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How do you clean your sink grids?

15 years ago

I love our new Orca sink, for which we bought two grids -- one is a full-width bottom grid, and the other is an upper right half grid. We use both simulataneously. I admit I wasn't totallly sold on the grid thing, but took a leap of faith based on the advice of this forum. And yes, they are terrific and increase the utility of the sink in ways I hadn't imagined.

Here's my question: I can fit the smaller half grid in the dishwasher, but the bottom grid won't fit. What's the best way to clean/disinfect it? If I plug the sink drain and add, say, Cascade powder and our super-hot water to the level of the grid, would that affect the atainless steel finish of the sink basin itself? Would I get a water line? Or is there some better idea?

Comments (57)

  • 15 years ago

    Thanks for the info, and the cleaning tips too! (:

  • 15 years ago

    One way to clean it in the dishwasher is take off the top rack and let the grid sit on the bottom rack.

  • 15 years ago

    DH takes them outside and hits them with the powerwasher.

    He's always looking for things to do with that toy :)

  • 15 years ago

    I use magic eraser and soft scrub

  • 15 years ago

    Second for the Oxyclean hot water soak. Comes out sparkling.

  • 15 years ago

    CJC (and dretutz) -- must have cross posted earlier, cuz I missed your Oxyclean suggestion. I might give that a shot; I'm a big fan of Oxy.

    How often do you do this?

    And thanks everyone for the suggestions. Soft Scrub is appealing, too, cuz I think it has bleach in it. As you can tell, I'm looking for a lazy way to clean AND disinfect.

  • 15 years ago

    A denture brush. Use dish soap, takes very little time.

  • 15 years ago

    Hi kashka kat,

    Thanks for sharing your ideas.
    I used your vinegar method last night -- works like a charm and made the sink so clean too. I love my new sink grids!

  • 15 years ago

    So I just ordered my sink and ordered the grid, but I really don't understand what it is for! I'm glad you all like yours...can you fill me in? :) Thanks!

  • 15 years ago

    Steph, the grids protect the sink bottom from scratching, they allow you to wash a few dishes/pots etc., and leave them on the grid to drain, raise the bottom of a colander off the sink bottom to drain without backwash, allow a sponge or scrubby propped on the grid against the side of the sink to drain and dry... etc.

    I was in the same boat, the grid came with my sink but wasn't sure about it, now I love it. And I too flip mine over and add hot soapy water to cover the grid. I might try the Oxyclean, but the dishsoap has been fine thus far.

  • 15 years ago

    I don't have to do it often,(every couple weeks) but I admit I am a "cleaner", I wipe out the entire sink daily and use a sponge to wipe off the grid. This sink was the first purchase we made and I still LOVE IT! The viniger does work great but with my counter's I have to be VERY careful about it splashing on to them. Not worth the worry for me.

  • 15 years ago

    thank you!

  • 15 years ago

    I flip mine over and scrub it with a brush, hot water and any cleaner that seems to fit it's current state of gunkiness.
    I wonder if it would fit without the upper rack.....

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    My sink inserts came with small white plastic on the edges of the metal inserts. Are you supposed to leave these on? The bottom insert sits in the sink without touching the sides, but the top half insert rests on a lips of metal. Maybe these white plastic snap ons prevent scratching?

  • 9 years ago

    Hey! I have a ceramic apron sink. the grid is never really dirty, but the rubber things that keep it from scratching my sink are gross! I've soaked them overnight in baking soda/vinegar/water and scrubbed them with the nipple side of a bottle brush. still black and gross. any other good ideas?

  • 9 years ago

    Don't forget to take off the little rubber feet on the grid when you clean it. They get really gross if you don't. Ask me how I know!

  • 9 years ago

    So no matter what,looks like you still have to scrub with a scrubby or toothbrush...ugh. I love my grid but pain to keep from getting scummy within few days. Wish there was a spray that dissolves any gunk and then you could just rinse with water.

  • 9 years ago

    I have a grid that I don't use (came with my Krauss sink) because I saw little benefit and a lot of mess. Given that SS sinks won't get damaged like those made of other materials, I'm not sure of the point. But at least now I have more ideas for keeping it clean. Anyone have more suggestions to make it more useful?

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I have never had a sink grid before, so it was a new thing for me. I have a new Kohler stainless sink, and while out shopping for sinks, I noticed all the sink grids. I found that I really liked the look, and I also like that I can drop things into the sink without any concern at all to scratches on my shiny new sink LOL. (Obviously it is a stainless sink so really there is not much to worry about but mine is a very smooth polished finish - unlike most these days that are brushed.) I also like the fact that my sponge/scrubber can sit on the grid in the bottom, and dry out. Anything set in the sink just dries faster. It's just a bit neater and cleaner, for me. So far all I have had to do is wipe/rinse off the grids. No special care.

  • 8 years ago

    I'm having a love hate relationship with my sink grid. I really find it very useful, but I hate cleaning it and I'm surprised at how much crud can build up in just one day. The rubber foot area can be especially disgusting. Great cleaning suggestions in this post. I'm going to soak the damn thing in vinegar right now!!

  • 8 years ago

    Get out your saw: you'll never look back. It's not perfect because there is a little gap and it is obviously a bit of a kluge, but even so, this modified sink grid is awesome. I put this now 2 piece sink grid in the dishwasher every time I see any skuz. It is so easy. I told Ruvatti I did this and they reminded me I voided the warranty. Duh!


