The drains in our home see a lot of activity. From flushing things down the toilet to food scraps that end up down our kitchen sinks, there is more than just water traveling through our systems. Sometimes, all of these items combined can lead to buildup that causes our drains to leak an unflattering odor.
When your drains start to stink, it can be very overwhelming and have an effect on the scent of the entire home. Plus, stinky drains are also known to attract certain bugs, such as drain flies, and this can cause another unflattering problem to deal with.
Luckily, there are plenty of simple and natural remedies that you can use to combat a stinky drain.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are the two best things to use to combat a stinky drain. Start by placing about 1 cup or so of baking soda down your drain. Follow it up with about 1 cup of white vinegar. Keep in mind that vinegar and baking soda will create a bubbling effect, so you may see some of this come out of your drain, and that’s okay. Let this solution do it’s work, and in the meantime, boil a large pot of water. After the water has boiled, carefully pour it down the drain to help clear out the solution and the smelly particles. In order to ensure that your drain remains scent free, you can place a spoonful of baking soda or vinegar down the drain once every two weeks.
Lemons
Lemons are another natural remedy used to combat stinky drains. You can add about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice down your drain and let it sit for a few minutes to combat the smell. Boil a large pot of hot water and pour it down the drain to try and clear away any smelly debris, and then add another tablespoon of lemon juice down the drain to give your drain a fresh scent. If your stinky drain happens to be coming from your garbage disposal, cut up a lemon into small pieces and place it in your disposal. Allow your disposal to mash up the lemon, and this will help clear out any nasty scents that may be housed in your disposal.
Fresh Air
Fresh air can be another easy and great way to combat unpleasant drain smells. Most drains tend to smell because they retain moisture and don’t properly air out. This is especially true in the winter months when the heat is running and during the summer months when the air conditioning is on. Homes are generally closed tightly, and air doesn’t get to flow freely through the home. When possible, make sure to open your windows or turn the fan on for about an hour every day to allow your home (and your drains) to air out. When water has the ability to dry properly, it will not create a musty smell.
P-Traps
Every drain contains a p-trap that is meant to keep smells from coming through your drain. If your drain is smelling, it’s possible that your p-trap may have some build up. If you have tried the other cleaning remedies without success, you may want to remove your p-trap and remove any debris that may be housed inside. Removing any standing water or any hair or food particle that are trapped is a simple and natural way to remove smells.
Stinky drains can make your home feel dirty, and they can be extremely unpleasant to deal with. Luckily, you can use natural remedies to help alleviate and remove the odors so that you don’t have to use any harsh chemicals or purchase any expensive cleaning products.
