8 Ways To Stop Your Sink From Smelling Bad
A smelly sink can make an entire kitchen feel unpleasant, no matter how clean the rest of the space is. Whether the odor comes from standard buildup, stuck food, or even hidden bacteria, there are several ways to tackle the issue without much effort. Here are nine practical methods you can use to clean up your sink and keep that stink from taking over your home.
Flush With Hot Water
Sometimes, the simplest step is the most effective. Running very hot water down the drain for a few minutes can help dissolve grease and loosen bits of debris that stick to the pipes. If you can, do this once or twice a week to prevent buildup, but you can also wait do it as needed too. It may not solve deeper problems, but it’s a good starting point and an easy habit to build, especially if you have a kettle handy!
Baking Soda and Vinegar
It’s a classic pairing, sure, but it works well! Vinegar breaks down grime while baking soda absorbs odors on the way down. Combined, the fixing effect will help further loosen stuck bits and wash them away. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, then slowly add a cup of vinegar. After about ten minutes, flush with hot water. If the smell is especially bad, you might need to repeat the process a few times.
Clean the Drain Stopper
The drain stopper is often forgotten when it comes to cleaning, but make no mistake, it can trap food, bacteria, and other grime that builds up in our sinks. Over time, this leads to strong, often nasty smells. Remove it and scrub thoroughly with warm water and dish soap. If there’s any particularly stubborn buildup, or some tight crevices, use an old toothbrush to really scrub at it. If the stopper is what’s causing the smell, you should notice a difference right away!
Lemon Juice
Citrus is great for neutralizing bad smells while adding a fresh scent on its own. Cut a lemon into wedges and drop them into the drain. Run the disposal if you have one, or simply pour hot water over them. The natural oils help clean the pipes while leaving a light citrus smell behind. Or, if you don’t have a garbage disposal and don’t want to drop chunks of fruit down your drain, just use lemon juice mixed with water for a quick rinse. Give it a boil too if you want to combine it with the first method.
Salt Scrubs
If you have a garbage disposal, pouring a handful of coarse salt into it while running cold water can work wonders. Salt’s rough texture helps scrub away small bits of food that might be clinging to the blades. This method not only reduces the smell, but also helps maintain the disposal’s effectiveness, so it’s a two-for-one solution. For best results, pair the salt with some ice cubes to knock away more stubborn buildup.
A Mild Bleach Solution
For stronger odors, or if none of the above methods helped, a diluted bleach solution can kill bacteria that cause bad smells. Diluted is the keyword here. Mix a tablespoon of bleach with a quart of water and slowly pour it down the drain. Let it sit for about five minutes, then flush with hot water. Avoid overusing bleach, as it can be harsh on pipes if done too often, but there’s no denying it’s effective for stubborn odors.
Inspect for Plumbing Issues
If even bleach doesn’t work, the smell may be a sign of a larger plumbing issue. Problems like clogged vents, leaks, or dried-out traps can cause persistent odors that never go away no matter what you do. In this case, it’s best to call a plumber to take a closer look. Ignoring the problem not only means your kitchen will smell longer, but it can even lead to bigger repairs later. Sometimes, professional help is the only way to fully solve the issue.
Keep the Sink Clean
A dirty sink often makes a drain smell worse, so try your best to keep the exterior clean. Wipe the basin daily with warm soapy water to remove residue from dishes, utensils, and cookware. Don’t let food sit in the sink for long periods if you can help it. Not only will it help stave away foul odors, but these same tips also help keep ants and other insects away!
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- 8 Tips for Installing a New Sink Yourself
Bad sink smells are annoying, but rarely are they permanent. With a few easy habits and some regular maintenance, you can prevent nasty odors before they ever start. Or, if there’s already a smell, there are still many ways to get your sink back to smelling clean. A fresh sink makes your home feel more welcoming, and these steps make it possible without much hassle.
Daniel Mitchell
