How to Remove Smell from Kitchen Sink

TL;DR: To quickly remove smells from a kitchen sink, clean the drain with bicarbonate of soda and vinegar, flush with boiling water, and scrub the plughole. Maintain freshness by rinsing after each use and keeping food debris out of the pipes.

If you are wondering how to remove smell from kitchen sink drains, we can help. With over 20 years of experience in the kitchen industry, we know that unpleasant odours are usually caused by trapped food particles, grease build-up, or bacteria in the drain. Fortunately, there are simple solutions that will leave your sink smelling fresh again.

How to Remove Smell from Kitchen Sink Safely and Effectively

Kitchen sinks work hard every day, which makes them prone to build-up that can cause bad smells. Regular cleaning is essential to keep them hygienic, whether you own a traditional stainless steel model or a composite sink.

Identify the Source of the Smell

Before cleaning, check whether the smell is coming from the drain, plughole, or even the overflow. This will help you target the problem area. If the smell is coming from a composite model, our guide on how to clean a composite sink offers detailed cleaning steps.

Use Bicarbonate of Soda and Vinegar

Pour half a cup of bicarbonate of soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. The fizzing reaction helps to break down debris and kill bacteria. Leave it for 10–15 minutes, then flush with boiling water. For composite sinks, always run the cold tap at the same time to avoid thermal shock.

Clean the Plughole and Overflow

Odours often linger around the plughole cover and overflow channel. Remove the plug (if possible) and scrub with a small brush dipped in washing-up liquid. If your sink has an overflow, run a mixture of warm water and vinegar through it to flush out bacteria.

Regular Rinsing and Maintenance

After preparing food or washing up, run hot water down the sink for 20–30 seconds to wash away any grease or food residue. A sink strainer can help prevent larger food particles from entering the drain in the first place.

Preventing Smells and How to Remove Smell from Kitchen Sink

Avoid pouring fats and oils down the drain, and scrape plates before washing to reduce the amount of debris that enters the pipes. For stubborn stains or build-up, you can also follow our guide on how to remove tea stains from composite sink.

Now you know how to remove smell from kitchen sink drains, keeping them fresh will be much easier. If you are upgrading your kitchen, take a look at our kitchen sinks collection for durable and stylish options.

For more expert advice on keeping kitchen drains fresh, see the Good Housekeeping guide to eliminating sink odours.