Even after thorough cleaning of the bathroom, a strange smell or unpleasant odor sometimes remains. People may wonder why the smell persists even though every corner of the bathroom is sparkling clean. If you encounter a slight sour or musty smell, do not immediately assume that the entire bathroom is dirty. Often, the cause lies in a spot that is overlooked during cleaning.
You might perfectly clean the floor, toilet, sink, and drain, but forget about the small hole in the basin. Over time, this tiny opening becomes a place where soap residue, toothpaste, hair, sebum, and other dirt particles accumulate. This accumulated grime is the source of the odor, and even heavy use of cleaning agents does not completely solve the problem.
Which Sink Hole Causes the Smell?
If there is an unpleasant odor in the bathroom after cleaning, carefully examine the sink. On the top part of the basin, under the faucet, or on the front wall, you will notice a small hole or gap. This is called the overflow hole. Its function is not only to spread odors but also to divert excess water from the sink. If the main drain is blocked and the faucet continues to run, water may flow through this path instead of going onto the floor. However, inside this small channel, dirt often accumulates, which is invisible from the outside.
Soap and toothpaste residue accumulates inside
When washing hands, brushing teeth, washing your face, or shaving, many fine particles enter the sink along with the water. These include toothpaste residue, soap film, facial oil, hair, and small skin particles. Some of these substances also enter the sink's overflow channel. Over time, a layer of dirt can form here. This accumulated layer can subsequently turn into a biofilm composed of bacteria and mold, leading to a strange smell around the sink even after cleaning.
Why Doesn't the Smell Go Away When Using Drain Cleaners?
The question arises: why isn't the dirt removed if drain cleaners are used? The reason is that the sink's overflow channel is not a direct visible path like the main drain. It is a separate internal route that then connects to the drain. Consequently, a cleaning agent poured down the drain does not guarantee penetration into the overflow channel. Thus, even if you have thoroughly polished the exterior of the sink, the hidden internal dirt remains in place.
How to Clean This Sink Hole in 10 Minutes
For this task, you do not need to buy expensive products; it is enough to use items you have at home. First, take a thin and long brush—a specialized straw cleaning brush or a thin bottle brush will work. Wet it in warm water and gently insert it into the sink's overflow hole, rotating slowly. You will see the dirt accumulated inside on the brush. Repeat this procedure 2-3 times or until no more dirt appears on the brush.
Second, apply the following method to remove light dirt. Pour about two teaspoons of baking soda into the overflow hole, and then add a small amount of white vinegar. Let the mixture work for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Third, be careful when using bleach. Never mix bleach with other cleaning agents, especially vinegar or ammonia, as this can release dangerous gases. Therefore, use one cleaning method at a time and ensure good ventilation in the room.
Fourth, after cleaning, slowly direct the warm tap water into the overflow hole. This will help wash away loosened dirt and cleaning residues. However, you should not use water that is too hot or boiling.
It is recommended to perform this minor cleaning once a month. If the problem occurs regularly, do not wait for the smell to appear; clean the overflow hole preventatively. Additionally, after showering, turn on the extractor fan or open a window. The drier the bathroom is, the less likely mold and moisture-related dirt are to form.