Smelly Garbage Disposal? Here’s How to Eliminate Odors

We’ve all been there: the disgusting smell coming from your kitchen garbage disposal. Not only is it unpleasant, but it can also be embarrassing when you have guests over. Thankfully, eliminating offensive odors doesn’t have to be a daunting task! Here are some helpful tips to get rid of that stink and keep your kitchen smelling fresh.

Clean the Garbage Disposal

First, it’s important to clean your garbage disposal. This will go a long way in helping reduce odors. Start by pouring baking soda and white vinegar down the drain—the bubbling reaction will help release any dirt or grease buildup that can contribute to odors. After letting the mixture sit for 10 minutes, pour boiling water down the drain and give the disposal a few quick grinds with cold water running.

Use Disposal Fresheners

To keep your garbage disposal smelling great, try using a freshener! There are several options available on the market that you can drop down your drain. Lemon is one of the most popular scents because it’s light and refreshing. You can even make your own freshener by cutting a lemon into small pieces and grinding them up in the disposal with cold water running.

Try Out Different Remedies

If you’re still having trouble getting rid of odors, there are several other remedies you can try. Boiling a solution of baking soda and vinegar is one option. You can also try using ice cubes to help break down any residue in the disposal. Finally, you can place orange or lemon peels and grind them with cold water running.

Salt and Ice

Use a combination of salt and ice to clean out the gunk responsible for the unpleasant odors. Fill the disposal with ice cubes and sprinkle a tablespoon of salt over it. Run cold water and turn on the disposal to grind the ice and salt together.

Baking Soda and White Vinegar

Another effective method is to use baking soda and white vinegar. Pour about 1/4 cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes to foam, then rinse it away by running hot water down the disposal.

Natural Deodorizer

Use citrus fruits or citrus peels to naturally deodorize the disposal. Cut up a lemon or other citrus fruit into small pieces and put them into the disposal. Run cold water and turn on the disposal to grind the peels.

To ensure your garbage disposal remains odor-free, it’s important to follow some basic maintenance tips. First, avoid putting hard items such as bones and fruit pits down the drain as they can damage the blades. Second, run cold water while operating the disposal and use a strainer to catch any food debris. Finally, avoid using chemical cleaners that can be damaging to the blades and pipes. By following these tips, you can keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh and free of offensive odors.

Bonus Tip: To keep your sink and garbage disposal smelling great, try making a homemade deodorizing spray. Combine one cup of white vinegar with 10 drops of essential oil in a spray bottle. Use it to spritz around the sink or garbage disposal and wipe away the mess with a damp cloth. This mixture will help neutralize odors and leave your kitchen smelling fresh.

Happy cleaning!