There’s few things worse than the silent creep of drain odors. Their appearance is a sign that something isn't right, and they often show up at the most inconvenient times.
Those smells tend to come from things like trapped bacteria, biofilm buildup, or dry plumbing traps. And while it might seem easy to just cover the smell with a scented spray, that never really works for long.
So we've created a guide to share everything we know about choosing the best drain odor eliminator for your home, explain why these smells happen in the first place, and walk through the top products we’ve tested ourselves.
Why Drain Odors Happen
Drain odors usually come from things you can’t see, but you can definitely smell. Over time, bits of food, grease, soap scum, and even hair collect in your pipes. It builds up in a slick layer called biofilm, which becomes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold. And once those microbes settle in, they start producing some seriously unpleasant smells.
Another common culprit? Dry traps. That U-shaped pipe under your sink is supposed to hold a bit of water to block sewer gases from coming up. But when it dries out, like in an unused guest bathroom, you’re left with a direct line to that public sewer. It’s not always about cleanliness; sometimes, it’s just plumbing doing what plumbing does.
Azuna's Best Drain Odor Elimination Solutions
Small Room Odor Eliminator Treatment
If you're dealing with persistent drain odors in smaller areas like bathrooms, laundry rooms, or even a guest kitchen, our Small Room Odor Eliminator Treatment is a simple and effective fix.
It's a compact, reusable, and refillable gel pod that uses our natural tea tree oil-based formula to continuously eliminate airborne odors at the source. No harsh chemicals and no heavy perfumes required. Just place the pod near your drain or under the sink and let it work.
Azuna's gels work through a combination of natural airflow and evaporative diffusion, and last up to three months at a time without needing to be refreshed. That makes them. great hands-off option for keeping drain odors in check without adding any chemicals to your air.
Reusable Glass Bottle & Odor Eliminator Spray Starter Kit
Pair your freshness with a modern touch. Our starter kit includes a refillable glass spray bottle and a powerful odor-neutralizing concentrate; just mix with water and spray. It's the perfect solution for tackling unpleasant odors around kitchen and bathroom drains.
Our plant-powered formula works to neutralize unpleasant odors at the source, so you'll get long-lasting performance with just a few sprays.
Pro tip: it's great at eliminating upholstery and shoe odors, too. Just spray affected areas and allow to dry.
Odor Eliminator + Air Freshener Ultra Mist Spray
Need something that's as easy to use as it is effective? Our Odor Eliminator + Air Freshener Ultra Mist Spray is our go-to. This fine mist spray was designed to neutralize everyday kitchen and bathroom odors, including those sneaky ones coming from the drain.
It’s light, plant-powered, and works fast. Just clean the area, give a couple of sprays directly into or around the drain, and let the mist do the rest.
Our Ultra Mist is ideal for high-traffic areas where odors build up quickly, and it adds a light, clean scent without being overpowering. Think of it as your daily defense against funky drain zones.
How to Choose a Drain Odor Eliminator
Choosing the best drain odor eliminator doesn’t have to be complicated. It helps to know what actually works and what just adds to the clutter under your sink. Whether you’re new to odor control or just want something that actually does the job, here’s what to look for:
Natural Formula
No one wants to spray harsh chemicals near their food prep areas or bathroom sinks. That’s why we always recommend choosing a formula that’s plant-powered and gentle, like those made with tea tree oil.
Not only are these safer for use around people, pets, and food, they can be just as powerful when it comes to neutralizing odors. Best of all, they don't add cloying chemicals on top of an existing smell.
Effectiveness at Odor Neutralization
Here’s the thing: if a product only covers up the smell with perfume, you’ll be right back where you started in a day or two. You want something that actually neutralizes odors.
A truly effective odor eliminator will leave the space feeling fresh. And to do that, it needs to eliminate odors at the source: something tea tree oil does well.
Longevity
A quality drain odor eliminator should last at least two months, especially if it’s a gel-based formula. Long-lasting products save you time and effort, and they’re more economical in the long run. Consistent freshness with minimal maintenance is the sweet spot.
Ease of Use
You shouldn’t need plumbing skills or special tools to get rid of drain odors. The best solutions are the ones that fit right into your daily routine.
Whether it’s placing a small gel jar under the sink or giving the drain a quick spray, look for products that work with just a few easy steps. We design all of our products with simplicity in mind. No fuss, no mess, just results.
Safe Around the Home
This one’s important. If you’ve got pets or kids, or you just want to avoid toxic exposure in your home, safety is a top priority. Stick with products that are free from harsh fumes, bleach, or questionable additives like phthalates and parabens.
Plant-powered, low-VOC solutions give you peace of mind while still doing the job right. Safety isn't just business for us, it's personal, too: we use Azuna in our homes and cars, and around our children and our pets.
Scent Profile
Last but definitely not least: how does it smell? If you’re sensitive to overpowering fragrances or just don’t want your kitchen smelling like a perfume counter, look for something with a clean, subtle scent.
A light hint of citrus or soft lavender can make the space feel fresh without being too noticeable. The goal is a clean-smelling room, not a cloud of artificial fragrance.
How to Use Azuna Products for Drain Odors
Using Azuna to combat drain odors is as simple as it gets: no complicated steps, no special equipment, no guesswork. Just follow these easy steps to keep your sinks smelling clean and fresh:
Step 1: Clean the Drain
Before you use any odor eliminator, give the drain a quick refresh. Run hot water for about 30 seconds to flush out loose debris and refill any dry P-traps.
This helps re-establish that water barrier that keeps sewer gases out, and it clears the way for our products to do their job more effectively. A quick rinse can make a big difference!
Step 2: Place or Spray the Product
Now it’s time for the good stuff. If you’re using our Small Room Odor Eliminator Treatment, simply place the gel jar near the sink or drain opening. Under the sink cabinet works great, too.
For sprays like the Ultra Mist or Cleaning Spray Starter Kit, give a couple of spritzes directly into or around the drain area. That’s it. No measuring, mixing, or wiping down.
Step 3: Let It Work
Here’s the best part: you don’t have to do anything else. Seriously. Our products are designed to work passively, so just let your gel or mist work with your home's natural airflow and go about your day.
Step 4: Replace Every Two to Three Months
To keep odors at bay long-term, we recommend checking your Azuna gels every two to three months. When you notice your gel is a dark amber, it's time to refresh; just toss the old gel in your trash and refill using one of our refill pouches.
When it comes to our sprays, just mist again if you start noticing an unpleasant odor. But you don't have to monitor anything daily; long-lasting odor control is what we do best.
Drain odors are more common than you think, and they’re usually caused by hidden buildup or dry plumbing traps. The key to fixing the issue isn’t covering it up with heavy scents, but using products that neutralize odors.
Whether you’re freshening up a kitchen, bathroom, or guest space, we’ve got a more natural, effective solution that fits right in with your routine.
Ready to eliminate drain odors without harsh chemicals?