How do you clean smelly sink drains?

There are several ways to clean stinky drains, and one of the easiest is to flush the drain with hot water, baking soda and hot vinegar. This creates a fizzy chemical reaction that deodorizes and clears most drains in 30 minutes. The required supplies are water, baking soda, white vinegar, long cleaning gloves, a microwave oven and a microwave-safe container that holds at least 2 cups.

1. Flood the drain with hot water

   Flood the drain with hot water, then close the tap. The hot water loosens smelly soap scum and accumulated food residue in the pipes.

2. Dump baking soda down the drain

   Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain.

3. Heat 2 cups of white vinegar

   Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into a microwave-safe container and heat it until it is almost boiling.

4. Pour the hot vinegar over the baking soda

   Don protective cleaning gloves. Remove the vinegar from the microwave and pour it down the drain. This creates a strong fizzing reaction. Stand back from the hot liquid, and pour it slowly to minimize splashing.

5. Wait 30 minutes

   Give the chemical reaction 30 minutes to clear and deodorize the drain. Do not use the sink during this time.

6. Flush the drain

   Flush the drain with very hot water.