Sinks are frequently used for washing hands, scrubbing plates, soaking stained clothes and even bathing pets and small children. They work hard, so it is unsurprising that they sometimes become a little whiffy.
There are various reasons why your kitchen sink may smell. If your sink is not draining freely, there may be a blockage or the drain lining may be damaged. Specialists such as https://www.drainpower.co.uk/drainage-services/drain-lining/ can inspect your drains using non-invasive techniques to identify and eliminate the cause of the problem.
If no blockage exists and the smell is simply due to the sink being well used, there are some preventative measures that you can take to keep it draining properly and smelling fresh.
1. Scrape Plates Before Washing
Before washing your plates, scrape food residue into the bin to prevent it from entering the drains. Use a drain screen to catch any remaining scraps.
2. Repair Damaged Pipework
If a pipe is damaged and accumulating waste or backing up, no amount of cleaning will do as much good as repairing or replacing the damaged pipe and eliminating the problem.
3. Baking Soda, Vinegar, Salt and Boiling Water
Periodically pouring a mixture of baking soda, salt and vinegar into your kitchen sink can clean it and the drains really well. The mixture is abrasive yet will not harm the sink or the pipework. Once it has finished bubbling, pour in a kettle full of boiling water to dissolve any salt that remains and flush the system through.
4. Baking Soda, Lemon Juice and Boiling Water
Baking soda and lemon juice bubble and fizz when mixed, creating a chemical reaction that is renowned for its cleaning abilities. Pour a good amount of baking soda into the drain, add half as much lemon juice and 15 minutes later, flush with boiling water.
- Essential Oils
Essential oils by themselves will not provide any cleaning power, but they will smell great. Select your favourite and periodically add a few drops to your drain, either after washing the sink or after performing a baking soda refresh to get the greatest benefit.