A clean sink can transform the look and feel of your kitchen or bathroom. But pesky grime buildup, stubborn stains, and lingering odours? Not quite the aesthetic you’re aiming for. Whether it’s leftover food residue, soap scum, or hard water stains, your sink can turn into a grime magnet if neglected for too long.

The good news? You don’t need heavy-duty chemicals or expensive equipment to tackle this issue. With simple DIY techniques (and eco-friendly products), you can restore your sink to its pristine condition and keep it gleaming for weeks.

Here, we’ll provide step-by-step tips on how to remove grime from a sink while keeping your cleaning routine sustainable and effective.

 Why Does Grime Build Up in Your Sink? 

Before we discuss cleaning tips, understanding what causes grime accumulation in sinks can help prevent it in the future.

  1. Food Residue (Kitchen Sinks): Washing dishes inevitably ends in grease and food particles in the sink. Over time, these can linger, creating a sticky layer of grime.
  2. Soap Scum (Bathroom Sinks): When soapy water combines with hard water minerals, it leaves behind a whitish-grey film.
  3. Hard Water Deposits (All Sinks): If your home has hard water, mineral buildup (like calcium and lime) is a frequent culprit.
  4. Mould and Mildew (Bathroom Sinks): High humidity and poor ventilation can result in black or green spots around drains and edges.

Now that we know the culprits, let’s get to the solutions.

 Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Grime From Your Sink 

Tackling sink grime doesn’t require an arsenal of cleaning products. Often, the best solutions are in your pantry. Here’s how to do it right.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies 

Here are a few tools and materials you’ll need for the job (you probably already have most of them):

  • Baking soda
  • White vinegar
  • Lemon juice
  • Dish soap (preferably biodegradable)
  • A non-abrasive scrubbing sponge or an old toothbrush
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Warm water
  • Optional eco-friendly degreaser (for tougher stains)

Step 2: Prep Your Sink 

Before applying any cleaning solutions, clear out the sink. Remove dishes, food residues, or limescale buildup. Rinse the sink thoroughly with warm water to loosen surface dirt.

Pro Tip for Bathroom Sinks: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove hair strands or grime trapped around the drain.

Step 3: Natural Deep Cleaning 

Here’s where the magic starts. This method is budget-friendly, non-toxic, and safe for most sink materials, from stainless steel to ceramic.

For Kitchen Sinks:

  1. Sprinkle Baking Soda

Start by evenly sprinkling a generous baking soda over the entire sink surface. Pay attention to stained or grimy corners.

  1. Add Vinegar

Slowly pour white vinegar over the baking soda. This creates a fizzy reaction that breaks down grease, soap scum, and other deposits.

  1. Scrub, Scrub, Scrub

Gently scrub using a sponge or toothbrush. The baking soda is a mild abrasive, lifting tough grime without scratching surfaces.

  1. Finish with Lemon

Rub a freshly-cut lemon over surfaces for a natural antibacterial finish—and give it that fresh citrusy scent!

  1. Rinse and Dry

Rinse thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.

For Bathroom Sinks:

  1. Mix Dish Soap & Baking Soda

Combine two tablespoons of baking soda with a small squirt of dish soap to form a paste.

  1. Tackle the Scum

Apply this mixture to areas affected by soap scum and mildew. Scrub gently with a toothbrush.

  1. Use Vinegar for Hard Water Stains

For mineral deposits around the faucet or drain, soak a paper towel in vinegar and wrap it around the affected area. Leave it there for 10–15 minutes.

  1. Rinse and Polish

Rinse with warm water and buff surfaces dry for a streak-free shine.

Step 4: Don’t Forget the Drain! 

A dirty drain can lead to odours and clogs. Here’s how to handle it sustainably:

  • Pour ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drain, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar.
  • Wait for 10 minutes as the fizzing reaction breaks down gunk in the pipes.
  • Flush with boiling water to clear it all out.

 Preventing Future Grime Buildup 

Want to keep your sink shining longer between cleanings? Here’s how you can prevent grime from taking over again.

1. Rinse Frequently 

Make it a habit to rinse your sink after every use. Whether it’s food particles in the kitchen or soap residue in the bathroom, rinsing removes debris before it hardens.

2. Dry After Use 

Dry your sink with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots and bacteria buildup after each use.

3. Invest in Sink Grids 

Place a protective grid at the bottom of your kitchen sink to reduce scratches and make cleaning up food bits easier.

4. Clean Weekly 

Regular maintenance goes a long way. Incorporate a weekly sink-cleaning routine using baking soda and a sponge.

5. Keep Hard Water in Check 

Install a water softener or use faucet-mounted water filters to reduce mineral deposits from hard water.

 Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Commercial Cleaners 

Are you not a fan of store-bought cleaning supplies? Here are three natural solutions for tackling grime while being kind to the planet.

  1. Coconut Oil & Baking Soda Paste

Mix coconut oil with baking soda for an all-natural abrasive paste perfect for scrubbing.

  1. Hydrogen Peroxide & Lemon Juice

Combine equal parts to create a mold-fighting solution for bathroom sinks.

  1. Castile Soap Spray

Dilute castile soap with water for a gentle, biodegradable cleaner. Use this for daily maintenance on all kinds of sink surfaces.

 Final Thoughts: A Sparkling Sink is Just a Step Away 

With a little effort and the right techniques, even the grimiest sinks can shine again. And with eco-friendly, DIY cleaning methods, you’re not just restoring your sink—you’re making a conscious choice for a healthier home and planet.

Now it’s your turn to try these tips and take your cleaning routine to the next level. Want more home-cleaning hacks? Sign up for our newsletter and never miss a handy DIY tip again!