it slides up and down.
How much does it cost to replace a sink stopper?
Replacing a sink stopper costs between $10 and $25 depending on where you live. Check with your local hardware store to find out what it will cost to get a new one.