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How to Get Rid of a Smelly Kitchen Sink

Does your kitchen sink smell bad? Grease, fat, oil, and food particles down the drain are the most common causes of a rotting smell in the home. This leaves many individuals turning to harsh chemicals and expensive products right away. However, there are several non-toxic methods that can easily neutralize bad odors. Even better, most smells can be resolved with a few common ingredients you have in your home. Fortunately for you, the plumbing specialists at A1 Service Plumbing in Orlando and Central Florida have shared their expertise so you can eliminate sink stink for good. Here are the options we choose to solve this odor problem. 

Use Boiling Water 

Sometimes, leftover food particles can get stuck in the kitchen drain, causing a rotten smell that permeates throughout the home. Pouring a little boiling water down the kitchen sink can help wash out the food that gets caught in the drain. You can also add a little dish soap while running the garbage disposal to allow the hot water to really flush through. In fact, flushing out the drain with boiling water once a week with dish soap is an excellent preventative method that keeps your home from smelling like rotten food in the first place. 

Use Lemons and Ice 

It’s easy to gather the materials you require for this next drain cleaning method. Here’s what you need: 

  • Two peeled and halved lemons 
  • A few pinches of coarse salt 
  • 1 – 2 cups of ice 

To begin, place half of the lemons, ice, and coarse salt in the sink drain, then run the garbage disposal for a few seconds. Then run the hot water for a few minutes to clear out the disposal. Place the remainder of the ingredients down the drain, then turn on the disposal again. The ice works by clearing the food away while the salt will scrub the blades of the garbage disposal. The lemons, of course, will leave your sink smelling fresh, like citrus. 

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar 

One of the most popular tricks is to use a baking soda and vinegar mixture. These household items are commonly used to clean the dishwasher, refrigerator, toilets, and other appliances. For this method, try pouring one cup of baking soda down the drain, then two cups of vinegar on top of that. Allow it to sit for several minutes to bubble up, then run hot or boiling water. These ingredients, plus the hot water, will kill off any harmful bacteria that causes the smell. 

Trust A1 Service Plumbing 

After attempting these methods to clear out the sink stink and it is still emitting an unpleasant smell, this may be the sign of a more serious problem. Don’t hesitate to reach out to A1 Service Plumbing for plumbing repair to schedule service. We offer quality service for leaks, clogs, bursts, and other issues in the Central Florida area. Call us for large or small jobs – we stand behind our work with over 54 years of experience.