Self-proclaimed 'Queen of Clean' Lynsey Crombie has shared a simple 10-second cleaning hack to banish smelly sink drains without the need for vinegar or bicarbonate of soda.
The 10-second hack
In a TikTok clip, Crombie demonstrated how she tackles her kitchen sink's bad-smelling drain using a steamer. "Got a smelly plug hole?" she asked. "Try this simple hack!"
She explained: "Most of the time I reach for bicarbonate of soda, but there's another quick way to help keep your plug holes fresh." The method involves giving the plug hole a blast of steam for about 10 seconds.
How it works
"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," she said. The footage showed her using a Swan steam cleaner, a collaboration between her and the brand, which is available on Amazon for £39.99.
Other steam uses
Crombie also recommends a lemon and water microwave hack on her website: "Slice a lemon into a bowl of water and microwave for five minutes. The steam serves to release greasy residue effortlessly! Wipe clean with a professional microfibre cloth. It's an antiseptic powerhouse for pennies!"
She uses the steamer to refresh hanging curtains, eliminating creases and bacteria, and on soft-shell luggage. "Heat is incredibly effective here and gives you that extra level of reassurance," she added. "Don't forget to wipe down the wheels and handles with a disinfectant spray these pick up more than you think while travelling!"
For soft toys that can't be soaked, steam neutralises dust mites and surface bacteria without dampening the stuffing, she explained.
Bin odour tips
Crombie also advised on keeping bins fresh: "In the warmer weather, bins can quickly become a breeding ground for smells and flies, so I always recommend cleaning them regularly with hot soapy water and a splash of disinfectant or white vinegar. One of my favourite tricks is sprinkling bicarbonate of soda in the bottom of the bin and keeping lids closed tightly to help absorb odours and stop flies being attracted to food waste."
