As a homeowner, using a garbage disposal is very resourceful and quick for getting rid of unwanted food while you clean dishes, pots, and pans. However, terrible smells can arise from disposing of certain food wastes like fruit pits, fruit scraps, vegetable scraps, cooked meat, and small bones if the disposal is not cleaned regularly.
This process occurs when you use your garbage disposal for a long time with little or no cleaning; the food waste or leftovers will get stuck in the blades of your garbage disposal. Over time, the food waste breaks down, causing it to give off a foul smell. To prevent this, here are eight tips on how to remove bad smells from your garbage disposal.
How To Clean a Garbage Disposal
There are several ways you can get rid of the garbage disposal smell and the gurgling sound from your kitchen sink. Here, we will discuss eight ways to clean up the rotting smell in your garbage disposal.
1. Remove the Source of the Unpleasant odour from the Disposal
First and foremost, remove the source of the smell. The first step to getting rid of the foul odour from your garbage disposal is to check if there is any food blockage in the sink. This way, you will be able to rid the drain of large clogged food wastes and get rid of the bad smell emanating from the garbage disposal.
Afterwards, you can wash it with baking soda. Exert caution when you do this to avoid getting injured. While cleaning the garbage disposal, turn the appliances off and use pliers, tongs, or brushes to remove any blockage you may have found in the drain.
2. Use Baking Soda and White Vinegar
One of the most natural ways to remove bad smells from your garbage disposal is to use baking soda and white vinegar. You can use 2 cups of baking soda and a cup of white vinegar to deodorize and clean the garbage disposal. Start by pouring 2 cups of baking soda into the drain and let it set for 30 minutes.
Next, pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain and let it set for 10 minutes. Then, turn on the water to clean the drain. In addition, this is also a natural method to kill bacteria and germs that cause odour.
3. Freshen up with Lemon Peels
Another effective method for eliminating the unpleasant odour in your garbage disposal is by using lemon peels. To freshen up your kitchen smell, simply slice a whole lemon into small pieces and use it to clean your garbage disposal. Turn on the cold water and allow it to flow into the drain.
Additionally, you can use any citrus peel you have to clean and improve the smell of your kitchen. The citric acid in lemon juice possesses antimicrobial properties, which means it has attributes that can assist in combating harmful bacteria, ultimately eliminating unpleasant odours from your garbage disposal.
4. Use Salt and Ice Cubes
Like the lemon juice and the baking soda, salt and ice can help you to get rid of the garbage disposal smell. To effectively clean your garbage disposal, follow these steps: First, introduce a mixture of ice cubes and salt into the drain. Gently turn on the water and allow it to flow into the disposal.
Next, activate the garbage disposal and run it until the ice cubes and salt have disappeared. This process helps dislodge debris, clean the blades, and contributes to a fresher and more efficient garbage disposal.
5. Try Scouring Powder
Another method you can use to get rid of a smelling garbage disposal is scouring powder. There are different types of scouring powder. However, not all of them are suitable for cleaning a garbage disposal. To choose a quality scouring powder, you must do some research or consult an expert to ensure that the brand you are selecting is safe and good.
The process involves sprinkling half a cup of the scouring powder on the surface of the garbage disposal. The next step involves adding a little water to form a paste-like substance, and the last step involves using the paste to scrub the garbage disposal to achieve a clean surface.
In addition, the abrasive nature of the powder, combined with its cleaning agents, can effectively target and eliminate common household bacteria.
6. Borax
Borax, sometimes called sodium borate, is a natural compound that homeowners use for cleaning. You can use borax to clean the garbage disposal and your kitchen. However, you should be cautious when using it for your home.
It should be kept safe, especially away from children. In addition, borax has alkaline properties, making it resourceful for breaking down stains. It can also act as a pest control powder for insects and ants.
7. Mouthwash
It may not seem like it, but mouthwash is a good alternative for cleaning garbage disposal smells. You can use it to clean the surface of the garbage disposal. Also, the mouthwash has the advantage of being cheaper and safer to use than other cleaning agents.
8. Prevent Unpleasant Odour from the Onset
One of the best ways to get rid of unpleasant smells in the garbage disposal is to prevent odour in the first place. For example, you can get rid of odour by cutting foods into bits to avoid clogging the drain.
Another thing you can do is to avoid putting starchy or expandable foods at your disposal. This way, you can prevent the garbage disposal from attracting bacteria that will result in bad smells.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get the smell out of a garbage disposal?
There are several ways to get the smell out of a garbage disposal. You can get the smell out by using baking soda, white vinegar, or a half-sliced citrus lemon peel. You can also get rid of the unpleasant odour by using salt and ice cubes, scouring powder, borax, and mouthwash.
How do you get rid of the rotten garbage smell?
There are several ways to get rid of rotten garbage, including baking soda, citrus peels, dryer sheets, and charcoal. These are all effective methods to help absorb unpleasant smells from your garbage disposal. Also, you can absorb unpleasant odours from your garbage disposal by using baking soda, white vinegar, salt, ice cubes, scouring powder, borax, lemon peels, and mouthwash.
Does vinegar deodorize garbage disposal?
Yes, white vinegar can help deodorize garbage disposal. A mixture of white vinegar and baking soda can help you deodorize your garbage disposal. They are both resourceful as cleaning agents for your garbage disposal. Begin by pouring 2 cups of baking soda into the drain for 30 minutes. Next, pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain for 10 minutes and wait for it to absorb the odour. Afterwards, turn on the water after 45 minutes to clean the garbage disposal.
Why do my sink and garbage disposal smell so bad?
One of the reasons garbage disposal smells so bad is that you are using it regularly without cleaning or deodorizing it with vinegar, baking soda, or citrus peel. You can use any of these cleaning agents to get rid of the unpleasant odour in your sink or garbage disposal.
Get Help Removing Bad Smell From Garbage Disposal
If an unpleasant odour emanates for a long time and none of the above DIY tips fix the issue, contact Hawthorne Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. Our expert plumbing technicians can quickly find the source of the smell and get your kitchen smelling fresh again.
