That mysterious, unpleasant smell wafting from your kitchen might not be the bins or the fridge. More often than not, the culprit is right under your nose: the kitchen sink.
A stinky sink is a common household issue, typically caused by bacterial growth on trapped food, grease, or hair within the pipes. This build-up can lead to a foul odour, often compared to rotten eggs, and may be accompanied by slow drainage.
The Two-Ingredient Solution from the Experts
Thankfully, you don't need expensive or harsh chemicals to tackle the problem. Cleaning experts @housekeepingheroesnsw from Sydney, Australia, have shared a simple, effective method using two items you likely already have in your kitchen cupboard: white vinegar and baking soda.
In a video posted to their 44,000 TikTok followers, the gurus demonstrated a straightforward step-by-step process to completely remove the odour.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Fresher Sink
The method is remarkably simple. First, take about half a cup of baking soda and pour it directly into the drain. Next, follow this with one cup of white vinegar.
You will immediately hear a satisfying sizzling sound. This fizzing reaction is crucial, as the acidity in the vinegar works to break down the grimy build-up inside your pipes. Allow this mixture to sit and work its magic for approximately 30 minutes.
After the half-hour is up, the final step is to flush the drain with a pot of boiling hot water. This clears away the dissolved debris and any remaining residue, leaving your sink smelling fresh and clean.
What to Do If the Smell Persists
For most minor odours, this natural cleaning method is highly effective. However, if the unpleasant smell remains after treatment, it could indicate a more substantial blockage deeper in your pipes.
In such cases, you may need to employ a mechanical solution like a plunger or a drain snake to fully dislodge the obstruction. But for regular maintenance and tackling those common whiffs, the baking soda and vinegar combo is a powerful, eco-friendly first line of defence.
