An unpleasant smell coming from your sink is a common problem, but it’s a sign that something is building up in your drain. That foul odor is almost always caused by a buildup of organic material like food scraps, grease, soap, or hair that get stuck in the pipes. As this material breaks down, it releases the terrible stench you can’t seem to get rid of. While you might be tempted to reach for a chemical drain cleaner, many of these issues can be solved with a few simple and effective home remedies that are much safer for your pipes.
For a fresh start, begin with the boiling water flush. This is the easiest first step, especially for kitchen sinks. Simply boil a full kettle of water and pour it slowly and directly down the drain. The intense heat helps to melt away any solidified grease and oil that has coated the inside of your pipes, allowing the buildup to be easily flushed away. It’s a powerful way to remove the common culprits of kitchen smells.
If the boiling water doesn’t solve the problem, you can use a safe, natural cleaner by mixing baking soda and vinegar. First, pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain opening. Then, follow it with half a cup of white vinegar. You’ll hear a fizzing sound as the two substances react with each other. This chemical reaction helps to scrub the inside of your pipes, breaking down stubborn gunk and residue. Let this mixture sit for about 15 to 20 minutes before flushing it with hot tap water to rinse everything clean.
Sometimes the smell is coming from your garbage disposal. Even if you’re careful, small food particles can get stuck on the blades and in the grind chamber. A great way to clean and deodorize it is to grind up a handful of ice cubes and a few slices of citrus peels, like lemon or orange. The ice cubes help to knock off any stuck-on debris, and the citrus peels leave a fresh, clean scent.
Another cause of a bad smell is a dry P-trap. The P-trap is the U-shaped pipe under your sink that is designed to hold a small amount of water to create a seal, preventing sewer gases from coming up into your home. If a sink isn’t used for a while, this water can evaporate, letting those nasty gases escape. You can fix this immediately by simply running the tap for a minute or two to refill the trap.
If you have tried all of these steps and the foul smell persists, you might have a more serious issue, such as a deep clog, a broken vent pipe, or a damaged sewer line. In these cases, it’s best to call a professional plumber to properly diagnose and fix the problem for good.