Cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie, known as the 'Queen of Clean', has shared a 10-second method to eliminate foul odors from kitchen sink drains, offering an alternative to the commonly recommended vinegar and baking soda approach.
Steam Blast Technique
In a TikTok video, Crombie demonstrated how to use a steam cleaner to refresh plug holes. "Got a smelly plug hole?" she asked. "Try this simple hack!" She explained that while she often uses bicarbonate of soda, steam is another quick way to keep drains fresh.
She instructed viewers to "give them a blast of steam," noting that "the hot steam can help loosen grime and freshen up the inside of the pipe, making it a great little maintenance trick between deep cleans."
Additional Uses for Steam
Crombie, who has a portable steam cleaner collaboration with Swan available on Amazon for £39.99, also recommends using steam for other household tasks. On her website, she suggests slicing a lemon into a bowl of water and microwaving for five minutes to release greasy residue, then wiping clean with a microfibre cloth.
She also uses the steamer to freshen hanging curtains, remove creases, and kill bacteria, as well as on soft-shell suitcases. "Heat is incredibly effective here and gives you that extra level of reassurance," she said, advising to wipe down wheels and handles with disinfectant spray.
Steam for Soft Toys and Bin Odors
For soft toys that cannot be soaked, Crombie says steam neutralizes dust mites and surface bacteria instantly without dampening the stuffing. Additionally, she recommends cleaning bins with hot soapy water and a splash of disinfectant or white vinegar, and sprinkling bicarbonate of soda in the bottom to absorb odors and deter flies.
