Why Your Sink Smells (and How to Fix It)

Few things ruin a clean kitchen faster than a bad smell coming from the sink. If you’ve noticed a persistent odor, don’t panic—it’s a common issue that can be solved with a few smart fixes. Let’s uncover why your sink smells and how to get it fresh again.

The most frequent culprit is food buildup in the drain or garbage disposal. Over time, tiny bits of food and grease collect, decay, and release foul odors. To fix this, pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the drain. Let it fizz for a few minutes, then flush with boiling water.

Another cause could be a dry P-trap—the curved pipe under your sink. It holds water to block sewer gases from entering your home. If the trap dries out, those gases can escape. Run water through the drain for a minute or two to refill it.

If the smell persists, the problem might be mold or bacteria inside your disposal or overflow channel. Scrub the rubber gasket and use a disposal cleaning pod or citrus peel for freshness.

At I Hate My Sink, we’ve found that odors are often the first sign of deeper plumbing issues. A professional inspection ensures your sink isn’t hiding leaks or buildup in places you can’t reach. Because a kitchen should smell like dinner—not the drain.

‍