How can you get rid of bad odors coming from the kitchen sink? What causes bad smells in the sink? Here are 5 practical solutions that you can apply to eliminate bad odors in your kitchen sink:
The kitchen sink is one of the most frequently used areas in daily life. When it comes to home cleaning, cleaning the sink is extremely important. Sinks that are not cleaned properly can lead to blockages and the formation of bad odors over time. Drain pipes of frequently used sinks should be cleaned or replaced at regular intervals.
In particular, grease and food residues poured into the sink accumulate in the drain and cause blockages. Additionally, dirt layers begin to form in the sink pipes due to usage. In this case, bacteria form in the pipes and cause constant blockages. To prevent the formation of bad odors in the sink, you need to be careful not to let food residues enter these pipes. Also, grease residues should be poured into a plastic bottle instead of the sink and disposed of at waste oil collection points. Regular sink cleaning also helps reduce odor formation.
How to Eliminate Bad Odors in the Sink?
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar
The most well-known method for sink odor is using baking soda and vinegar. Pour enough baking soda over the sink holes to cover them. Then pour vinegar over the baking soda and let it foam. After letting this mixture sit for 15 minutes, pour hot water into the sink. This will clean the sink’s drain pipes.
2. Baking Soda and Lemon
Lemon, like vinegar, reacts with baking soda due to its acidic nature and helps eliminate bad odors in the sink. Add 1 cup of warm lemon juice to 1 cup of baking soda and mix. Pour the foamy mixture into the sink and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then rinse the sink with warm water. You can apply this method once or twice a week.
3. Hot Water and Coffee Grounds
After drinking your coffee, pour the remaining grounds into the sink holes and then pour hot water over them. Coffee grounds not only help dissolve grease but also eliminate odors.
4. Baking Soda and Essential Oil
Add a few drops of essential oil to half a cup of baking soda. You can choose sharp scents you like, such as peppermint oil, vanilla, eucalyptus oil, cinnamon oil, or orange oil. Pour the mixture into the sink and let it sit for 1 hour. Then pour hot water over it to make your kitchen smell better.
5. Lavender Oil
You can pour lavender oil directly into the drain hole. Alternatively, you can dilute 7-10 drops of lavender oil in warm water and pour the mixture into the sink. This will make your kitchen smell lovely.
Additional Tips: Preventing and Suppressing Bad Odors
To suppress bad odors in your kitchen, you can place a bowl of baking soda near the stove. Also, growing fragrant flowers like lavender in the kitchen can help reduce odors.
If bad odors persist despite trying these methods, consider replacing your sink’s drain pipes. Additionally, you can seek help from a professional plumber to check your sink pipes and drainage system. This way, any underlying larger issues can be identified and addressed.
Conclusion
Bad odors in the kitchen sink are an important issue both in terms of hygiene and comfort. Therefore, it is beneficial to pay attention to sink and drain cleaning and regularly apply the methods mentioned above to prevent bad odor formation. Applications made with natural materials such as baking soda and vinegar, baking soda and lemon, hot water and coffee grounds, baking soda and essential oil, and lavender oil can be easily prepared and applied at home.
Moreover, preferring natural and eco-friendly products instead of chemical cleaners during sink cleaning extends the life of the sink and drains and does not harm the environment. Regular cleaning of the sink and drains prevents blockages and odor issues, creating a more hygienic and comfortable environment in the kitchen.
