A smelly garbage disposal can quickly become a kitchen nightmare. The unpleasant odors can make cooking and even just being in the kitchen less enjoyable. If you’ve been wondering how to make a garbage disposal smell better, you’re not alone. Many homeowners face this common issue, but the good news is that there are simple and effective ways to tackle it.
In this blog, we’ll share practical tips to keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh and clean, so you can enjoy a pleasant kitchen environment all year round.
Why Does My Garbage Disposal Smell?
So, what causes your garbage disposal to emit foul odors in the first place? The primary culprits are food particles that get trapped in the disposal or stuck to the blades. Over time, these food particles decompose and cause bad smells. Additionally, grease and oils can build up, creating a sticky film that traps more food residue. Leftover food particles, fibrous vegetables, and starchy foods can all contribute to the problem. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to prevent odors from taking over your kitchen.
How to Make a Garbage Disposal Smell Better
Regular cleaning is one of the best ways to keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh. Here are some routine maintenance tips you can try:
- Run Cold Water
One of the simplest tips to keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh is to run cold water while using it. Always run cold water for at least 15 seconds before and after using the disposal. This helps make sure that all food particles are thoroughly washed down the drain.
- Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are a powerful combination for cleaning and deodorizing your garbage disposal. Pour about half a cup of baking soda into the disposal, then add one cup of white vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit and fizz for about ten minutes before rinsing it with hot water. This method helps break down food residue and eliminates odors, leaving your disposal smelling fresh.
- Use Ice Cubes and Rock Salt
To clean and sharpen the disposal blades, use a combination of ice cubes and rock salt. Place a few ice cubes and about half a cup of rock salt into the disposal and run it with cold water. The ice helps dislodge any stuck food particles, while the salt acts as a scouring agent, cleaning the blades and the inside of the disposal.
- Avoid Certain Foods
Preventing odors starts with being mindful of what you put into the garbage disposal. Avoid disposing of fibrous vegetables, corn husks, egg shells, and starchy foods like pasta and rice, as they can cause clogs and contribute to bad smells. Additionally, grease and oil should never go down the disposal since they can solidify and create buildup.
Regular Cleaning Routine for Your Garbage Disposal
A smelly garbage disposal can be a significant nuisance, but with the right techniques and regular maintenance, you can keep it smelling fresh and functioning efficiently. If you’re unsure where to start, consider following this helpful cleaning schedule.
Weekly Cleaning
- Hot Water and Dish Soap: Run hot water and a squirt of dish soap through the disposal to help break down grease and clean the sides.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: Use the baking soda and vinegar method weekly to keep odors at bay and maintain a clean disposal.
Monthly Deep Cleaning
- Ice Cubes and Rock Salt: Perform the ice cube and rock salt cleaning once a month to keep the blades sharp and the disposal clean.
- Bottle Brush Cleaning: Use a bottle brush to scrub the underside of the rubber splash guard and the inside of the disposal. This helps remove any food residue that may cause lingering smells.
Occasional Cleaning
- White Vinegar Soak: For a deep clean, fill the disposal with ice cubes, pour one cup of white vinegar over them, and let it sit for a few minutes before running cold water through the system.
How to Address Lingering Smells
If you’ve tried the tips mentioned but still experience lingering smells, there might be food particles stuck deeper in the disposal or drain pipes. Here are some additional steps to tackle persistent odors:
- Flush With Hot Water and Dish Soap: Boil a pot of water and mix it with a few drops of dish soap. Slowly pour it down the drain while the disposal is running to help remove any grease buildup.
- Use Scouring Powder: Sprinkle a small amount of scouring powder into the disposal and scrub with a bottle brush. Rinse thoroughly with hot water.
- Call a Professional: If the smells persist despite your best efforts, it might be time to call in the experts. A professional plumber can inspect and clean the disposal and drain pipes thoroughly.
Preventing Future Odors
Preventing odors is easier than dealing with them after they’ve developed. Here are some proactive tips to keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh:
- Regular Use: Run your garbage disposal regularly to prevent food from sitting and decomposing.
- Small Batches: Avoid overloading the disposal with large amounts of food waste at once. Feed it small batches to guarantee thorough grinding and flushing.
- Use Cold Water: Always use cold water when operating the disposal to prevent grease from melting and causing clogs.
- Avoid Grease and Oil: Never pour grease or oil down the disposal. Instead, dispose of them in a separate container.
Enjoy an Odor-Free Kitchen With Environment Masters!
Maintaining a fresh-smelling garbage disposal doesn’t have to be a chore. By following these tips on how to make a garbage disposal smell better, you can enjoy a clean and odor-free kitchen. Regular maintenance, the right cleaning methods, and avoiding certain foods can make a significant difference.
Have you found that, despite your best efforts, your garbage disposal still has a bad smell? It might be time to seek professional help. If you’re looking for a hydrojet plumber near Jackson, MS, turn to Environment Masters. We offer comprehensive plumbing services to keep your kitchen running smoothly.
Don’t let foul garbage disposal smells disrupt your kitchen. Take action today and keep your disposal fresh and clean with these practical tips. If you need professional help, Environment Masters is just a call away. Contact our plumbers in Jackson now to schedule your service!
