How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in the Drain – A Simple Fix for a Sticky Summer Problem 🧪🧼

Step 2: Use the Baking Soda & Vinegar Bomb

Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain.
Immediately follow with 1 cup of white vinegar.
You’ll hear fizzing — that’s the natural chemical reaction breaking down sludge inside the drain.
Cover the drain with a cloth or stopper and let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes (overnight is even better).
Finish by pouring another pot of boiling water down the drain to rinse everything out.

🔬 Why it works: Baking soda and vinegar break down organic buildup while neutralizing odors that attract flies.

Step 3: Create a Fruit Fly Trap (Optional but Helpful)

If some adult fruit flies are still hovering:

Fill a small cup or bowl with apple cider vinegar (about 2–3 tablespoons).
Add a few drops of dish soap and swirl gently. The soap breaks the surface tension.
Optionally, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and poke small holes.
Place the trap near your sink overnight — flies will enter, get trapped, and drown.

🍎 Alternative: Use overripe fruit instead of vinegar if you don’t have any on hand.

Step 4: Scrub the Drain (If Needed)

For persistent problems:

Use a drain brush or old toothbrush to scrub the inside of the drain opening.
Remove the stopper and clean underneath where slime and gunk often collect.
You can also unscrew parts of the drain (if accessible) to clean deeper manually.

Step 5: Keep It Clean – Preventative Tips

Once you’ve cleared the infestation, maintaining a clean drain is key:

✅ Pour boiling water down the drain every few days
✅ Use a baking soda/vinegar flush once a week
✅ Avoid pouring grease, coffee grounds, or fibrous food scraps down the sink
✅ Run the garbage disposal regularly (if you have one)
✅ Use a sink strainer to catch food particles

🚫 What to Avoid

Don’t rely on bleach alone — it may kill surface bacteria but often doesn’t reach the breeding zones.
Avoid harsh commercial drain cleaners unless absolutely necessary — they can damage pipes and aren’t environmentally friendly.
Don’t ignore the drain once flies are gone — they will come back if conditions are right.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Getting rid of fruit flies in the drain isn’t just about treating the symptoms — it’s about addressing the root cause: organic buildup and moisture. With just a few household staples like baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water, you can take back control of your kitchen and enjoy a fruit-fly-free summer.

So the next time these buzzing nuisances show up uninvited, don’t reach for the swatter — reach for the vinegar and baking soda instead.

Would you like a printable version of this method or a checklist for kitchen fly prevention?