How to remove smell from kitchen sink? (Best DIY solutions)

One of the most common problems in the kitchen is the smell of the kitchen sink, and it may be due to many reasons. Everyone wants to know how to remove smell from kitchen sink, so in this article, we will discuss the causes, effects, and methods of removing the smell from the kitchen sink.

Why Kitchen Sink Smells? Causes.

Before moving towards a solution, we must know the causes of kitchen sink smells. Here are some causes

1. Food Residue: When small particles of food are trapped in the kitchen sink for a few days, they contain bacteria, ultimately producing a smell.
2. Grease and Oil Buildup: Pouring oil and grease in the kitchen is also a factor in the smell of the sink. Sticky oil in the kitchen also traps food particles.
3. Clogged Drains: if your kitchen sink is clogged, it may create bacteria, which produces a smell in the sink.
4. Dirty Garbage Disposal: if your kitchen sink contains a garbage disposal, it can collect food particles and create a smell.
5. Sewer Gas: Sometimes, your kitchen doesn’t produce a smell, but it is from sewer gas that comes through a dry p-trap.

Simple and Effective Methods to Remove Smells from Kitchen Sinks

Here are some easy and effective methods that tell us how to remove smell from kitchen sink.

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

Baking soda and vinegar are the best components to remove the smell.

Step-by-Step Guide:

To clear the drain of any debris, pour a saucepan of boiling water down it.

• Next, pour 1 cup of baking soda directly into the drain.
• Then, pour 1 cup of vinegar. You will notice a normal fizzing reaction that helps break down the buildup.
•  Wait for 12 to 15 minutes for the mixture to work.
• At last, flush the drain with another pot of boiling water.

This method not only neutralizes odors but also helps to remove minor clogs.

2. Lemon and Ice Cube Method

This method is particularly effective for garbage disposal.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Cut a lemon into small slices and place them in an ice cube tray.
• Fill the tray with water and freeze.
• When the lemons are frozen, drop and run a few lemon ice cubes into the garbage disposal.
• Combining the lemon’s natural acidity and the ice will clean the blades and remove smells.

3. Salt and Ice for Garbage Disposals

If the smell is coming from your garbage disposal, Salt and ice can help clean the blades.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Fill the sink with a handful of ice cubes.
• Sprinkle a generous amount of coarse Salt over the ice.
• Please turn on the garbage disposal and let it run until the ice is ground up.
• Rinse with cold water.

The ice sharpens the blades while the Salt scrubs them clean, removing odors.

4. Use of Enzyme Cleaners

Enzyme-based cleaners are excellent for breaking down organic matter, which is also the source of bad smells.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• According to the product’s instructions, • Pour the enzyme cleaner directly into the drain.
• Allow it to sit for several hours or the whole night.
• Flush the drain with hot water.

Enzyme cleaners are particularly effective for sinks.

5. Clean the P-Trap

Sometimes, dry or dirty P-traps also produce a smell. Keeping clean may also solve your problem.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• To collect any water or debris, place a bucket underneath the sink.
• Use a wrench to loosen the slip nuts on the P-trap.
• Remove the P-trap and clean it with a brush and soapy water.
• Water attach the P-trap again and flush the drain with hot water.

6. Regular Maintenance Tips

Preventing your sink from smelling is more accessible than removing the smell. Here are some methods to avoid it.

• Rinse with hot water regularly: once a week, pour hot water into your sink to prevent it from trapping food particles or, oil, etc.
• Don’t Pour Grease Down the Drain. Instead, Put it in a container and toss it in the garbage.
• Use a Drain Strainer: This simple tool can catch food particles before they drain.
• Clean Your Garbage Disposal Weekly: Use one of the above methods to keep it clean and odor-free.
• Run Cold Water After Using the Disposal: This helps to flush out any remaining food particles.

Read more: Why kitchen sink leaking from top?

Dealing with Specific Odors

1. Musty or Moldy Smell: Clean the sink with equal parts water and vinegar. Scrub the sink thoroughly, paying attention to areas with visible mold or mildew.
2. Frequency: Address musty smells immediately and clean as needed to prevent mold and mildew growth.
3. Rotten Egg Smell: A rotten egg smell may indicate hydrogen sulfide gas, which bacteria in the drain can cause. To clean the drain, use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, and consider using an enzyme cleaner to address bacterial growth.
4. Frequency: Treat the drain promptly to address the odor and prevent future occurrences

Using chemicals to remove smell:

 If the above-mentioned methods fail to remove the smell from your kitchen, the last option is to use chemicals. Bleach is an effective chemical that kills bacteria. Pour bleach into your kitchen sink to kill the bacteria and remove the food particles trapped in it, but excessive use of bleach may harm the pipes of your sink.

Products That You Can Use:

Commercial Drain Cleaners: Use an enzyme-based drain cleaner that is specifically intended to break down organic debris in the pipes.
Disposal cleansers: Garbage disposal cleansers are designed to remove smells and clean the device.

Conclusion

 A smelly kitchen sink is an unpleasant and frustrating issue. Still, with the proper knowledge, you can easily remove the smell from your kitchen sink by using natural remedies such as baking soda and vinegar, lemon and ice cubes, or Salt and ice. All these methods assist you in removing the smell.

Remember, regular maintenance is critical to preventing your kitchen sink from smelling. Applying some of the tips and tricks mentioned in this article to your routine ensures that your kitchen sink remains smell-free.

FAQ’s

Is Salt good for smelly drains?

      Yes, Salt is good for smelly drains. Cleaning the pipes, eliminating debris, pouring Salt down the drain, and running hot water over it can help lessen smells. For mild drain odors, it’s an easy-to-use, natural treatment.

How often should I clean my kitchen sink to prevent odors?

Cleaning is the best way to protect your kitchen sink from odors. It is recommended that you clean your sink once a week to prevent it from smelling.