A foul odor coming from your garbage disposal is never a pleasant experience. As the owner of a home with a garbage disposal, I know firsthand how embarrassing and annoying disposal odors can be, especially when guests are over.
The good news is there are several methods I’ve discovered that help banish those bad disposal smells for good. Here’s an in-depth look at why odors happen in the first place, as well as my tried-and-true tips for fixing the problem.
Why Does My Garbage Disposal Smell?
Before I can tackle a smelly disposal, I first need to understand why odors develop in the first place. Here are the most common culprits I’ve come across behind garbage disposal odors:
Food Buildup
The number one reason my disposal starts to smell is food buildup. Little particles of food get stuck in the crevices of the disposal and start to rot, creating foul odors. Things like coffee grounds, citrus peels, and small bones are common offenders.
Over time, without proper cleaning, this buildup accumulates and the smell gets worse. Regular cleaning is key to preventing odors caused by food buildup.
Improper Drainage
Another common source of odors is improper drainage. If the disposal drain pipe doesn’t have a proper downward slope, water can back up and sit in the disposal, causing debris to rot and stink.
Checking the drain slope and clearing blockages helps resolve drainage issues that lead to smells.
Misuse of Disposal
Simply using the disposal improperly can also cause unpleasant odors. Putting the wrong items down the disposal, such as fats, oils, and grease, can quickly lead to rancid smells.
Only putting recommended foods down the drain prevents misuse and odors.
Tips to Rid a Disposal of Odors
Now that I know what causes the smells, here are my tried-and-true methods for ridding my garbage disposal of any funky odors.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
My go-to method is using baking soda and vinegar. The combination of an acid and a base helps break down gunk and neutralize odors.
I’ll pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the disposal, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Letting it foam and bubble for 5-10 minutes scrubs away buildup. I then run hot water for a full minute to rinse.
Lemon or Lime Wedges
Rubbing citrus fruits inside the disposal is another great way to freshen up smells. I’ll take a few lemon or lime wedges and scrub the inside of the disposal.
The citric acid breaks down grime, while the fresh citrus smell helps neutralize odors. Run the disposal and water afterward.
Ice Cubes
For a quick refresh, I’ll drop 4-5 ice cubes down the disposal while it’s running. As the cubes break down, they help scrub the inside. This is perfect before company comes over!
Baking Soda Only
If I’m out of vinegar, just baking soda alone still does a decent job. I pour 1 cup down the drain and let it sit for several hours before rinsing. The baking soda absorbs and neutralizes odors over time.
Disposal Cleaner + Hot Water
Using a garbage disposal cleaner specifically formulated to break down food buildup and eliminate odors is always effective. I’ll pour a cleaner down the drain, let it sit, then run hot water for a minute afterward.
Preventing Odors in the First Place
To avoid disposal odors from returning, I make sure to take a few proactive steps:
- Run cold water through the disposal while in use
- Avoid putting bones, citrus peels, and coffee grounds down the drain
- Frequently flush the disposal with baking soda
- Use citrus rinds or ice to freshen the drain
- Run the disposal regularly, even when not in use
Taking preventive measures helps keep my garbage disposal fresh, clean, and odor-free. A little effort goes a long way toward odor prevention.
In summary, foul odors in the garbage disposal are no match for simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and citrus fruits. Along with regular cleaning and maintenance, I’m able to keep my disposal smelling fresh. My kitchen is grateful!
