How to Get Rid of the Smell From Your Garbage Disposal 

Have you ever been in your kitchen and smelt something really unpleasant? I know, at first we all think it’s the trash. But, it turns out to be your garbage disposal underneath your sink!

Let’s go over why that could be and talk about how you can prevent it from happening again.

Why Does the Garbage Disposal Smell?

Trash compactors such as a garbage disposal, are useful instruments for breaking up food waste. As a result of this process, your kitchen may eventually start to smell bad. Food particles that have escaped the grinding process and become lodged in the appliance are typically the cause of this stench.

Food particles are frequently left behind when they become caught in the machine’s blades or inner pipes, despite the fact that these machines are quite effective at breaking down food waste. These particles that become trapped inside or close to the device will quickly start to decompose, emitting an unpleasant odor. Some meals could be more prone than others to sticking or overpowering odors.

How Do You Get Rid of the Odor?

You should know how to get rid of that garbage disposal odor even if you aren’t currently having to deal with a clog. Try one of these five strategies to get rid of the odor when your disposal is the cause of a stinking sink.

Bleach

Although not the best option, if the bleach is a mild product and the water is running, you can use it. You can eliminate the smell by pouring a minimal amount of bleach down the disposal while running cold water. Additionally, bleach works to remove any food particles that can be lodged in your pipes.

bleach down garbage disposal

Ice + Citrus

Ice cubes and lemon or orange peels can be put in the garbage disposal to remove the odor. Run the disposal for approximately 30 seconds , after that add a small amount of liquid dish detergent to the disposal while it is still running. To remove all the debris, run cold water for around 30 seconds after.

Baking Soda & Vinegar 

This method is great because you can use everyday household items. To begin, start the waste disposal. Then down the sink, pour a cup of dry baking soda. Finally, use a cup of distilled white vinegar to flush the baking soda. This should significantly reduce any unpleasant odors in your disposal.

baking soda and vinegar - helps eliminate odor from garbage disposal

Cleaning Products

If none of the above mentioned DIY solutions appeal to you, you can typically locate specialized garbage disposal cleaning solutions at the grocery store. These items are made for garbage disposals, and they all use various substances to combat odors and restore your disposal’s fighting capabilities.

some cleaning products are made for garbage disposals

How to Prevent the Odor 

Using your appliance just for the tasks for which it was designed goes a long way in preventing odor from arising. To assist keep the condition and cleanliness of your waste disposal, adhere to the following suggestions:

Grind Only Organic Waste

You should only dispose of organic food scraps in garbage disposals. To maintain the best possible condition for your equipment, avoid grinding any produced materials.

Keep the Disposal Running for at Least 30 Seconds at a Time 

Use the compactor for at least 30 seconds each time to guarantee that the food properly breaks down to reduce the possibility of any leftover particles.

Avoid Certain Foods

Celery, potatoes, and coffee grounds are a few examples of items that you shouldn’t process via your unit. On the other hand, you can use your unit for fibrous vegetables and starchy foods. These materials have a higher chance of clogging your device.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, it is common for your garbage disposal to smell. On the positive side, there are way to combat the smell as well as ways to keep it from happening again. Hopefully, you found that these tactics are helpful to you. Now, you can use them to keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need any plumbing help with your garbage disposal. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. 

We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.

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