Let’s be honest—sinks don’t always smell as clean as they look. Whether it’s the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, lingering odors can sneak up from the drain and make your whole space feel less than fresh. The good news? You don’t need fancy cleaners or harsh chemicals to fix it. You just need two simple ingredients: baking soda and vinegar.
Yep, the same duo you used in grade school science projects can work real magic in your plumbing. Here’s how this powerful pair helps eliminate sink odors—and how to use them the right way.
Why Baking Soda and Vinegar Work
When combined, baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) create a fizzy chemical reaction that breaks up grime, cuts through grease, and helps neutralize odors. But even on their own, they each bring something valuable to the table:
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and mild abrasive, ideal for scrubbing and absorbing smells.
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that kills bacteria and dissolves buildup like soap scum and mineral deposits.
Together, they form a bubbling cleaning force that gets down into the nooks and crannies of your drain.
How to Use Baking Soda and Vinegar to Freshen Your Sink
Here’s a quick step-by-step process you can follow once a week or as needed:
What You’ll Need:
1/2 cup of baking soda
1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar
Hot water (boiled if possible)
A sink stopper or small dish towel
Steps:
Clear the Sink
Remove any dishes or debris and run a little hot water to make sure the drain is open.
Add the Baking Soda
Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda directly down the drain.
Pour in the Vinegar
Slowly add 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar. You’ll hear fizzing and bubbling—that’s the reaction working its magic.
Cover and Let Sit
Plug the drain or place a dish towel over it. Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes. This helps the solution work down into the pipes.
Flush with Hot Water
After the wait, pour a kettle of hot water down the drain to wash away any loosened gunk and neutralized odors.
Tips for Best Results
Avoid pouring grease or food scraps down the drain in the first place—these are often the root of sink odors.
If your drain tends to clog easily, follow up this process with a quick plunge to move any loosened buildup.
Want a fresh scent boost? Add a drop or two of lemon or peppermint essential oil after the flush.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to buy expensive deodorizers or call in a plumber to get your sink smelling clean again. With baking soda and vinegar, you’ve got a simple, affordable, and eco-friendly fix already sitting in your pantry. Try it once, and your nose—and your pipes—will thank you.
