8 Reasons Your Kitchen Smells Bad—and How to Freshen It Up ASAP

The Garbage Needs to Be Taken Out

The most common culprit for bad kitchen smells is the garbage. So, if you can’t recall the last time you took it out? Then it’s probably time to do it.

After taking out the garbage, it’s a smart idea to clean the can itself. Even if it looks clean, your garbage can may be dirtier than it appears. For a deep clean, fill it with a few pumps of dish soap and then hose it down outside (or in the shower, if you don’t have outdoor space). Let it dry completely before putting in a fresh garbage bag.

If you don’t have time for a full deep clean, spraying down both the inside and outside with multi-purpose cleaner or vinegar and wiping it with a microfiber cloth is a quicker option.

The Sink Is Dirty

Even if you don’t have dishes in the sink, your sink could be the source of the stink. “Simply rinsing or wiping the sink after each use isn’t enough to eliminate bacteria or prevent odors,” says Katie Dills, president of The Cleaning Authority.

For a deeper clean, she recommends starting by scrubbing the sink with a microfiber cloth or soft sponge. “Use warm water and dish soap for this step to remove any grime,” she says. “Next, sprinkle baking soda over the surface and scrub your sink again. This will help lift remaining residue and help neutralize any lingering odors. Finish by rinsing with warm water and drying with a microfiber cloth.”

The Garbage Disposal Needs Cleaning

Garbage disposals can also harbor unpleasant odors, even if you clean them daily. So, Dills advises doing a deep clean. “Make sure you disconnect the power from your disposal before you begin,” she warns. “Start cleaning the splash guards with baking soda and a sponge or scrubber. Be sure to scrub both on top and underneath the rubber splash guard flaps.”

Next, she suggests flushing with cold water before putting ½ cup of baking soda down the disposal. “After letting that sit for 15 to 30 minutes, add 1 cup of white vinegar until you see the mixture fizz,” Dills says. “Rinse with cold water.”

Finally, give your disposal a quick whiff. If it still smells bad, try using the ice method. “Reconnect the power to your garbage disposal and add a small handful of ice with a few wedges of citrus,” she says. “Run cold water and turn on the disposal. The ice will help dislodge any stuck-on food or residue while the citrus wedges will neutralize odors and leave a fresh scent.”

Your P-Trap Is Dry

Did you come home from vacation to a mystery odor in your kitchen? It could be a dry p-trap. If you are unfamiliar, the p-trap is a curved pipe under your sink. It is designed to prevent sewer odors and gases from entering your home. “A dry p-trap is a problem because it allows smells to come up from the pipes into your home,” says Logan Taylor, founder of Dazzle Cleaning Company. “But it’s an easy fix—just run the sink for a minute or two,” he says.

There’s Grease in the P-Trap

Your p-trap could also be greasy, which could lead to a stench as well.So, if you accidentally dumped oil (or an old bottle of salad dressing) down the sink, this is likely the cause. “If you’re dealing with grease, bring a large pot of water to a boil and then dump that water down the sink,” explains Taylor. “You may need to repeat the process a few times. I like this method because it doesn’t require using any harsh chemicals and it’s super effective.”

Bacteria Are Living (And Multiplying) in Your Pipes

According to Taylor, bacteria could also be a source of the smells. “And if it’s a bacteria problem you’re dealing with, the boiling water should cure that, too,” he says. “But if it doesn’t, or if you just want to go stronger, you can always use an enzyme-based cleaner.”

The Pipes Are Leaking

Does your kitchen smell like a wet basement? There could be a leak. Take a look under your sink. If you find water, that’s likely the culprit. To resolve the issue, start by shutting off the water, then, remove any cleaning supplies or products you keep in this space. Dry any standing water and leave the cabinet doors open so the moisture can evaporate.

Then, call a plumber so the issue can be properly fixed. Trying to fix a leak yourself can lead to larger problems.

You Aren’t Cleaning Under Appliances

The areas under your oven and refrigerator are probably dirtier than you think. They can be home to crumbs, dirt, and dust. Even if you’re good about vacuuming and mopping your kitchen, this is an area most of us miss—yet lots of debris ends up there. So, pull out your appliances (and make sure to ask for help if you need it) and vacuum and mop these spots. Just a warning: you might find some unwanted (and potentially no longer alive) critters, which could be the source of the smell.