The Kitchen Essential That Helps Keep The Sink And Drain Clean

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If there's one spot in the house that's constantly in use, it's the kitchen sink. Between washing dishes, cooking dinner, rinsing produce, and filling pots, it's easy for small bits of food, coffee grounds, bones, and grease to slip down the drain. Before you know it, you're dealing with slow-draining water, suffering that unpleasant smell, and looking up the fastest fix for a clogged sink. That's why something as simple as a sink strainer can make such a big difference when you don't have a disposal to help break down scraps before they fill your plumbing.

A sink strainer is a small, inexpensive kitchen essential (you can grab two-piece options like the Honmein Sink Strainer for under $6.00) that sits right over your drain to catch any debris before it has the chance to sneak down your pipes. What's great about it is that it's reusable and easy to wash so it doesn't hold bacteria or start to smell over time. You'll just need the strainer itself, getting a size and style that works for your sink, and a little consistency in cleaning it out. If you're worried about choosing the right one, here's how to know if you're using the wrong kind of strainer for your kitchen sink.

Using your new drain strainer couldn't be easier. After giving your sink a quick rinse, just set the strainer into your drain opening. It acts as a small filter that catches anything that could lead to blockages or build-up. When you're done using the sink, simply lift the strainer out, empty the contents into the trash, and rinse it off. Handwash it with soap and hot water, or toss it in the dishwasher if you'd rather not deal with it directly. 

It works because it lets water flow freely while trapping anything solid (a simple but effective way to avoid clogs and bad odors.) You can even find strainers in different materials like silicone, ABS plastic, or stainless steel, depending on how you want it to look or how often you plan to clean it. To make things simpler, some strainers will pop out to make getting the food into the trash even easier. Some people like to keep a backup on hand so there's always a clean one to swap in when your current one needs a wash. It's one of those small household upgrades that feels insignificant at first but makes a noticeable difference in helping you avoid the need to unclog your kitchen sink and keeping the basins clean and fresh.