Musty under-sink cabinet odor resolved effortlessly with one all-natural trick using common kitchen ingredients, bypassing harsh chemicals.
Get rid of that stinky cabinet under your sink once and for all! This all-natural odor eliminator is a breeze to make and requires only two non-toxic supplies—lemon juice and white vinegar.
A powerful, yet gentle, odor eliminator
No need for harsh chemicals to keep your kitchen smelling fresh and clean. Instead, opt for the time-tested wonder of vinegar. Not only does it kill mold, but it does so more efficiently than toxic chemicals like bleach[2].
To banish the musty smell completely, you'll want to pair vinegar with lemon juice. Derek Christian, cleaning expert and co-owner of All Star Cleaning, explains, 'Using lemon or lime juice helps remove smells instantly, and the mild acid also helps slow the growth of bacteria and mold.' This tangy combo will leave your cabinets smelling fresh without the added hassle of toxic fumes[3].
What you'll need:
- White Vinegar (distilled to at least 5%): You can find this at your local Walmart like the Great Value Distilled White Vinegar.
- Fresh Lemons: One large or two small lemons will do the trick.
- Spray Bottle: Pick up a glass spray bottle at Target, which comes with measurements on the side for easy mixing.
- Microfiber Cleaning Cloths or Strong Paper Towels: You can grab a pack of microfiber cleaning cloths from Walmart, or opt for some strong paper towels, like Bounty, also available at Walmart.
How it's done
If you're tired of that musty smell in your kitchen cabinet, it's time to investigate the culprit—mold. Despite running your extractor fan or opening a window while cooking, the kitchen can still be quite humid. This moisture, combined with the cabinet-mounted trash can and sink pipes, creates the perfect environment for mold growth[6].
1. Making the spray
Squeeze the juice from 1-2 fresh lemons (depending on how strong you want the scent) into your glass spray bottle. Add 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar (at least 5% acidity). A funnel, available at Walmart, will help keep things tidy. Allow this mixture to sit for about seven days before using for maximum effectiveness.
If the vinegar scent is a bit too potent for your taste, let the mixture soak with some fruit (like citrus or berries) for a couple weeks, which will infuse a delightful aroma into your cleaning solution. Just remember to brush up on which surfaces vinegar can damage before using[7].
2. Killing the mold
Clear out your cabinet under the sink by decluttering and disposing of any expired cleaning products. Spray the solution evenly onto the surfaces and let it sit for 30 minutes to combat the mold. Then, wipe down the cabinets with microfiber cloths before tossing them in the washing machine for a hot cycle to sanitize and freshen them up[6].
3. Cleaning the trash can
Spray the DIY cleaning spray onto your trash can and leave cotton balls soaked in the solution at the base. This will help mask any lingering odors and cut down on cleanup time[6].
Shopping list
To ensure you're getting the most potent solution, always look for vinegar distilled to a minimum of 5% acidity. If bottled lemon juice is more your thing, simply swap it in for fresh juice without compromising effectiveness[8].
For a plant-based and eco-friendly option, check out Method cleaning sprays. They offer strong natural fragrances that help freshen your cabinets while effectively killing bacteria without the use of harsh chemicals[8].
In case you're curious...
What are the disadvantages of using vinegar?
While vinegar is a powerful cleaning agent, it can damage certain surfaces like rubber and natural stone over time due to its high acidic content. This can lead to reduced effectiveness or distress the appearance. Take caution when using it on delicate surfaces[9].
Are the fumes bad for you?
Vinegar is non-toxic, but too much exposure to its vapors can cause eye and throat irritation or dryness. To prevent this, always make sure to improve ventilation while cleaning and wear rubber gloves when using vinegar[9].
Expert Insights
Derek Christian, co-owner of All Star Cleaning, is an expert when it comes to all things cleaning. Prior to starting his own cleaning company, he worked for Procter & Gamble for 13 years and was one of the authors of the book and training program used to certify home cleaners by the trade association ISSA[8].
With the powerful combination of vinegar and lemon juice, you can create a gentle yet effective home-and-garden solution to eliminate unpleasant odors in your lifestyle, such as the one in your sink cabinet. By making a homemade odor eliminator spray, you'll effectively kill mold and remove stinky smells, all without the use of toxic chemicals.
