February 07/2025

Learn How To Get Rid Of A Smelly Kitchen Sink

A smelly kitchen sink can make your entire home feel less fresh. If you've noticed an unpleasant odor coming from your drain, it’s time to take action. The good news is that you don’t always need a plumber immediately—many sink smells can be fixed with simple cleaning methods. However, if the smell lingers, a professional plumbing repair service in Central New Jersey might be necessary. When the odor won’t go away, calling a trusted company like Mr. Rooter Plumbing can help ensure your pipes are in good shape.

Why Does Your Kitchen Sink Smell?

A kitchen sink can develop bad smells for several reasons. The most common cause is food particles and grease buildup in the drain. Over time, these leftovers rot and create foul odors. Other possible causes include:

• Clogged Pipes – When food scraps, grease, or soap scum accumulate, they create blockages that trap odors.
• Bacteria Growth – Moist, warm environments inside pipes are perfect for bacteria that produce bad smells.
• Dry P-Trap – If you don’t use your sink often, the water in the P-trap can dry out, allowing sewer gases to rise into your kitchen.
• Garbage Disposal Issues – If your disposal isn’t cleaned regularly, food can get stuck and start to smell.

Understanding the cause of the odor is the first step to fixing it.

How to Get Rid of the Smell

Flush the Drain with Hot Water

Start with the simplest fix—boiling water. Pouring hot water down the drain helps melt grease and wash away buildup. Follow it with a splash of dish soap to cut through any remaining residue.

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

A natural and effective solution is baking soda and vinegar. Here’s how:

• Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain.
• Follow with one cup of white vinegar.
• Let it fizz for about 15 minutes.
• Flush with hot water to wash away debris.

This method not only removes odors but also helps with minor clogs.

Clean the Garbage Disposal

If you have a garbage disposal, it could be the source of the smell. Try these steps:

• Run cold water and turn on the disposal.
• Drop in a few ice cubes and citrus peels (like lemon or orange) to freshen it up.
• Pour baking soda down the disposal and let it sit before rinsing with water.

Keeping your disposal clean prevents food from rotting inside.

Check and Clean the P-Trap

The P-trap is the U-shaped pipe under your sink. If there’s a buildup inside, it could be causing the smell. Here’s how to clean it:

• Place a bucket under the trap to catch water.
• Unscrew the connectors and remove the pipe.
• Rinse it thoroughly with hot, soapy water.
• Reattach and check for leaks.

If you’re uncomfortable removing pipes, a skilled plumber can help with this step.

Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning

If home remedies don’t work, it might be time for a professional to clean the drain. A plumbing repair service can remove deep clogs and buildup that household cleaners can’t reach. Professionals use special tools like drain snakes and hydro-jetting to clear out stubborn debris.

Prevent Future Smells

Once you’ve gotten rid of the odor, follow these tips to keep your sink smelling fresh:

• Run hot water after using the sink to flush out food and grease.
• Use a drain strainer to catch food scraps before they go down the drain.
• Clean the garbage disposal weekly with ice cubes and lemon peels.
• Pour baking soda down the drain every month to absorb odors.

These simple habits will help prevent the problem from returning.

Call a Professional if the Smell Won’t Go Away

If you’ve tried these methods and the smell still lingers, it may be a sign of a more significant issue, such as a sewer line problem or mold inside your pipes. In that case, don’t wait—call a plumbing repair service to inspect your system. A professional drain cleaning can remove stubborn buildup and prevent future plumbing problems.

Taking care of your kitchen sink doesn’t just keep your home smelling fresh—it also helps protect your plumbing from severe damage. If you’re dealing with persistent odors, don’t hesitate to call a plumber to find a long-term solution.