7 Steps to Fix Kitchen Sink Smells Bad When Water Runs

You are ready to wash your dishes or rinse veggies in the sink, you have just turned on the faucet. But a nasty smell wafts up from the drain instead of the refreshing sound of water. Your kitchen sink smells bad when water runs, and it’s enough to miserable your kitchen time.

This happens because food particles, grease, or debris build up in the pipes. Over time, they rot or clog, causing a bad odor in the kitchen sink drain. When you flow water, it interacts with this material, releasing the bad odors that you smell coming from your sink

Ready to enjoy a fresh-smelling kitchen again? In this post, you’ll discover easy, practical steps to eliminate the smell of the kitchen sink.

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Causes of Kitchen Sink Drain Smell When Run Water

When water runs in your kitchen sink, unpleasant smells can emerge due to various reasons. Here are five common causes:

Food Debris: Leftover food particles trapped in the drain can rot, producing bad odors.
Grease Buildup: Pouring fats and oils down the sink leads to grease accumulation, which decomposes and smells.
Dirty Garbage Disposal: Food remnants stuck in the disposal unit can decay, causing unpleasant scents.
Dry P-Trap: If the P-trap dries out, sewer gases can escape into your kitchen, leading to foul smells.
Clogged Vent Pipe: A blocked vent pipe prevents proper airflow, causing sewer gases to back up into the sink.

But that’s not all – consider those aging pipes as undercover gatherers of debris, fostering hidden surprises of odors. Don’t worry, you can remove the odors and restore the freshness in the kitchen by taking proactive steps.

7 Steps to Get Rid of Kitchen Sink Smells Bad When Water Runs

Experiencing unpleasant odors when running water in your kitchen sink is a common but solvable problem. These smells often originate from decaying food particles, grease buildup, or bacteria lurking in your drain. Here are 7 effective ways to eliminate these smells and keep your kitchen sink fresh:

Step 1: Boiling Water Flush

This is a quick and easy first step. Boiling water can dissolve grease and dislodge loose debris clinging to the pipe walls.

Carefully pour a full kettle of boiling water down the drain.
This method is best for regular maintenance and preventing minor buildup.

Step 2: Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano

This classic combination creates a powerful fizzing action.

Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain.
Follow with one cup of white vinegar.
Let the mixture fizz for about 15-20 minutes. This chemical reaction helps break down organic build-ups and neutralize odors.
Finish by flushing with hot water.

Step 3: Citrus Power

Using lemon or orange peels is a natural way to freshen your drain.

With a garbage disposal: Toss a few citrus peels in and run it. The grinding action releases fragrant citrus oils that help deodorize the drain and leave a pleasant scent.
Without a garbage disposal: Boil the peels in water and pour the cooled liquid down the drain.

Step 4: Ice and Salt Scrub

This method is especially effective for cleaning garbage disposals.

Toss a handful of ice cubes and a cup of coarse salt (like rock salt or sea salt) into the disposal.
Run the disposal with cold water. The ice and salt act as an abrasive, scrubbing the disposal chamber and dislodging debris from the blades.

Step 5: Deep Clean the P-Trap

The P-trap, the curved pipe under your sink, is a common trap for debris.

Place a bucket or container under the sink to catch any water or debris.
Carefully loosen the slip nuts connecting the P-trap and remove it.
Clean out any accumulated gunk and debris.
Rinse the P-trap thoroughly and reassemble it.
Regularly cleaning the P-trap is crucial for preventing future odors.

Step 6: Use a Sink Strainer – Preventative Measure

A simple but highly effective way to prevent drain smells is to use a sink strainer.

Use a strainer to catch food particles before they enter the drain.
Regularly empty and clean the strainer to prevent it from becoming a source of odors itself. This small step can make a big difference in keeping your drain clean and odor-free.

Step 7: Grease Disposal – The Golden Rule

Never pour cooking grease or oil down the drain.

Pour grease into a disposable container (like an old jar or can) and let it solidify.
Once solid, discard the container in the trash. This simple habit can prevent many drain problems.

