Mildew and mold in bathroom sinks is a common issue that can create unpleasant odors. Thankfully, there are several effective methods you can use to get rid of mildew smells in bathroom sinks.
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What Causes Mildew Smell in Bathroom Sinks?
Mildew and mold grow easily in bathroom sinks because of the damp, humid environment. Sinks provide ideal conditions for mildew, especially around the drain and along the sides of the basin.
Mildew and mold feed on organic materials like soap scum, toothpaste residue, and dirt that build up in sinks over time. As mildew grows, it releases unpleasant musty odors that can permeate your bathroom.
How to Remove Mildew Smell from Bathroom Sinks
Here are some of the best ways to get rid of mildew smells in bathroom sinks:
1. Clean with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are a dynamic duo when it comes to cleaning bathroom sinks and defeating mildew smells. The baking soda helps scrub away mildew and grime, while the vinegar kills mold and mildew with its acidic properties.
Start by mixing 1 cup baking soda with enough water to form a spreadable paste. Apply the paste to all surfaces of the sink basin and let sit for 5-10 minutes. The baking soda paste will help lift dirt and grime.
Next, pour equal parts white vinegar and warm water into the sink so that it covers the paste. Let that mixture sit for another 5-10 minutes before scrubbing everything away with a sponge or brush. Rinse thoroughly.
2. Use Bleach
Bleach is a powerful disinfectant and mold/mildew killer. To use it on your sink, mix 1/4 cup bleach into 1 gallon of warm water. Submerge a sponge into the solution and wash down all interior sink surfaces. Let the bleach solution sit for at least 5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Bleach can help sanitize and deodorize your sink.
3. Try Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another strong oxidizing agent that destroys mildew and mold. Combine 1 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide solution with 4 cups water. Use this diluted mixture to wipe down the sink basin. Rinse thoroughly after 5 minutes. Hydrogen peroxide will bubble away grime and mildew.
4. Scrub with Baking Soda
For a more abrasive scrub, sprinkle baking soda directly onto sink surfaces. Use a damp sponge or cloth to rub the baking soda over all areas, concentrating on stained or smelly spots. Let the baking soda sit for a few minutes before rinsing clean.
5. Steam Clean
Steam cleaners use the power of hot steam to loosen and sanitize grime in sinks. Use a handheld steam cleaner to direct steam into the sink drain and along the sides and bottom of the basin. Steam helps kill mold and mildew hidden in hard-to-reach crevices.
6. Disinfect with Tea Tree Oil
The natural anti-fungal and antibacterial properties in tea tree oil make it great for eliminating mildew smells from sinks. Add 10-15 drops of tea tree oil to 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray sink surfaces and let sit for 5 minutes before wiping clean with a cloth. Repeat this daily.
7. Use Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach (also known as oxalic acid) provides mold-fighting benefits without harsh fumes or skin irritation of chlorine bleach. It’s effective at removing discoloration and deodorizing sinks. Apply full-strength oxygen bleach and let sit for 10 minutes before wiping and rinsing.
8. Scrub with Borax
Borax is an alkaline mineral salt that dissolves mold and mildew. Make a paste by mixing 1/2 cup Borax powder with just enough water to form a spreadable paste. Scrub into all sink surfaces and let sit for 5 minutes before rinsing clean.
| Cleaning Ingredient | How to Use |
|---|---|
| Baking Soda and Vinegar | Make a baking soda paste and apply to sink. Cover with equal parts vinegar and water. Let sit 5-10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. |
| Bleach | Mix 1/4 cup bleach into 1 gallon warm water. Scrub surfaces with solution and let sit 5+ minutes before rinsing. |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | Mix 1 cup peroxide with 4 cups water. Wipe surfaces with solution. Rinse after 5 minutes. |
| Baking Soda | Sprinkle baking soda directly onto sink. Scrub with damp sponge/cloth. Let sit before rinsing clean. |
| Steam Cleaner | Use handheld steam cleaner to direct steam into drain and along sink basin surfaces. |
| Tea Tree Oil | Add 10-15 drops tea tree oil to 1 cup water in spray bottle. Spray sink and let sit 5 minutes before wiping clean. |
| Oxygen Bleach | Apply full-strength oxygen bleach to sink. Let sit 10 minutes before wiping and rinsing clean. |
| Borax | Mix 1/2 cup Borax with water to make paste. Scrub into sink and let sit 5 minutes before rinsing. |
As you can see, there are several effective DIY options for removing mildew and mold from bathroom sinks using common household ingredients. Baking soda, vinegar, bleach, peroxide, and borax all help kill and remove mildew and deodorize sinks.
