The Secret to Keeping Your Kitchen Sink Smelling Fresh

Nothing is more unpleasant than a whiff coming from your kitchen sink. It’s not just off-putting; it is also a sign that something isn’t quite right in your kitchen sink drain. The good news is that keeping your kitchen sink smelling fresh is an easy task that can be achieved with quick DIY solutions. From natural remedies to working with a trusted plumbing repair service, there are many ways to eliminate odors and prevent them from coming back.

In this blog, Neighborhood Plumbing shares tips that will help you keep your kitchen sink smelling fresh and clean. Our knowledgeable and experienced plumbers have handled countless tasks related to kitchen sinks and faucets over the years. From cleaning kitchen sink drains to fixing leaky faucets and replacing broken sinks, we’ve done it all. We are the experts to call when you need faucet & kitchen sink repair and maintenance.

Start with the Basics: Rinse and Flush Regularly

Every time you wash dishes or rinse food down the drain, small bits of debris can stick to the inside of your pipes. Over time, this buildup leads to unpleasant smells and slow drainage. One of the easiest ways to prevent this is by flushing your sink with hot water after each use. The heat helps dissolve grease and wash away residue before it hardens inside the drain.

Keep Your Garbage Disposal Clean

If your kitchen has a garbage disposal, chances are it’s a major source of unpleasant odors. Food particles can get trapped under the blades and start to rot, creating a sour or musty smell. To fix this, run your disposal with a few ice cubes and lemon or orange peels once a week. The ice sharpens the blades, while the citrus neutralizes odors and leaves behind a refreshing scent. You can also sprinkle some baking soda into the disposal before rinsing it with warm water for an extra layer of freshness.

Avoid Pouring Grease and Oil Down the Drain

Grease is one of the biggest culprits behind foul-smelling kitchen sinks. When you pour hot oil or fat down the drain, it cools and hardens along the pipe walls, trapping food debris and bacteria. Over time, this not only causes bad smells but can also lead to clogs. Instead, collect grease in a disposable container and throw it away once it solidifies.

Clean the Sink Surface and Drain Stopper

Even if the smell seems to come from deep in the drain, bacteria and grime often collect around the sink drain, faucet base, and stopper. Scrub these areas regularly with dish soap and a small brush to remove buildup. A toothbrush works well for cleaning tight spots where gunk tends to hide.

Watch for Underlying Plumbing Issues

Sometimes, persistent sink odors aren’t caused by surface-level debris but by a dry P-trap or a venting issue. The P-trap holds a small amount of water that blocks sewer gases from rising into your home. If your sink hasn’t been used in a while, that water can evaporate, letting odors escape. Simply running the tap for a few seconds can refill the trap. However, if smells linger even after cleaning, you may be dealing with a deeper plumbing issue, such as a partially clogged drain or a cracked pipe, which should be handled by a professional plumbing repair service in Pittsburgh, PA.

Do You Need Faucet & Kitchen Sink Repair? Contact The Plumbers at Neighborhood Plumbing

Is your kitchen sink broken or in disrepair? Do you have leaky faucets that won’t stop dripping? Is your kitchen sink drain clogged? Contact the professional plumbers at Neighborhood Plumbing for professional help. Our team has the expertise, skills, and advanced tools to troubleshoot and repair faucets, kitchen sinks, drains, and other parts of your kitchen plumbing. Do not hesitate to contact us when you need a skilled plumber to address all of your kitchen plumbing issues.