Do you ever notice a musty odor coming from your bathroom sink?
The culprit may be the overflow hole, which is often neglected during cleaning.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to clean sink overflow to keep your bathroom smelling fresh and clean.
What Is the Purpose of the Overflow Hole in Your Bathroom Sink?
The overflow hole is a small opening located at the top of your bathroom sink’s basin.
Its primary purpose is to prevent water from overflowing onto the floor or countertop when the sink is filled to capacity.
How Does The Sink Overflow Work?
The overflow hole is connected to a drainpipe that leads to the same drain as the sink.
When the water level in the basin rises above the level of the overflow hole, it flows into the drainpipe and out of the sink.
This prevents water from spilling over the sides and onto the floor or countertop.
Why Do You Need to Clean the Overflow Hole?
Over time, the overflow hole can become clogged with debris such as hair, soap scum, and toothpaste.
This can lead to unpleasant odors, as well as the growth of mold and mildew.
Keeping Your Sink’s Overflow Hole Clear
To prevent your sink’s overflow hole from becoming clogged, it’s essential to clean it regularly.
Here are some tips to keep it clear:
After each use, wipe down the sink’s basin and overflow hole with a damp cloth to remove any soap scum or toothpaste residue.
Once a week, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the overflow hole to help break down any buildup.
Use a toothbrush or small brush to scrub the inside of the overflow hole, being careful not to scratch the surface.
Run hot water down the overflow hole to help flush out any remaining debris.
How to Clean the Bathroom Sink Overflow Hole If It Stinks
If your sink’s overflow hole has an unpleasant odor, it’s time to give it a deep clean.
Here’s how:
Begin by removing any visible debris from the overflow hole using a toothbrush or small brush.
Mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a paste.
Use a toothbrush or small brush to apply the paste to the inside of the overflow hole.
Let the paste sit for 10-15 minutes to allow it to penetrate and break down any buildup.
Rinse the overflow hole with hot water to flush out the paste and any remaining debris.
Pour a mixture of vinegar and water down the overflow hole to help neutralize any odors.
Run hot water down the overflow hole to ensure it is fully cleared out.
Cleaning your sink’s overflow hole may seem like a small task, but it can have a significant impact on the overall cleanliness and freshness of your bathroom.
By following these professional home cleaning tips, you can ensure that your sink’s overflow hole remains clear and odor-free.
Here’s Some Hacks For How To Cleaning Sink Overflow
| Cleaning Hack | Description |
|---|---|
| Baking Soda and Vinegar | Mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar to form a paste, apply to overflow, and rinse with hot water. |
| Toothbrush or Small Brush | Use a toothbrush or small brush to remove visible debris and scrub the inside of the overflow. |
| Bleach | Dilute bleach with water, pour it down the overflow hole, and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. |
| Boiling Water | Pour boiling water down the overflow hole to help flush out any debris or buildup. |
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Clean Sink Overflow
Now that you’ve read about information about how to clean sink overflow, read more below for some commonly asked questions.
How Do You Clean Gunk Out of a Sink Overflow?
To clean gunk out of a sink overflow, start by removing any visible debris using a toothbrush or small brush.
Next, mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar to form a paste, and apply it to the inside of the overflow hole using a toothbrush or small brush.
Let the paste sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with hot water to flush out the paste and any remaining debris.
Should You Clean Sink Overflow?
Yes, you should clean your sink overflow regularly to prevent the buildup of debris and unpleasant odors.
Neglecting to clean the overflow hole can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can be harmful to your health.
What Is the Black Gunk in My Sink Overflow?
The black gunk in your sink overflow is likely a combination of hair, soap scum, toothpaste residue, and other debris that has accumulated over time.
This buildup can lead to unpleasant odors and the growth of mold and mildew.
How Do I Stop My Sink Overflow From Smelling?
To stop your sink overflow from smelling, start by removing any visible debris using a toothbrush or small brush.
Next, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the overflow hole to help break down any buildup.
Use a toothbrush or small brush to scrub the inside of the overflow hole, then run hot water down the overflow hole to help flush out any remaining debris.
Another way, might be to hire a professional deep cleaning service.
Why Does Sink Overflow Stink?
Sink overflow can stink due to the buildup of debris such as hair, soap scum, and toothpaste residue.
This buildup can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause unpleasant odors.
Can You Put Bleach Down a Sink Overflow?
Yes, you can put bleach down a sink overflow to help kill any bacteria or mold that may be causing unpleasant odors.
However, it’s important to use bleach in moderation and to dilute it with water before pouring it down the overflow hole.
It’s also important to wear gloves and avoid splashing the bleach solution onto your skin or clothing