Natural solutions like tea tree oil also work to remove musty mildew smells from bathroom sinks without harsh chemicals.
Using a combination of scrubbing, soaking, and disinfecting techniques can help eliminate sinks mildew smells and prevent future buildup.
Tips for Preventing Mildew in Bathroom Sinks
Once you’ve succeeded in getting rid of mildew smells in your bathroom sink, you’ll want to take steps to prevent mildew from returning. Here are some useful prevention tips:
Wipe Down Sinks After Each Use
Get in the habit of wiping down the sink with a paper towel or microfiber cloth after each use. This will prevent mineral deposits and soap scum from accumulating, which mildew feeds on.
Remove Standing Water
Don’t let water pool in the sink basin or drain. Always drain standing water in the sink after use. Consider using a drain stopper that allows for complete drainage.
Clean Sink Drains Regularly
Use a sink drain cleaner/deodorizer product monthly to keep drains free of buildup. Mildew loves to grow in clogged drains.
Open Window When Showering
Turn on the bathroom vent fan or open a window while showering. This will allow moisture to escape instead of settling on sink surfaces.
Disinfect Weekly
Set a reminder to disinfect your bathroom sink weekly using a mildew-fighting solution like diluted bleach or tea tree oil spray.
Scrub Sides and Underneath
When cleaning the sink, don’t forget to scrub along the sides and undersides of the sink basin where grime can hide.
Clean Under Sink Cabinet
Moisture and leaks can collect under the sink. Keep this area clean and dry to prevent mildew.
Fix Leaks Right Away
Dripping faucets or pipe leaks contribute moisture that feeds mildew growth. Fix any leaks immediately.
Improve Ventilation
If your bathroom has poor ventilation, consider installing an exhaust fan. Improved airflow discourages condensation that mold and mildew thrive on.
| Prevention Tips | Details |
|---|---|
| Wipe Down After Use | Wipe sink dry with towel/cloth to prevent buildup. |
| Remove Standing Water | Always drain water, don’t let it pool in sink. |
| Clean Drains | Use drain cleaner monthly to prevent clogged drains. |
| Open Window When Showering | Allow moisture and humidity to escape. |
| Disinfect Weekly | Disinfect sink weekly with diluted bleach or tea tree oil. |
| Scrub All Surfaces | Clean sides, basin, underside, and drain area. |
| Clean Under Sink | Keep cabinet dry and free of leaks. |
| Fix Leaks Promptly | Drips and leaks add moisture for mildew growth. |
| Improve Ventilation | Consider adding exhaust fan to reduce condensation. |
Being diligent about sink cleaning and moisture control will go a long way towards preventing a mildew problem from recurring. With regular care, you can keep your sink fresh smelling and mildew-free.
When to Call a Professional for Mildew Removal
If you’ve tried all the DIY methods but can’t get rid of persistent mildew and smells in your bathroom sink, it may be time to call for professional help. Signs that a professional treatment may be needed include:
- Visible black mold patches
- Strong, lingering mildew odors
- Sink stains that resist cleaning
- Clogged drains or pipes
- Mold growth under the sink or along walls
For extensive mold and mildew growth, professionals have commercial-grade cleaners and tools to fully eliminate the problem. They can provide deep cleaning services and advise on any underlying issues that may be fueling excessive moisture and mildew in your bathroom.
A full mildew removal and prevention plan from the pros will help get your bathroom sink fresh and keep it that way. Be sure to address any bathroom moisture sources to avoid repeat issues.
Conclusion
Mildew buildup can create unpleasant odors in bathroom sinks, but you don’t have to live with the smell. Using regular DIY cleaning with baking soda, vinegar, bleach, or other anti-mildew solutions can help destroy mold and bacteria and deodorize your sink.
Prevention is also key. Wiping surfaces dry after use, clearing drains, opening windows, and fixing leaks are all simple habits that stop mildew in its tracks. If DIY efforts don’t do the trick, call on mildew remediation pros to fully refresh your bathroom environment.
With consistent cleaning and moisture control, you can successfully banish mildew smells from a bathroom sink and prevent their return. Your sink will be fresh smelling so you can enjoy a revitalized bathroom space.