If you have a kitchen or bathroom sink drain that smells like all get out then you’re going to need to read this diy guide.
I’m going to show you how to remove it, but how do you do that?
Well there’s a bunch of different natural methods for doing that everything from believe it or not listerine ice cubes vinegar and baking soda clorox bleach and your always handy uh cleaning brushes. So, I’m going to show you how to do a couple of those and which ones I recommend and which ones I don’t.
Many homeowners experience bad smells coming from their kitchen drains, especially if there’s a garbage disposal in place. Luckily, there are several natural methods to clean your kitchen sink and restore freshness to your home.
In this article, we’ll walk you through five effective ways to tackle that stubborn kitchen sink smell!
1. Ice Cubes to Clean Garbage Disposal Blades
We all know how bad a smell from a garbage disposal can get, especially when gunk builds up on the blades.
One solution? Ice cubes!
Here’s how to use ice to deodorize your kitchen sink:
- Step 1: Take about half a cup of ice cubes and pour them down the drain.
- Step 2: Turn on the garbage disposal and let it run.
- Step 3: As the ice cubes get crushed, they break down the gunk and bacteria stuck to the blades, which helps clean them and eliminate the odor.
This method works great when you notice the smell coming from the garbage disposal, as it helps get rid of the sticky stuff causing the smell.
2. Listerine or Mouthwash
While it might sound odd, mouthwash like Listerine or Scope can actually help get rid of kitchen sink odors. It’s not always the most effective, but it can do the job in some cases.
- Step 1: Pour a couple of capfuls of mouthwash (Listerine, Scope, or any brand) directly into the drain.
- Step 2: Let it sit for about 15 minutes. You can also rinse it away with warm water afterward.
Though this works better for bathroom sinks, it’s still a method worth trying in the kitchen if you’re looking for a quick fix.
3. Bleach (Clorox) – Handle with Care
Bleach is a more aggressive approach, but it can help sanitize and deodorize the drain. However, you should use it with caution since it can be harsh on pipes.
- Step 1: Pour a small amount of bleach (Clorox or any non-splash formula) down the drain.
- Step 2: Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Step 3: Rinse with warm water.
Be mindful that too much bleach can damage your plumbing, so this should only be used sparingly.
4. Baking Soda and Vinegar Combo
This is one of the best natural remedies out there for deodorizing kitchen sinks. Here’s how it works:
- Step 1: Boil some water and pour half of it down the drain.
- Step 2: Pour about half a cup of baking soda into the drain and let it settle.
- Step 3: Pour about half a cup of white vinegar into the drain. You’ll see fizzing and bubbling as the two ingredients react.
- Step 4: Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Step 5: Pour the rest of the boiling water down the drain to flush everything away.
The chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar helps break down the bacteria and gunk in your drain clean, leaving it fresh.
5. Manual Cleaning of the P-Trap
Sometimes, the source of the smell is deeper inside the plumbing system, specifically the P-trap. The P-trap is the U-shaped section of your drain pipe where water and debris can get stuck. If you’re up for a little manual work, here’s what you can do:
- Step 1: Place a bucket underneath the P-trap to catch any water that might spill out.
- Step 2: Unscrew the P-trap and check for any buildup.
- Step 3: Use a cleaning brush to scrub away any debris, bacteria, or biofilm.
- Step 4: Reassemble the P-trap and add some vinegar to the sink, letting it soak for a while to keep things fresh.
This method is great for a deep clean when the odor is persistent.
Conclusion
If your kitchen sink is emitting foul odors, it’s most likely due to a buildup of bacteria, gunk, or food debris in your drain. You can use these natural methods to freshen up your sink and garbage disposal. Ice cubes, mouthwash, bleach, the baking soda-vinegar combo, and even manually cleaning the P-trap can all help reduce and eliminate the smell. Try out these solutions and see which one works best for you!
If the smell continues even after cleaning, it might be worth checking your water heater’s anode rod or calling a professional plumber. Either way, these methods should help you get rid of that bad kitchen sink smell!
Let us know in the comments which solution worked best for you!