How to Fix a Smelly Kitchen Sink

The kitchen sink is notorious for emitting a smelly odor that simply does not want to go away. Assuming that you have checked the trap and there is no problem with the pipes, it is time to tackle that annoying odor. Commercial products designed to eliminate sink odor often contain harmful chemicals that pose a threat to small animals and children and may even damage your skin but there are safer alternatives. Several common household products work just as well, saving you money and reducing the risk of injury.

Things You'll Need

• Distilled vinegar
• Baking soda
• Salt (coarse)
• Lemon juice
• Household bleach

Instructions

1. Pour 2 to 3 cups of white distilled vinegar down the drain and allow to sit for several hours. Rinse thoroughly with hot water to remove the offending odor. The smell of vinegar will dissipate within a few hours leaving your drain fresh and clean.

2. Try baking soda for a drain freshener. Pour 1 cup of household baking soda down the drain and allow it to set overnight. Flush the drain with water in the morning to restore a fresh clean scent from your drain.

3. Mix lemon juice and coarse salt for a drain freshener that leaves your kitchen smelling like lemons. Pour 1 cup of salt down the drain and follow with the juice of one lemon. Allow to sit for several hours before running water in the drain. The lemon scent will fill your kitchen with the fragrance of citrus while neutralizing the drain odor.

4. Use common household bleach to kill bacteria that may cause household odors and to keep the drain fresh. Pour 2 to 3 cups of bleach down the drain and allow to sit for at least an hour. Flush the drain with cool water for five minutes. Use caution when handling bleach and keep out of the reach of children and pets.

5. Flush the drain once a week with 1 cup distilled vinegar to maintain a clean drain and eliminate the buildup of odors.