How to Get Rid of Smelly Drains

Not only is the smell unpleasant, but it can also indicate deeper problems such as obstructions or even plumbing troubles.

In this blog, we’ll look at the reasons for stinky drains and offer some remedies for getting rid of the odors and keeping your drains fresh and clean. We have you covered whether you prefer natural cures or commercial goods. 

So, if you’re ready to finally get rid of those smelly drains, keep reading!

Causes of smelly drains

The accumulation of soap scum, hair, and grease is one of the primary reasons for smelly drains. These pollutants can build and cause clogs in your drains, resulting in odors.

Soap scum can be formed by utilizing hard water, which leaves behind soap residue that can accumulate over time. 

Another typical cause of drain obstructions and odors is hair, particularly in bathroom sinks and showers. 

Finally, grease can add to stinky drains, particularly in the kitchen. When grease is poured down the drain, it can solidify and cause blockages, resulting in foul odors.

How to get rid of smelly drains

#1. Using boiling water

All a toilet needs is a good flush. The boiling water will clear all the gunk generating the foul smell. For excellent results;

1. Boil at least 2 gallons of water
2. Pour half of it down the drain and wait for  it to clear sticky particles in the drain.
3. Pour cold water in the drain. This cleans the pipe and hardens any remaining muck.
4. Pour the rest of the boiling water down the smelly bathroom drains. This will drive all gunk down the sewer pipe.

#2. Using distilled white vinegar

Distilled white vinegar helps keep your drains clean and smelling fresh. It contains acetic acid, which helps neutralize the source of the foul smell.  The acid may quickly penetrate the grease and can be used as a disinfectant.

For nice smelling bathroom drains. 

1. Heat 4 cups of distilled white vinegar until it boils. (it’s more effective when heated)
2. Carefully pour 2 cups of the liquid down the drain.
3. Run water for one minute.
4. Repeat the procedure with the remaining portion.

The white vinegar will clear all tiny clogs in the drains, which are the source of the foul odors.

#3. Using baking soda and salt.

A combination of baking soda’s cleansing capacity and salt’s abrasive nature can effectively get rid of a smelly drain.

 For amazing result;

1. Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain
2. Pour half a cup of salt down the drain.
3. Wait for the mixture to sit for a couple of hours/ overnight.
4. Boil water and carefully dump it down the drains.

Salk and baking soda combination will clear any gunk in the drains. The hot water will flush them down the septic tank.

#4. Using baking soda and distilled white vinegar

This is one of the most effective ways to get rid of smelly bathroom drains.  For better results;

1. Pour hot water down the drains to loosen any clogs.
2. Pour one cup of baking soda down the drains
3. Pour 2 cups of distilled vinegar down the drain and allow the mixture to fizz. The mixture will loosen any remaining gunk.
4. Cover the drains with a sponge to allow the reaction to take place below the drain surface. Wait until the suction sound fades.
5. Pour more hot water down the drains to wash everything down the sewer.

here is a video guide on how to get rid of smelly drains using baking soda and vinegar.

#5. Using lemon juice and baking soda.

Lemons contain citric acid. When mixed with baking soda, it creates a foaming effect that can eliminate gunk and foul odors from your bathroom drains. 

Here is how to do it;

1. Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain
2. Pour one cup of lemon juice down the drains
3. Allow the mixture to sit for a few hours.
4. Run hot water down the drains to clear the mixture and loosen the clog.

#6. Ice cubes with lemon peels

Lemon peels and ice cubes are a great way to get rid of gunk build up in your drains.  Here is how to effectively eliminate foul odors:

1. Pour how water into the garbage disposal unit
2. Add some ice cubes into the disposal unit
3. Pour cold water and turn on the disposal unit for a few minutes.
4. Add hot water once more and turn it off.

#7. Using a drain snake

Drain snakes are ideal for removing stubborn blockages that cant be removed by other means. Here is how to use it.

1. Feed the snake into the drain.
2. Holding the handle, turn it slowly
3. Pull it out after several turns to remove collected hair. 
4. Fun hot water for 2 minutes to flush the sewer line.( you can connect a pipe from hot water system to your drains)

Here is a video guide on how to use a drain snake to unclog sinks drains.

#8. Boiling water and soap.

Soap is efficient for clearing fatty stuff stuck in drain pipes. To get rid of your drain smell using soap and boiling water;

1. Boil  2 gallons of water
2. Mix with soap and pour it down the drains, little by little.
3. Wait for a couple of minutes and repeat the process
4. Run cold water . This helps in melting hardened residue that may be causing the drain odors.

#9. Using  Eggshells and citrus peels

Eggshells will have the same effect as salt because they’re abrasive and will scrub smelly drains.

#10. Using biological cleaning enzyme

Bio enzyme drain cleaners are eco friendly and non toxic. When poured into your drains, it eats any food debris and any gunk causing your drain to smell. They also kill odor-causing molds.

What’s next? 

Smelly drains can be an annoyance and may be suggestive of deeper problems. You can easily reduce drain odors and keep your drains clean and fresh by recognizing the primary causes of smelly drains, such as soap scum, hair, and grease buildup, and employing a number of solutions, including natural cures and commercial items. 

If the problem persists, you should consider contacting a professional plumber to analyze and resolve it. Don’t let stinky drains marr your day; take action to get rid of the odors and enjoy fresh, clean drains.