To clean kitchen sink mats, sprinkle them with baking soda, then scrub with hot, soapy water.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Gather Your Supplies: You'll need baking soda, hot water, dish soap, and a scrub brush or sponge.
- Sprinkle with Baking Soda: Generously sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface of the sink mat. The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive and helps to deodorize.
- Add Soapy Water: Prepare hot, soapy water.
- Scrub Thoroughly: Using your scrub brush or sponge, scrub the sink mat thoroughly. Pay attention to areas with visible stains or buildup.
- Rinse Well: Rinse the mat thoroughly with clean, hot water to remove all traces of baking soda and soap.
- Dry: Allow the sink mat to air dry completely before placing it back in the sink. You can also pat it dry with a clean towel.
Tips for Maintaining Clean Sink Mats:
- Rinse regularly: Rinse your sink mat with hot water after each use to prevent food particles from accumulating.
- Deep clean weekly: Follow the above cleaning method at least once a week for best results.
- Consider dishwasher use: Some silicone sink mats are dishwasher safe. Check the manufacturer's instructions to see if yours can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
- Sanitize occasionally: You can occasionally sanitize your sink mat by soaking it in a diluted bleach solution (follow bleach manufacturer's instructions for proper dilution). Rinse thoroughly after sanitizing.