5 effective steps to get rid of garbage disposal smell
Let’s face it — nothing can kill the vibe of a sparkling kitchen like a stinky garbage disposal. You may not see the gunk, but you will certainly smell it! Read more Health Do Eau de Toilette Sprays Replace Toilet Sprays? If you’ve ever entered your kitchen and asked yourself, “What is that smell in here?” —you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t have to put up with it! With a few simple steps, you can remove garbage disposal odors for good and keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
Are you prepared to say goodbye to that not-so-fresh smell? In this guide, we will provide five proven steps to eliminate that funky smell coming from your garbage disposal and get your sink back in tip-top shape.
5 simple steps to remove the garbage disposal smell
1. Identify the Source of the Smell
Before you get to scrubbing, it’s helpful to understand what you’re dealing with. Most of the time, garbage disposal odors are caused by trapped food scraps, grease, maybe even a little bit of mold in the hidden crevices. Other times, it’s a case of food particles becoming stuck to the blades or walls of the disposal, and then decomposing and producing a not-so-pleasant smell. If you don’t do a regular, thorough cleaning on your disposal, these odors can add up in a hurry.
Pro Tip: Before you start cleaning, always take a look into your disposal to see if there are any visible clogs or buildup.
2. Clean the Rubber Splash Guard and Interior
That rubber splash guard (it’s that black, flexible ring where the inside of your disposal is exposed) is a well-known hiding place for grime and bacteria. Even with water and soap rinsing down into the drain, food particles can become trapped beneath the stopper or within the flaps, acting as a breeding ground for stinky scum.
How to Clean It:
- If your splash guard is removable, take it out and soak it in warm, soapy water for a few minutes. Use an old toothbrush or a small scrub brush to scrub both sides, paying special attention to the underside where most of the buildup occurs.
- If the guard isn’t removable, simply lift the flaps and scrub them while they’re still attached. Don’t be afraid to get in there—just make sure the disposal is turned off!
- For an extra-deep clean, you can even run the removable splash guard through the dishwasher.
- While you’re at it, use your brush to scrub the inside walls of the disposal. This helps dislodge any stuck-on debris and ensures a more thorough clean.
3. Deodorize with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are a powerhouse couple when it comes to beating any strong kitchen odors. Baking soda is a mild abrasive and natural freshener, and vinegar’s acidity enables it to cut through grease and kill germs. Together, they form a fizzy reaction that lifts grime, while simultaneously neutralizing bad smells inside your garbage disposal.
Step-by-Step:
- Start by pouring about half a cup of baking soda directly into the disposal. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This gives the baking soda time to absorb odors and loosen any stuck-on residue.
- Next, pour one cup of white vinegar into the disposal. The mixture will bubble and fizz—don’t be alarmed, this is exactly what you want! The fizzing action helps dislodge debris and clean the disposal’s hidden nooks and crannies.
- Allow the mixture to work its magic for about 10 minutes. Then, turn on the cold water and run the disposal for 10–15 seconds to rinse everything away.
4. Use Ice Cubes and Salt for Deep Cleaning
The combination of ice cubes and coarse salt can help scrub away stubborn stuck-on food remnants and buildup that the most effective cleaning solutions might leave behind.The ice helps to jostle free lingering food particles from the blades and interior walls of your disposal, while the salt acts as a natural abrasive, scouring away grime and also helping to deodorize the disposal as it works.
How to Do It:
- First, pour 1–2 cups of ice cubes into the disposal. Next, add a generous handful of coarse salt—rock salt or kosher salt work best, but even regular table salt will do in a pinch.
- Turn on the cold water and run the disposal. You’ll hear the ice crunching and grinding, which is a sign that the blades are getting a good cleaning.
- Continue running the disposal until all the ice has been ground up and flushed away.
5. Freshen Up with Citrus Peels
Citrus peels– are a natural and chemical-free way to deodorize your garbage disposal and add freshness to your sink. Oil in the peels acts to cut through grease and grime, while the grinding process disperses their fresh scent through your kitchen.
How to Use Them:
- Cut lemon, lime, or orange peels into small pieces.
- With the cold water running, drop the peels into the disposal a few pieces at a time.
- Turn on the disposal and let it grind up the peels completely.
Bonus Tips for Ongoing Freshness
- Always use plenty of cold water when using your garbage disposal both during and after. That helps flush any food particles and prevents buildup that can cause odors.
- Watch what you drop in the disposal. Do not throw grease, coffee grounds, fibrous vegetables (such as celery or corn husks) or starchy foods (such as potato peels) in there, as all of these can clog the drain and make things smell bad.
- Get in the good habit of cleaning your disposal weekly. By following the steps above on a regular basis, you should be able to keep both odors at bay and have the appliances running very smoothly.
- For the most stubborn odors, you can also add a mild bleach solution or a commercial garbage disposal cleaner. Just make sure to use these sparingly, as harsh chemicals can harm your pipes and disposal over time.
Conclusion
Keeping the garbage disposal clean and odor free doesn’t have to be an overwhelming or gross-tastic task. By following these five simple, but effective steps — identifying the source, giving the splash guard and interior a thorough cleaning, deodorizing with baking soda and vinegar, deep cleaning with ice and salt and freshening up with citrus peels — your kitchen will once again be the enjoyable cooking space you long for, free of noxious odor.
Add to your routine these steps and you will never have to worry about being surprised with bad smells again. Do you have any tried-and-true tricks for keeping your garbage disposal fresh? Let us know about your own experiences or if you have any tips in the comments below
Further Reading:
Can You Put Drain Cleaner In A Garbage Disposal?
Is Hot or Cold Water Best for Your Garbage Disposal? Find Out
Can You Put Lettuce & Cabbage Down A Garbage Disposal?
How To Unclog Eggshells In A Garbage Disposal?
