The basket strainer is one of the hardest working components in any kitchen. Why? Given that a household will run the water in the kitchen around 75 times a day, then the drain and the strainer basket are in considerable demand. Nothing escapes them. And if the sink material is easy to clean and well cared for, any food leftovers will collect and get caught in the drain. Of course, dirt also gets trapped here and will need to be cleaned away. We give you our best tips for cleaning the drain and the basket strainer.
How to clean a drain with a plug
Not all kitchen sink drains are alike. In very simple sinks, the drain still has a plug that allows you to stopper the bowl.
A sink waste kit that includes a drain plug that is firmly screwed in place and closed with a plug. This mostly rubber stopper can be cleaned with 10-per cent vinegar solution and can be prevented from becoming porous with a little glycerine.
The rest of the drain can also be regularly cleaned with a 1:10 mixture of vinegar and water. It can also be scrubbed with a paste made out of baking soda or powder if it is very soiled. A worn-out toothbrush or a small bottle brush are recommended for the tiny openings.
How to get your basket strainer clean again
A waste kit that includes a basket strainer has two advantages over simpler versions with a plug. For one thing, the drain basket can be removed, making it much easier to clean. What’s more, this type of waste kit can be supplemented with a pop-up element. This allows you to open and close the drain via remote control.
In order to clean the basket strainer, we recommend emptying the strainer regularly, rinsing it and then cleaning it with vinegar or lemon. If there is any discolouration to the strainer, you should give it a deeper clean. To do this, close the drain. Bring about 250 ml water to a boil and put it aside briefly. Put about one teaspoon of dishwasher powder into drain cup and fill this up with the hot water. Leave the solution to take effect for about half a minute. Scrub the basket strainer with a dishwashing brush, then remove the insert and clean the rest of the drainer cup with the brush. Rinse everything thoroughly once more. And you’re done!