Clear the sink area and place a towel under the drain
Open the cabinet and locate the pivot rod connected to the stopper
Find the retaining nut on the pivot rod and loosen it by hand or with pliers
Pull the pivot rod straight out from the drain assembly
Lift the stopper up and out of the sink drain
If the stopper is stuck, twist it gently while pulling upward
If there is no pivot rod, unscrew the stopper counterclockwise if it is a threaded type
Clean any debris from the stopper and drain opening
Reinsert the stopper by reversing the removal steps if needed