Follow these 7 steps to remove kitchen odors. Regular maintenance and cleaning habits also significantly impact kitchen sink health. Additionally, you can follow my secret strategy to remove and maintain a fresh kitchen.

10 Secret Tips to Prevent Recurring Odors in Kitchen Sink

Recurring odors in your kitchen sink can be stressful and frustrating for you. However, consistent maintenance and mindful habits can keep your sink smelling fresh. Here are 10 tips to help prevent these odors:

Regularly Clean the Garbage Disposal: If your sink has a garbage disposal, clean it every week. Run a dishwasher tablet with hot water through the disposal to remove food residue and prevent odors.
Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain: Dispose of cooking fats, oils, and grease in the trash, not the sink. These substances can solidify in pipes, leading to blockages and unpleasant smells.
Use Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for 15 minutes, then flush with boiling water. This natural remedy helps break down buildup and neutralize odors.
Flush with Boiling Water: Periodically pour boiling water down the drain to dissolve grease and wash away debris that can cause smells.
Clean the Sink Strainer: Regularly remove and clean the sink strainer to prevent food particles from accumulating and decomposing, which can lead to odors.
Use Lemon or Citrus Peels: Grinding lemon or orange peels in the garbage disposal can provide a fresh scent and help clean the disposal’s blades.
Install a Sink Strainer: Use a sink strainer to catch food particles and prevent them from going down the drain. Cleaning the strainer regularly is super easy and it helps to avoid odors.
Avoid Overusing the Garbage Disposal: Dispose of food scraps in the trash or compost instead of relying solely on the garbage disposal. This reduces the chance of buildup and odors when you run water on the sink.
Maintain Proper Ventilation: Ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated to help dissipate odors and reduce humidity. Because it can contribute to mold and mildew growth.
Regular Deep Cleaning: Perform a deep cleaning of your sink and drains weekly. This includes scrubbing the sink basin, cleaning the faucet, and using cleaning solutions to flush the drain.

By incorporating these practices into your kitchen routine, you can effectively prevent recurring odors in your kitchen sink.

Conclusion

You have reached at the end of the “Kitchen Sink Smells Bad When Water Runs” blog. Here, I have discussed the causes/reasons why your kitchen sink smells bad odors when you run water. And how you can transform your unpleasant kitchen into a welcoming place.

You can keep your sink fresh and clean by following the seven steps I have provided above. Regular drain cleaning and natural remedies like baking soda and vinegar work wonders to remove odors. Don’t forget to flush the drain with hot water to clear out grease and leftover debris.

Also, avoid pouring grease or dumping large food scraps into the sink. Check for leaks and ensure the P-trap is in good shape to stop sewer gases from escaping. These small habits go a long way in keeping your kitchen odor-free.

With regular care, you can avoid future smells and enjoy a fresh kitchen every day. Take action now, and your sink will stay clean, functional, and pleasant.

FAQs

Why Does My Sink Smell When I Run the Water?

When you run water, it can dislodge trapped food particles or bacteria in the drain, which releases bad smells. Additionally, if the P-trap (the U-shaped pipe under the sink) is dry or malfunctioning, sewer gases may escape and smell bad.

How Do I Get Rid of a Bad Smell in My Kitchen Sink?

Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain to remove the bad smells on the kitchen sink. Then let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then flush with hot water. Regularly cleaning the drain and avoiding disposing of grease or large food particles can also prevent bad smells.

Why Does My Kitchen Sink Smell Bad When I Run the Washing Machine?

If your sink emits odors when the washing machine runs, it may indicate a venting issue or a blockage in the shared drain line. The washing machine’s discharge can push sewer gases into the sink due to improper venting or clogs. Ensuring proper venting and clearing any blockages can resolve this problem.

Jakaria

JAKARIA is a seasoned expert in kitchen appliances and cooking techniques. With years of hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge, he has a knack for solving common kitchen appliance issues. He also offers expert guidance to help you achieve culinary success and create amazing meals effortlessly.