Lemon juice and coarse salt can effectively deodorise and scrub smelly drains, according to bathroom specialists BMAS Mobility Bathrooms. The simple method involves creating a paste from the two ingredients and applying it to the top section of the drain.
How the Two-Ingredient Method Works
In a blog post, BMAS Mobility Bathrooms explained: 'Coarse salt and lemon juice can help scrub and deodorise the top section of smelly drains. Work the paste around the plughole and just inside the drain, leave briefly, then rinse with hot water.' This natural approach uses ingredients typically found in kitchen cupboards, offering a cost-effective solution.
For those seeking additional odour masking, essential oils can be used. The team advised: 'After cleaning, add a few drops of essential oil (like tea tree, eucalyptus, or lemon) to temporarily mask unpleasant bathroom odours. Always dilute oils and avoid overuse, especially if you have allergies or sensitive skin.'
Alternative Solutions for Persistent Odours
Enzyme-based cleaners offer a longer-term option. BMAS Mobility Bathrooms noted: 'Enzyme-based products use targeted enzymes to digest organic build-up over time. If you use them regularly, they can prevent new biofilm from forming and keep bathroom drain smell to a minimum.'
Plumbing experts at S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting also recommend lemon juice. They wrote: 'Want your drain to smell less like a science experiment and more like a citrus grove? Try lemon juice. It's mildly acidic and great for cutting odours. Squeeze the juice of one or two lemons into the drain. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with hot water.' They added that salt works as a deodoriser and mild abrasive.
When to Call a Professional
Common causes of drain odours include soap and hair build-up, which homeowners can often address themselves. However, strong sewage-like smells, slow drainage, or gurgling noises may indicate a plumbing issue requiring professional help.
