Understand how the siphon works and learn how to keep it in good condition It is key to eliminating unpleasant odors that may appear in kitchens or bathrooms.

Furthermore, there are effective techniques to clean it without resorting to unhelpful mixtures such as baking soda and vinegar, which generate foam, but do not solve the root problem.

What is a siphon and how does it work?

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The siphon is a U-shaped or curved tube that always retains a little water inside. This reserve works as a hydraulic seal, blocking the passage of gases from the sanitation network.

It is a very simple and effective system, present in sinks, sinks, showers and other drains domestic.

When this water seal is lost, odors can easily sneak in. It usually happens in drains that are hardly used, since water evaporates over time.

In these cases, just pour a little water so that the siphon regains its function and the problem disappears instantly.

Sodium percarbonate to clean the siphon

Not all cases are due to evaporation. With frequent use, siphons tend to accumulate remains of food, grease, soap and hair.

Over time, this organic matter becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that generate bad odors. When this occurs, it is necessary to perform a deep cleaning. And here comes into play a product that, according to chemical engineer Diego Fernández (@renovandoconideas on Instagram), is very effective: sodium percarbonate. This natural cleaning product has excellent properties for cleaning the siphon.

How is sodium percarbonate used?

The procedure is simple: just add one or two tablespoons of percarbonate into the drain and then pour a liter of very hot water.

This process chemically oxidizes and breaks down the biofilm of bacteria and organic waste that accumulate in the siphon. Furthermore, being an alkaline compound, it helps to emulsify fats, facilitating their elimination.

The ideal is leave it on for about 20 minutes and then rinse with another liter or two of hot water.

This technique not only cleans the trap thoroughly, but also prevents the reappearance of odors in the short term.

When to install an anti-odor valve

If, despite applying this method, the bad smell persists, the problem may not be in the accumulated dirt, but in the operation of the siphon itself.

In these cases, an additional solution is to install an anti-odor valve in the drain filter. This accessory, which you can install yourself and costs between 5 and 15 euros, prevents the return of sewer gases, acting as a second protective barrier.

These valves are especially useful in older homes or in drains with infrequent use, where evaporation of water from the siphon is common. Its installation is simple and does not require reforms.

Preventive maintenance tips

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To prevent bad odors from reappearing, it is advisable to adopt a series of habits:

• Periodically pour water in the least used drains
• Prevent food remains or oils go through the sink, using filters or grates
• Carry out preventive cleaning with percarbonate from time to time, especially in kitchens
• Check the condition of the siphons and replace them if they are damaged or worn

Regular maintenance not only prevents unpleasant odors, but also prolongs the life of the installation and reduces the likelihood of blockages.

If the jam occurs, you can use the wire technique to unblock it or use a suction cup unclog.

A simple and effective solution

Far from being a problem without a solution, bad odors in drains can be eliminated by knowing well how the siphon works and applying the proper method.

Sodium percarbonate is revealed as a effective ally, Able to clean thoroughly without damaging pipes and without the need for harsh chemicals.

Thus, with a few steps and a little perseverance, it is possible to maintain a odor-free kitchen and bathroom, guaranteeing a more pleasant and healthy home.