How to Get Rid of Garbage Disposal Smells

A garbage disposal is a quick method for removing certain food wastes, but it can leave behind unpleasant smells. Certain foods, like eggshells, grease, and oil can’t go in the garbage disposal because they’ll obstruct the blades. Fruit pits, fruit scraps, vegetable scraps, cooked meat, and small bones can be put into the garbage disposal, but without regular cleaning, these products can break down in the drain, creating foul odors.

While garbage disposals offer a level of convenience, the odors that linger in the disposal can become overpowering if the situation is not remedied. Keep reading to learn how to get rid of garbage disposal smells.

What Causes Garbage Disposal Odors?

Garbage disposals are designed to break down soft food scraps and food waste so that they can be washed down the drain. This includes a wide assortment of foods, such as fruit scraps, cooked meat, and even small bones. However, if the garbage disposal is not regularly cleaned, the food waste and leftover residue will cling to the insides of the disposal.

Over time, the food waste will break down, releasing powerful odors. The smell of rotting fruit, vegetables, and meat will then emanate from the drain, gradually seeping into the air. Even after a quick rinse, pieces of food may remain lodged in the disposal, so it’s important to regularly clean, deodorize, and neutralize garbage disposal smells.

How to Get Rid of Garbage Disposal Smells

When using a garbage disposal, run cold water to help wash food waste into the drain and rinse the interior of the garbage disposal. If the garbage disposal starts to smell bad, you’ll need to take steps to clean and deodorize the appliance.

Baking Soda and White Vinegar

One of the easiest ways to clean and deodorize the garbage disposal is to use baking soda and white vinegar.

1. Add about one-quarter cup of baking soda to the disposal, followed by one cup of white vinegar. The combination of these two products acts to kill odor-causing bacteria and germs as well as cleaning away mineral deposits from the inside of the drain.
2. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Allow the baking soda and white vinegar to eat away at any lingering food waste.
3. Rinse. Flush the garbage disposal with cold water.

Salt and Ice

Running water into the disposal helps to lubricate the blades and wash any food residue into the drain. Salt and ice can be used to a similar end, as a method of cleaning and deodorizing the disposal unit. The salt neutralizes any odors, while the ice physically removes stuck-on grime. Additionally, the ice can help to sharpen the disposal blades, reducing the amount of food waste that gets stuck in the disposal.

1. Pour ice and salt into the disposal. Add a few ice cubes to the disposal, then add a handful of salt.
2. Turn on the disposal. Turn the garbage disposal on to break the ice cubes and disperse the salt throughout the interior of the disposal. Repeat as necessary to remove any lingering smells.

Ground Citrus Peels

It isn’t a good idea to toss a full orange peel into the garbage disposal as the peel can obstruct the blades or clog the drain. However, if you grind up citrus peels, then this can be a highly effective way to clean and deodorize the garbage disposal.

1. Choose your fruit. Pick any fruit you have on hand or select a specific type of fruit if you have a certain smell in mind.
2. Peel and grind the fruit. Carefully peel the fruit and grind up the citrus peel into small pieces.
3. Add the ground peels. Turn the garbage disposal on and run cold water into the drain. Add the ground citrus peels to the disposal. The citrus oils will kill odor-causing bacteria and fungi while replacing the odor with a citrus scent instead.

Scouring Powder

Not every type of scouring powder is suitable for garbage disposals, so before purchasing a scouring powder to clean and deodorize the disposal, it’s important to research the product to find a scouring powder that is safe to use for this purpose.

1. Add scouring powder to the disposal. Pour about half a cup of scouring powder into the garbage disposal. Add a little cold water to help the powder stick, then let the substance sit in the disposal for about 15 minutes.
2. Rinse. Turn the disposal on and run the cold water. This will help clean the blades, remove the foul odors, and rinse the scouring powder into the drain.

Bottle Brush

Another method for removing terrible odors is to physically clean the inside of the garbage disposal. While you should never reach your hand into the disposal, you can clean inside with a long bottle brush and some liquid dishwashing soap.

1. Turn off the power. First, unplug the power cord or turn off the breaker switch for the garbage disposal. This will ensure that the unit does not turn on while you are cleaning.
2. Scrub with dishwashing soap. Add liquid dishwashing soap onto the bottle brush, then feed the bottle brush into the disposal. Use the brush to scrub the inside of the disposal and remove any lodged food waste.
3. Rinse. After scrubbing the inside of the disposal, turn on the cold water to rinse the drain. Then, plug in the disposal or turn on the breaker switch for the unit. Depending on the model, you may need to press the reset button located on the bottom of the garbage disposal to reset the internal circuit breaker before the disposal can be used.

Mouthwash

Mouthwash does more than just clean your teeth and freshen your breath. It can also clean your garbage disposal.

1. Add mouthwash. Pour about 4 to 5 ounces of mint-scented mouthwash down the drain and run the disposal for a few minutes until the smell dissipates.
2. Repeat. If the smell still lingers, repeat with more mouthwash, rinse, and run the disposal again.

Tips to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Clean

• Avoid adding eggshells, stringy vegetables, and any oils or fatty foods, as these can easily clog the garbage disposal.
• Let your garbage disposal run for at least 30 seconds to ensure that all of the food has been. broken down enough.
• Always use cold water when running the disposal to keep food in its solid form. Hot water can break down certain foods and cause them to become stuck in the disposal.