How to Clean a Smelly Kitchen Sink Drain With Vinegar

A smelly kitchen sink drain can ruin your cooking vibe, often caused by food buildup, grease, or bacteria in the pipes.

What Causes a Smelly Kitchen Sink Drain?

That unpleasant odor from your sink usually comes from trapped debris or mold growth in the drain. Luckily, vinegar is a natural, cheap way to clean a smelly kitchen sink drain without harsh chemicals.


Tools and Ingredients

  • White vinegar (1 cup)
  • Baking soda (½ cup)
  • Boiling water
  • Old toothbrush (optional)

Step 1: Pour Boiling Water

Boil a kettle of water and carefully pour it down the drain to loosen grease and debris.


Step 2: Add Baking Soda and Vinegar

Sprinkle baking soda into the drain, then pour vinegar over it. Let it fizz for 10-15 minutes to break down odor-causing buildup.


Step 3: Flush and Scrub

Rinse with more boiling water. If the smell lingers, use a toothbrush to scrub the drain opening gently.


Bonus Tip: Fixed a leak recently? Leaks can contribute to drain odors. See our guide on how to stop a leaky Delta single-handle kitchen faucet to tackle both issues at once.

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