How do I keep dirt from getting caught under silver rim around sink?

Teri
by Teri
I have a silver rim around my sink in the kitchen that is used to hide the dividing lines between the countertop and sink. There is a constant problem of dirt/food getting caught underneath that rim. Is there a solution to the problem, without getting a new type of sink?
  12 answers
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Nov 26, 2014
    Chalk or silicone around it. Let it cure before you reuse it.
  • Teri Teri on Nov 26, 2014
    Thanks for the answers, but I'm still hoping for more ideas.
  • AvonelleRed AvonelleRed on Nov 26, 2014
    I think Sherrie meant caulk or silicone, and that is what I believe is used for sink installations. If you replace yours, though, you will want to get rid of the old caulk first. I suppose once you clean it really well, you could try using something like clear nail polish just around the edges, so it would be easier to wipe clean, but not sure how well that would work, as I have not done it myself.
  • Z Z on Nov 26, 2014
    The best thing is to use a stiff brush at least every couple days so the gunk won't build up. Also make sure each time you wash your sink to dry completely so as not to allow the gunk that may be in the water dry in the rim.
  • Adrianne C Adrianne C on Nov 27, 2014
    The seal probably needs to be tightened. Access it from under the counter.
  • Jay Taylor Jay Taylor on Nov 27, 2014
    I suggest you to check everything manually first and get it fixed. If you still unable to fix please get it fixed be experts before it get worst. Experts can deal accordingly and also it will reduce your future unwanted expenses on maintenance.
  • Sandra Sandra on Nov 27, 2014
    Have had this style sink for many years in many rental homes. The problem is not uncommon. My solution is to use a stiff brush as suggested by Becky. The seal has nothing to do with the problem. It is the way this design is manufactured. The only permanent solution is to replace it.
  • Thej Thej on Nov 27, 2014
    An old toothbrush first and then run as many toothpicks around the rim as necessary to clean. I like the round toothpicks better as they are more pointed. After the first time, a quick once a month should take care of the problem. I have to do it to the band around my glass top electric range top. Gunk somehow collects there!
  • Teri Teri on Nov 27, 2014
    I also have the rim around the glass top electric range. It is not as bad because it sits more firmly down and dirt doesn't get stuck all the way under...not as much of a gap. It is nothing like the sink. Could it be that whatever they used to keep the silver rim firmly down eventually could not handle the constant water washing around it. Sounds like a bad design! I will have to visit a home center and found out how they put in sinks similar to this one. I was wondering if you could use epoxy glue to fill in the gaps (with a toothpick)? Or maybe ask an expert on this kind of problem.
    • Z Z on Nov 27, 2014
      @Teri I didn't realize it was loose. I would look from underneath the sink. You may only need to tighten the clips that are holding it in place. Before doing so I would loosen them enough that you can give the area a good cleaning. Let dry, add caulk, lower sink and tighten. This is what it might look like from underneath. http://retrorenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/sink-clips.jpg
  • Joanie1051 Joanie1051 on Nov 27, 2014
    There isn't supposed to BE a "gap" around the rim. It should sit flush on the counter and should have been installed with plumber's putty, caulk or silicone to SEAL it to the counter on BOTH edges, inner and outer. If you can get it cleaned out completely all the way round and do this, that would be the ideal solution. If you don't think you can do this yourself, Craigslist has lots of handyman ads, so you can probably hire someone relatively cheaply enough to do it for you.
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Nov 29, 2014
    Oh, yes. Have the same problem. Use a toothbrush and the tip of a sharp knife to ream it out when it gets to me.
  • Theresa Tucker Theresa Tucker on Nov 29, 2014
    I used a toothpic and thin cloth to clean around my faucet, stove, and sink.