Important question for kitchen sinks with...an "unpleasant" odor.

[The Animator]

Ok, just so everyone knows, this is NOT a copycat thread. I actually have a stinkysink. I think it's probably just some schmutz that has accumulated in the garbage disposal... so I'm fairly certain I know the cause. What I don't know, is what to do about it? Is there some kind of product made specifically for this kind of thing? Is there a do it yourself remedy for a sink that smells like a chicken's ass wrapped in rotten fish? Please help. I love to cook in my kitchen, but lately I can't get past the odor...

And not one word out of you Dark Tirade, this is embarrassing enough as it is.

[ScreamingMeemie]

1. Yes, they have products you can buy to disinfect and deodorize

garbage disposals, but I find pouring a half cup of bleach (while the disposal is running) keeps odors at abay. Also, I throw a lemon peel down once a week.

[quakerboy]

5. But NEVER EVER

pour bleach down if you have been grinding shellfish shells and the disposal gets jammed.

I had a roommate once who thought that might help. It smelled like shrimp and bleach, the infinite version.

[puerco-bellies]

2. It could be from several sources.

But a little bleach down the drain will likely cure it. Usually it is from build-up in the drain trap. That is the U shaped elbow that keeps the sewer gases from coming up the drain. Stuff can collect there and get a little stinky. Bleach will kill the bacteria probably growing there.

[Inchworm]

3. chop up a bag of ice cubes as you drizzle bleach

[LeftyMom]

4. You could try pouring some bleach down the drain.

That should clear up any bacteria (You've probably got a problem with food and grease trapped in there and rotting. If the problem persists, look for a degreaser that won't wreck your disposal.) For general deodorizing after that, running a lemon wedge down the disposal usually works nicely to clear up a slight case of drain funk.

[Kool Kitty]

6. I don't have a garbage disposal,

but since a little thing like that never stopped my husband from washing everything down the regular drain, I have had "stinky drain". I dumped some baking soda down the drain (about hald a small box) and followed it up with a plain white vinegar "chaser". I let it sit for about two hours (it fizzes up-A LOT) and then poured a tea kettle full of boiling water down the smelly old drain. It worked. (This also works for a slightly plugged or slow drain.) Good luck.

[Adsos Letter]

7. Has anyone mentioned bleach...?

[Inchworm]

8. it's platinum!

[Jamastiene]

9. Two options I know of for sure:

Pour baking soda in sink (down in the hole). Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then pour vinegar into it. It will sizzle and clean the sink to some degree.

The other option is to pour hydrogen peroxide into it and let it sit for about an hour in the trap.

In both cases, make sure you pour enough of the liquid part of the ingredients down to flush out the trap and rinse by running water after you are finished.

And yes, bleach is another alternative.

[Adsos Letter]

10. Has anyone mentioned bleach...and lemon slices...?

[WCGreen]

11. Baking Soda...

That's a great way to get rid of the odor...