Keep Your Drain Smelling Fresh With A Simple Hydrogen Peroxide Trick

We've all been there: first, the sink starts gurgling, and before you know it, foul odors creep up the pipe and into your home. It can be overwhelming to deal with plumbing issues, especially for first-time homebuyers or even those who are moving into their first place. Take a deep breath and try not to panic if you're in this situation! There are some DIY hacks to unclog drains and eliminate odors you can try, and you might have the key ingredient hanging around in your medicine cabinet ready to help. Hydrogen peroxide is the secret weapon when it comes to fixing smelly drains, and the process is simple to execute.

The reason so many people reach for hydrogen peroxide as a cleaning and deodorizing aid is that its unique makeup results in antibacterial properties. CDC data states that 3% hydrogen peroxide is a reliable disinfectant for inanimate surfaces, including sink drains. One of the most common causes of a bad drain smell is bacteria growth due to food buildup, which is why peroxide is a lesser-known solution to this issue. Below, you'll find instructions on how to get rid of drain odors with peroxide and several other odor-eliminating uses for this versatile product.

If you've tried cleaning your sink but are still dealing with odors coming from the drain, grab some hydrogen peroxide to try and remedy the issue. 3% peroxide has the ability to break down organic matter, which is crucial for cleaning away bacteria buildup from food, as well as preventing clogs from forming. To get started, turn on the water and let it get hot. Be sure to run the water long enough to saturate the drain and pipes. Next, pour one cup of hydrogen peroxide down the drain and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Finish the process by flushing the pipes with cold water. You can repeat the process if necessary.

It's important to note that while peroxide is a common household item, there are some precautions you should take when working with it or mixing it with other products. It is safe to mix peroxide and baking soda for a cleaning solution but never mix two products together without confirmation that it's okay to do so. You should also use caution when working with peroxide for any kind of project and be sure to cover your hands and any exposed skin to prevent it from coming into contact with the chemical and causing irritation.

Once you've tackled your drains using peroxide, you can use any leftover product to kill odors in countless places around the house. Some people add hydrogen peroxide to washing machines to kill odors and help remove stubborn stains from fabrics. In fact, you're probably familiar with the selection of "oxi"-based laundry products found in stores, but did you know that the magic ingredients behind their cleaning power are sodium percarbonate and sodium carbonate, aka hydrogen peroxide and baking soda? This means you don't need a fancy commercial cleaner to eliminate odors in your laundry, as you can easily DIY a solution at home with ingredients you probably have on hand already!

Another great hydrogen peroxide hack to use in the kitchen is using it to help bring those well-loved dish towels back to life. This DIY requires only peroxide and vinegar, as well as a little bit of time. Fill a bucket with a little bit of warm water and ½ cup of peroxide. Submerge the smelly towels in the mixture and let sit for half an hour. Remove from the solution and throw the towels in the wash on a regular cycle. When finished, they should be refreshed and free from any musty smell.