How to clean smelly drains? With these home remedies, you’ll get the shower, sink and toilet odor-free again!

A smelly drain, even if it’s not clogged, is very unpleasant. If the drain pipe is gurgling and the water isn’t draining properly, then you need to act quickly. We shall explain how you can clean a smelly drain and unblock the shower and sink drain with simple home remedies.

The Drain Stinks but Is Not Clogged: What Are the Possible Causes

Many know the problem: the drain stinks but is not clogged. What could be causing this unpleasant smell?

• Food leftovers, hair or detergent residue have accumulated and rotted. Even if the water is draining away without any problems at the moment, you should clean the drain thoroughly.
• Standing water in the drain: If you haven’t used the sink in the last two weeks, the water in the drain has probably evaporated. There is certainly standing tap water in the sewer, the smell of which is then carried into the house.
• Clogged ventilation valves, improperly vented drain pipes or incorrectly installed pipes can also lead to water stagnating somewhere in the sewer and creating unpleasant odors.

Drainage Smells like Rotten Eggs: Denture Cleaner Can Help

If the drain really stinks, then a denture cleaner can prove particularly helpful. It has disinfecting properties and can reliably remove odors. To be on the safe side, you should first shake 1 liter of hot water down the drain and then add a tablet. Wait a quarter of an hour and then rinse the drain with hot water.

Clean the Smelly Drains with Lemon Juice

You can also clean the drain with lemon juice. In this case, pour 2 liters of lukewarm water in a bottle and then add about 500 ml of lemon juice. Shake the bottle well and pour the solution down the drain.

Clean the Smelly Drains with Salt

Salt can also remove unpleasant odors. Put 1 to 2 tablespoons maximum of salt down the drain and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then pour 5 liters of lukewarm tap water down the drain.

How to Clean Smelly Drains: Home Remedies That You Can Use to Clear Clogs

If the drainpipe is gurgling and the water is not draining properly, then you should act quickly. Otherwise, you can clog the drain completely, and then cleaning will be much more complicated. In any case, there are a few tricks and useful home remedies that you can use to get it clean.

Clean Clogged and Smelly Shower Drain with Washing-Up Liquid

Shower channels are all the rage at the moment. Unfortunately, cleaning is a bit more complicated because you can’t find a hair strainer insert for it. Luckily, the hair collects in the feet of the gutter cover, because straight hair can hardly be loosened with household remedies. Proceed as follows when cleaning:

• Remove the hair in the drain. It is best to do this by hand. You can wear rubber gloves.
• Put some washing-up liquid around the drain, clean the rail with a soft sponge.
• You can quickly remove soap residue with several drops of white wine vinegar. If necessary, you can put 4 tablespoons of baking soda in the drain pipe and then pour about 100 ml of vinegar. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then flush the opening with water.
• Put the clean and dry gutter cover on.

Remove Grease and Dirt from the Kitchen Drain with Dishwasher Tabs

If the sink doesn’t drain, you can use dishwasher tabs. These are perfect for loosening grease and dirt. Proceed as follows:

• First bring 1.5 liters of water to a boil.
• Then put two dishwasher tabs in the water.
• Wait for them to dissolve and then pour the solution down the kitchen sink drain.
• Wait about 15 minutes and then rinse the drain hole with lukewarm tap water.

Clean the Sink Drain with Vinegar and Soda

A proven home remedy is the combination of vinegar and soda.  First, pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of soda into the opening, then pour about 250ml of white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Wait 10 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm tap water.

Clean Clogged Toilet Drain

A clogged toilet drain can also be cleaned with baking soda and vinegar. You can also quickly remove limescale or urine scale deposits. Proceed as already described: first put 2 tablespoons of baking soda in the toilet, then add half a liter of vinegar. You let the home remedy work for about a quarter of an hour and then rinse the drain several times.

NB

If you have already cleaned the drain and the smell is still not gone, then this is a case for a specialist. An old drain pipe could also be damaged by some home remedies. So if you live in an old building, you should call a professional to be on the safe side.