Is There a Musty Smell Under The Sink? (We Have a Fix!) (2024)

It is a lot like that gum stuck to the bottom of your shoe, only more persistent. It is like that pizza that has been in the refrigerator for three days too long – only it smells worse. If you have never had the misfortune of experiencing that musty smell under the sink, be grateful. For the rest of us, however, we are left with those lingering questions; and smells.

If there is a musty smell under the sink, then the chances are good that a leak is present. That smell is also indicative of the presence of mold and mildew. Fortunately, both the leak and the odor are problems that can be fixed. These are also problems that will only get worse with time and demand immediate attention.

That odor emanating from beneath the sink is also more than an unpleasant nuisance. The cause of these problems can pose health risks and even cause damage. The good news is these issues can be handled without a great deal of effort or expense.

Here is a look at a couple of simple fixes and the steps needed to remedy these problems. And the answer of how to eliminate that unbearable smell taking over the kitchen or bathroom.

Getting rid of that unwanted, malodorous, and musty smell isn’t terribly difficult, but it will take some time, effort, and some minor expenses. The steps required will depend on the situation and the cause, which is part of the first step.

What you will need:

• Nonporous gloves
• Safety Goggles
• Face mask
• Flashlight
• Any basic dish detergent
• Clean sponges
• Disposable cloths (you won’t want to keep them anyway)
• Chlorine bleach
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Kitty litter
• Small container

The first step and arguably the most difficult step is the process of locating that wonderful aroma. Like beginning any project, however, it is wise to understand any potential risks and to take the necessary precautions.

Some of the issues, concerns, and risks related to mold include:

• Runny Nose
• Watery eyes
• Body aches
• Sudden headaches
• Nosebleeds
• Dry cough
• Skin rashes
• Sinusitis
• Sore throat
• Mycotoxicosis (mold poisoning)

Ridding mold and dealing with mold and mildew issues isn’t uncommon, but it does require working safely.

It is important to remember that the most likely culprit behind that musty odor is mold and mildew. That also means that you are searching for mold and mildew. With that in mind don’t forget to take precautions when dealing with mold.

Before getting started, it is advised to wear safety goggles, a face mask, and gloves. After donning personal protective equipment (PPE) remove all loose items stored beneath the sink.

The space beneath most sinks isn’t very large and often doesn’t allow for much lighting. Using a flashlight can be helpful for finding the source of the problem. Begin by checking for moisture, or any standing water.

If there is water moisture beneath the pipes, inspect the plumbing for any leaks. (If a leak is detected it needs to be repaired before continuing). While small leaks are often manageable fixes, there is no shame in contacting a professional plumber if you aren’t completely comfortable making these repairs.

Once the moisture is located (and again, this is another reason to use a flashlight), look in the immediate and surrounding areas for places of mold and mildew. Now, it is time to remove the problem.

The first step in removing mold from under the sink is to make a cleaning solution simply using warm water and adding the dish soap. Only a few drops of detergent are necessary. Using a sponge soaked in the cleaning water, scrub away the mold.

Next, thoroughly rinse and wipe the area with a cloth. Dampen the cloth in the cleaning solution, then remove any soap or visible moisture.

Using a mixture of chlorine bleach (3 tbsp. for every quart of water) and warm water, apply the solution to the area with a sponge. Be sure to liberally apply the solution and feel free to soak the sponge.

Several hours should be allowed for the area to dry. If the area isn’t well ventilated then a fan can be used. Now, about that smell.

Several options can be used to remove the lingering odor (and there will be a lingering odor even after the mold is removed!), and a combination of these can also be used. Fill a container with baking soda or use kitty litter, and place it under the sink for approximately 24 hours.

This will absorb those remaining unpleasantries, and neutralize any lingering effects. White vinegar is also reported to be another effective option, just follow the same procedure above.

In some cases, mold and mildew may not be openly visible. Does the space beneath the sink have a tiled or paneled floor? Are there any signs of bubbling, cracks, or breakage where moisture could enter? When mold or mildew isn’t visible, it could be just beneath the surface, literally.

Before tearing up your tiling or the floor beneath your sink, there is also one other possibility. In less common instances those smells can be coming from the drain itself or even the sink strainer. While rinsing the sink drain with hot water and bleach can be effective, it is also the least preferred option.

Using safely designed cleaning products or vinegar and baking soda solutions are safer and equally effective options. Simply pour hot water and about 1/2 cup of baking soda in the drain, and clean the strainer thoroughly with a water-baking soda paste.

One part vinegar and one part baking soda can also be poured into the drain as an alternative option for cleaning the drain. The natural chemical reaction can also be an effective agent in loosening any odor-causing remnants.

In most typical cases, mold removal can be safely and effectively removed by the homeowner. There are exceptions, however, to that rule for safety and other various reasons.

While the majority of mold issues are contained to smaller areas or aren’t very large in area, that isn’t always the case. In situations where there has been considerable water damage or flooding, for example, mold can be extensive.

Most environmental and safety professionals suggest that larger areas of mold be handled by professional mold removal services. This is also only one of a few of the other frequently asked and related questions regarding funky odors and their causes.

Kitchen sinks are an ideal place for unpleasant smells and less-than-pleasant odors to be born. And not all odors in the sink area are a result of mold.

Are Those Odors Coming From the Garbage Disposal?

If you have a garbage disposal, there is a chance that there could be mold growing inside, or even more likely, there is rotting food residue that just needs a good cleaning. A great tool for getting that job done is lemons.

Start by filling the disposal with ice cubes, then pour a half-cup of kosher salt over the ice. Start the disposal until the ice clears. Now, turn off the disposal and add three or four quartered lemons in the disposal and run again.

In addition to the acidic qualities of the lemons working to disinfect and clean the disposal, remnants of the lemon will continue working for days to come. Adding a small amount of baking soda to help promote deodorizing can also help.

In What Other Areas of the Home Can Mold Grow?

The truth is there are many types of mold, and mold is virtually everywhere. That also means that mold can grow in many places too, but some areas (especially for bad mold e.g. black mold) are more conducive to mold and mildew than others.

While the aforementioned cases of mold removal generally involve black mold, mold isn’t always black. Mold will also give off that musty odor often before it becomes visible to the naked eye too. For this reason, it is always good to be on the lookout for potential mold and mildew growth.

Materials like wood, paper, drywall, carpet, and many others can be excellent for supporting mold growth. Adding moisture and the right variables and cellulose materials can become breeding grounds. The good news is that early detection and proactive efforts can all but eliminate the occurrence of mold and mildew in most situations.

Mold isn’t necessarily bad, but the wrong kind of mold can be, and those musty smells from under the sink are always bad. More importantly, they are issues that shouldn’t be ignored and that will lead to even more serious problems if not handled properly. When something smells bad that is usually because it is bad, like mold and musty smells under the sink.