  • 6 years ago

    Jim I don’t have a saw - can you just come saw mine in half as well?? ;)
    I agree the manufacturer should have made it do you can fold in half and put in the dishwasher. I’ve tried and it will not fit. I love my big apron sink and the grate, but washing it is my least favorite thing about it. Will try the vinegar method today and if that doesn’twork will try oxy clean which is something I’ve never used. Thank you for all the suggestions!

  • 6 years ago

    How weird! I have never had any issues keeipng my sink grids clean. No problems with the little rubber feet either. Must depend on the specific grid.

  • 6 years ago

    Jim, I have the same Ruvatti grid. Have your black legs started splitting yet? I need to buy one or two new legs.

  • 6 years ago

    Probably would be easy to clean it when I have the power washer out do the deck.

  • 6 years ago

    Patti - no my black stumps are still golden. No splitting. I guess I have something to not look forward to. Btw, that Ruvatti sink is nice looking and way cheaper than a more name brand.

  • 6 years ago

    It is. I have never used the collander or cutting board though that came with mine. I really thought I would. I prep on the island watching TV instead. Open living and kitchen.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    @ Patti Yohe . Curious as to what model sink you have?

  • 6 years ago

    RCKsinks, I think it is the Roma. I looked on Ruvatti's website, and they have lots more sinks now than when I bought mine. I bought 2 for under $900.00. One for kitchen and 1 for laundry room.

  • 6 years ago

    Jim McCall, I was thinking of cutting mine into 2 pieces as well and google search got me to your post. After you cut, it seems the center would have no support without the plastic "feet"? Did you find it ok or did you attach new feet near the cut edges for support?

  • 6 years ago

    I’m cracking up reading these yet with the same frustrations that led me here. I agree Jim it gets me there seems to be no manufacturing company that would even just make two grids to in half that butt up to each other so you can skips these grid scuzzies in the dishwasher. They take way too long to try to clean and still look nasty.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Actually backstroae

    I know one that does. The problem with the split grids is all in the costing.


  • 6 years ago

    Where can I find them? I had searched online no luck.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    Just a thought… I have the Franke Orca ( which I love) but was having such frustration with the little plastic bumpers & feet. I called Franke and they told me the newer ones are better and sent teplacements. I am putting them on right now (not easy!) and we’ll see if they are actually better! I’ve only had the sink for a couple of years. The old ones had stained red and were moldy so quickly! Fingers crossed.

  • 5 years ago

    Oh I have an update. I been soaking my grids with a dish detergent tab. Works wonders!! Soaked in hot water than I wipe down with a microfiber cloth and it cleans up well gets all grime off.

  • 5 years ago

    I have had my Ruvati sink for 3 years now and love it even though I always struggle to get/keep the grate clean! I’m so happy to have found that I’m not the only one! It sounds like I’m doing the same things suggested so I’ll keep trudging on….

  • 5 years ago

    Jim - 🤣🤣🤣🤣! I may do the same to my Ruvati grid!

  • 5 years ago

    Try it! Game changer for me with my cleaning routine. I do use cascade pods with Dawn brand but not sure it matters

  • 5 years ago

    I hated my grid, I took it out and if the sink scratches, it’s a sink. I couldn’t stand all the stuff that got under the grid, I took it out and don’t see a need for it.

  • 5 years ago

    I use a nice gray silicone sink mat that always looks great, and so easy to clean, in my stainless steel, one large basin, sink❣️❣️

  • 5 years ago

    I did see a sink wherer the manufacturer made the grid out of some kind of stiff rubber like material rather than steel and plastic - and you can easily put that in the dishwasher. Smart idea! Meanwhile, my surgically altered stereo metal grid has been working great for 2 years, and no plastic feet have fallen off or gotten damaged.

  • 5 years ago

    I spent my morning looking for two separate grids for my 32" sink that can't fit in the dishwasher. When I couldn't find two that I liked enough I started thinking about alternatives.


    I was just considering Jim's idea with cutting mine in half, but was wondering if there would be any stability issues. Thinking about adding a bar to the cut edges, etc.


    Ended up reading Sedeno77's comment about removing the top half of the dishwasher, which I had also never thought about for some reason.


    Literally just threw it into the dishwasher now, but it barely fit. I can imagine a 36"+ not fitting. Might end up cutting for ease of washing anyway in the near future.


    During my search I came across the Circuit Chef grid from Elkay. Two halves, but they are still wire attached. Probably foldable and in line with another one of Jim's suggestions above. Really wish more companies would start offering this as standard for larger sinks.

  • 5 years ago

    I remove the second dishwasher tier and put it diagonally in the bottom tier along with the baffle filters from the range hood.

  • 5 years ago

    My sink/grid is an Elkay, their price point for grids is simply ridiculous.

  • 5 years ago

    I removed my sink grid to the trash. I feel free! No more cleaning it, no more looking at crud in the nooks and crannies, no more dealing with the feet. Yay!

  • 5 years ago

    Spray oven cleaner on it, wait, rinse. Easy. Can do outside to avoid the cleaner fumes in house.

  • 5 years ago

    I am following this post because i am constantly scrubbing the grid and within a day it looks yucky again. i was hoping for an easy solution!

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    What about using foaming bathroom cleaner - Like scrubbing bubbles? Anyone try that?

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    geocod . not a good idea with stainless steel.

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