Your kitchen drains take a lot of abuse and can quickly become clogged and smelly. A smelly kitchen drain is particularly unpleasant, as the scent will readily waft to the other areas of your home. So, cleaning smelly drains (and keeping them clean) should be a priority. With that in mind, the team at Triangle Plumbing Services is here with this quick guide on how to get rid of smelly drains in the kitchen.
Contact us today to speak to a plumber in Midlothian, VA. Our professionals are ready to provide you with the advice that you need.
What Causes Bad Drain Smells?
Bad kitchen drain smells are mostly a result of food particles and grease getting stuck under the drain grill and the drain trap. Food and grease sitting in the drain quickly start growing bacteria, which emit powerful smells that waft out of your drain into your kitchen. Smelly drains often have a musty odor similar to rotten eggs or rank laundry. In some cases, mold can start growing in your drains.
Strategies for Getting Rid of Smelly Drains
If you notice any bad smells coming out of your drains, try these odor removal strategies to keep your drains clean and odor-free
Soap and Water
When in doubt, some hot water and a little bit of dish soap can cut through and eliminate most odors. First, fill up your sink with a sufficient amount of hot water and add a few drops of regular dish soap. Remove the drain plug and run your garbage disposal to flush the pipes of any bacteria-containing clogs. The combo of dish soap and hot water is perfect for breaking apart grease clogs.
Lemons and Ice Cubes
The next strategy is to use lemons and ice cubes. Toss a few ice cubes down the drain, along with lemon slices and a pinch of salt. The citric acid from the lemon can dissolve organic clogs, and the ice plus salt combination can mechanically scrape away stubborn drain buildup. Try this process a few times to eliminate the worst of the smells.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
If you’re wondering about how to get rid of smelly drains in the kitchen, another option is to create a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. First, pour about a cup of baking soda down the drain and let it settle for a few minutes. Next, pour a cup of vinegar down the drain and wait about 15 to 30 minutes. The baking soda and vinegar solution will react and release heat that breaks up clogs made from organic materials.
Extra Tips to Keep Your Drains Clean and Smell-Free in Midlothian, VA
Below are some additional tips to help you keep a clean kitchen and prevent bad smells and odors from your drains:
- Avoid tossing large food particles and foreign objects down your drains. Large objects clog drains, creating more buildup and bacteria that create smells.
- Avoid pouring cooking grease and oils down your drain. Grease and oils solidify in the drain trap and trap other food particles that create smells. Grease clogs can also make your drains slow.
- Once a week, pour a small pot of boiling water down the drain. The hot water should break up residue and prevent it from forming larger clogs.
- Consider investing in drain guards to stop any food particles and residue from going down drains.
- Don’t use harsh chemical cleaners, such as bleach, to clean your drains. These substances can damage drain pipes, making clogs more likely to form.
- Get professional drain cleaning services at least once every year. Drain cleaning will keep your drain clear and also extend your plumbing system’s lifespan.
Award-Winning Drain Cleaning & Plumbing Services in Midlothian, VA
Foul-smelling drains can be incredibly frustrating to deal with. Unpleasant odors can put a damper on your day and drive away guests, among other things. Thankfully, there are ways to address an issue. Using the right method, you can clear a clog and get rid of unpleasant smells.
Having trouble doing so on your own? Our experts are here to provide you with assistance.
Read our blog if you want to learn about plumbing problems causing indoor flooding and what to do about them. If you would like more tips on how to get rid of smelly drains in the kitchen, contact Triangle Plumbing Services online or give us a call today at 804-550-6336 to schedule an appointment in Midlothian, VA!
