How to Get Rid of Drain Smell
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How to get rid of Drain Smell for good!
Overview
That not-so-pleasant aroma drifting up from your sink or shower drain? You’re not alone. Drain odours are a common household issue, often caused by trapped food particles, hair, soap scum, and bacteria clinging to the drainpipe walls.
Fortunately, you don’t need to be a plumber to resolve this. Let’s see how to get rid of drain smell for good without sweating much!
Identify the Source
Before we look into the best drain smell solutions, it’s important to pinpoint the source of the drain smell. Is it the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower, or floor drain? Identifying the location helps you choose the most effective approach and products.
Common culprits include food debris, hair, soap scum, and grease accumulating in the pipes. These materials can decompose, leading to unpleasant smells. Additionally, a dry P-trap can allow sewer gases to enter your living space.
Tools You Need
Step 1
How to get rid of Drain Smell with Enzymes
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- What they are: These cleaners contain natural enzymes that break down organic matter such as hair, grease, and food buildup. They’re an environmentally friendly alternative to harsh chemicals.
- How they work: The enzymes digest the organic material causing the odour, effectively eliminating the source.
- How to use: Follow the product instructions, which typically involve pouring the cleaner down the drain and allowing it to sit for a specified time (often overnight) before flushing with hot water.
- Best for: Kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, and showers with a buildup of organic waste.
Step 2
Baking Soda and Vinegar
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- What they are: A classic, cost-effective, and surprisingly effective combination.
- How they work: Baking soda, a mild alkali, helps to neutralise acids and odours, while vinegar, a mild acid, helps dissolve grease and grime. The fizzing action helps to dislodge debris.
- How to use: Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of vinegar. Allow it to fizz for 30 minutes, then flush with hot water.
- Best for: General drain cleaning and deodorising in sinks and showers.
Step 3
Drain Snakes/ Hair Removal Tools
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- What they are: Flexible tools designed to physically remove hair and debris from drains.
- How they work: The snake is inserted into the drain, and the barbed or hooked end grabs onto hair and other obstructions.
- How to use: Carefully insert the drain snake into the drain opening, twist and push it down as far as it will go, then slowly pull it out, removing any collected debris. Dispose of the debris appropriately.
- Best for: Showers and bathroom sinks where hair is a common culprit.
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Step 4
How to get rid of drain smell with Greed Drain Seals
To eliminate drain odors effectively, consider installing a Green Drain waterless seal. This innovative device uses a flexible silicone membrane that allows water and debris to flow through while sealing off the drain when not in use.
The Green Drain prevents sewer gases, odors, and pests from entering buildings through floor drains, improving indoor air quality and hygiene. It’s easy to install without tools and fits various drain sizes, making it suitable for both new construction and retrofitting older structures.
By replacing traditional water-based trap seals, the Green Drain offers a low-maintenance, eco-friendly solution that doesn’t require constant water replenishment or chemical treatments to keep drains odor-free.
If you’re looking for the best drain smell solutions, this is one of the most effective long-term options.
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No one wants a smelly drain ruining their home’s atmosphere. Whether you opt for enzyme cleaners, natural remedies like baking soda and vinegar, or the innovative Green Drain, you can tackle this problem effectively. The key is to choose the best drain smell solutions that suit your specific needs and maintain regular drain cleaning to prevent future issues.
By following these steps, you’ll know exactly how to get rid of drain smell and keep your home fresh and odor-free!