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.