How To Naturally Clean A Smelly Drain

By  Hunker Team Updated
... Michele Andersen

The odor from a dirty drain can permeate throughout your entire house. Bacteria grows on food that is stuck deep in the drain, creating a bad smell. A simple, non-toxic weekly or bi-weekly cleaning method will keep your sink drain fresh and free of odors. Using natural cleaning products is a great way to keep your house clean and fresh while keeping your family safe and healthy.

Things You'll Need

... Michele Andersen

  • 3/4 cup baking soda
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • Old rag
  • 1 lemon (optional)
baking sodaeskaylim/iStock/GettyImages

Step 1

Clear the sink of all dishes and pieces of food.

...Michele Andersen

Pour dry baking soda down the drain.

white vinegar in drainMichele Andersen

Follow with white vinegar and immediately plug the drain with an old rag.

...Michele Andersen

The reaction between the baking soda and vinegar creates a small bubbling volcano effect, which you want to keep down in the pipe. This is why you want to plug it with a rag. Allow it to work for about 30 minutes.

Pour hot water down the drainMichele Andersen

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, remove the rag and pour the water down the drain.

...Michele Andersen

If you have a garbage disposal, grind up several ice cubes, to dislodge pieces of food that may be stuck on the blades.

...Michele Andersen

Finish off by grinding a few slices of lemon to freshen the drain.

close up of washing the vegetableskokoroyuki/iStock/GettyImages

Flush only liquids and gray water — water from washing dishes and clothes, and from bathing — down household drains. Throw food scraps in the trash or into a compost bin.

baking sodaivandzyuba/iStock/GettyImages

Check out these other clever ways to clean your home using baking soda, from scrubbing stainless steel appliances to deodorizing your mattress. Genius!

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