How to Get Rid of the Sewer Odor From the Bathroom Sink

Keep sink drains clean to avoid unpleasant odors.

When unpleasant sewer-like odors waft out of your bathroom sink drain, it's time for a good cleaning. Hair, soap scum, grease and dirt buildup inside a sink drain results in the growth of odor-causing bacteria. As bacteria thrives on the gunk inside your drain, its odor as it degrades causes an unpleasant smell in the room. Get rid of the nasty sewer odor from your bathroom sink by cleaning the sink and removing the substances causing the odor.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup table salt
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

Instructions

1. Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the drain to kill smelly mold spores. Allow the vinegar to sit in the drain alone for 10 minutes.

2. Add 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup table salt to the drain to loosen soap scum, grease and residue inside the drain. Allow the baking soda and vinegar to foam and remain inside the drain for 10 minutes.

3. Rinse the drain with water for one minute to wash away the baking soda, salt and vinegar, as well as the loosened gunk inside the drain.

4. Pour 1/4 cup of lemon juice down the drain each week to maintain its freshness. Leave the lemon juice in the drain for 30 minutes before rinsing it away.

Tips & Warnings

• Substitute full-strength white vinegar for the lemon juice to rinse the sink each week. Clean your bathroom sink regularly. If mold develops on the surface of the sink, it can quickly spread to the drain and cause odor.

• Persistent sewer odor coming from your bathroom sink and other drains can indicate a sewer problem. Consult with a professional plumber for resolution.

References

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Safer Cleaners -- Drain Cleaners and Drain Openers
• Reader's Digest: 150+ Household Uses for Vinegar
• University of Kentucky: Odors: What's That Smell?
• Good Housekeeping: Clear Dirty Drains