Kitchen sinks routinely harbor more bacteria than the average toilet seat. The combination of food scraps, raw meat juices, and constant moisture creates an ideal breeding ground for harmful microbes.
Unblocking a kitchen sink.
Despite the high bacteria count, the sink is often overlooked during daily wipedowns. When it is time for a deep clean, most people instinctively reach for harsh commercial chemicals.
A Safer Alternative to Bleach
Cleaning expert Courtney, known as @courtney.onpurpose on Instagram, advocates for a natural alternative that skips the toxic fumes. She recently detailed her preferred method for sanitizing the kitchen without compromising on cleanliness.
“The typical commercial cleaning products are full of harmful fumes and chemicals that you are inhaling,” Courtney wrote to her followers. “Honestly, I used to use and have tried all of them until I learned a safer and just as effective (may I say better) way.”
Her go-to solution is hypochlorous acid. She describes the spray as the “most underrated non-toxic disinfectant” on the market today.
Hypochlorous acid is a highly affordable staple, with standard spray bottles frequently costing under $10 online. It offers hospital-grade sanitization without the chemical hazards of heavy-duty cleaners.
“It kills bacteria and viruses without any harsh chemicals, no fumes, and it is completely safe around your kids and pets,” Courtney explained.
The disinfectant’s versatility extends far beyond the kitchen basin. The acid can be safely applied to countertops, fabric cushions, throw pillows, and in specific formulations, directly onto human skin to kill bacteria.
The Four-Step Sink Cleaning Routine
To keep drains clear and stainless steel surfaces sanitary, Courtney relies on a straightforward, four-step system.
- Start by scrubbing the entire basin with standard dish soap to cut through grease.
- Sprinkle the surface with baking soda, scrub or wipe it down, and rinse the sink completely.
- Pour a half-cup of citric acid and a half-cup of baking soda directly into the drain. Follow this with hot water to activate the fizzing reaction, breaking down blockages.
- Spray the entire sink with hypochlorous acid, let it sit for two minutes to kill remaining bacteria, then wipe the surface completely dry.
