10 Ways to Fix a Stinky Sink Drain Once and for All
13 Mar 2025
Have you ever caught a whiff of something foul coming from your sink? An unpleasant odour can turn your kitchen or bathroom into an unwelcome space. Fortunately, fixing a stinky sink drain is usually simple and can be done with a few straightforward solutions. Below are ten effective ways to eliminate odours and keep your drains smelling fresh.1. Boiling Water One of the easiest and most effective methods is to pour boiling water down the drain. This can help dissolve greasy buildup that contributes to the smell. Try doing this once a week for a fresh-smelling sink.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar This classic cleaning duo works wonders! Start by pouring a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz and sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse with hot water. This not only helps with odours but also keeps the pipes clear.
3. Lemon Juice Lemon juice is not just for cooking; it’s also a powerful deodoriser! Pour fresh lemon juice down the drain or throw in some lemon peels. The citric acid helps break down buildup while leaving a refreshing scent.
4. Salt and Baking Soda Scrub Combine half a cup of salt with half a cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain. Follow this with boiling water. This mixture can act as a natural scrub to combat grime and odour.
5. Regular Cleaning Make a habit of cleaning your sink regularly. Food particles, soap scum, and other debris can accumulate and cause bad smells. Wipe down the sink and faucet, and avoid letting food bits linger after washing.
6. Check the P-trap The P-trap under your sink can accumulate debris and become a source of odours. Remove it carefully (make sure to have a bucket handy for any water that might spill), clean it thoroughly, and reassemble it to ensure proper function.
7. Use a Drain Screen Prevent food particles and debris from going down the drain by using a drain screen. This simple tool catches waste before it becomes trapped in pipes and helps reduce odours.
8. Essential Oils For a pleasant fragrance, consider adding a few drops of essential oils, like tea tree or peppermint oil, to your drain. Their antibacterial properties can help eliminate odors while leaving a lovely scent.
9. Hydrogen Peroxide Mix half a cup of hydrogen peroxide with half a cup of vinegar and pour it down the drain. This combination will not only help with odours but will also disinfect and sanitise the pipes.
10. Call a Professional If you've tried all the above methods and the smell persists, it may be time to call in a professional plumber. There could be a more serious issue in the plumbing that needs to be addressed. Keeping your sink drain smelling fresh doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these ten tips, you can easily tackle odours and maintain a clean and welcoming space in your home. Remember to incorporate these practices into your cleaning routine to enjoy a stink-free sink all year round!