How to remove and prevent garbage disposal smell 

Garbage disposals provide a convenient way to get rid of food scraps without filling the kitchen trash or clogging the drain. However, bits of food get stuck in this kitchen appliance over time, leading to bacterial growth. Consequently, a foul odor will develop and take over your kitchen, unless you get rid of these offensive smells. But how do you go about it? How do you remove and prevent foul smell in your garbage disposal? 

Well, we’ve got your back! In this article, we look at some simple tips and tricks anyone can use to get rid of that nasty odor coming from their garbage disposal. 

6 Ways to get rid of a nasty garbage disposal odor 

1. Use a commercial garbage disposal cleaner & deodorizer 

Specialized commercial garbage disposal cleaners are quite effective in tackling garbage disposal smells. This is because they usually contain natural bacteria and enzymes that break down and get rid of any built-up organic matter in the garbage disposal. Moreover, some cleaners contain surfactants to give their formula an added cleaning power. 

One thing you need to note though is that all commercial cleaning products are ideal for use in garbage disposals. For instance, you should avoid products that contain harsh chemicals as they can damage or corrode the garbage disposal. Instead, choose a cleaning product that is safe to use in your specific garbage disposal model.

 If you have no idea what product to use, check out the following garbage disposal cleaners and deodorizers. 

2. Baking soda and White Vinegar Method 

A mixture of vinegar and baking soda is another effective method of cleaning a smelly garbage disposal. Specifically, baking soda and vinegar start to fizz when you mix them, allowing them to get rid of the toughest greases and goops stuck in your garbage disposal. 

To eliminate foul odors in your garbage disposal with this method, pour a half cup of baking soda into your disposal unit, followed by a cup of white vinegar. This will trigger a chemical reaction and cause the mixture to fizz as it actively breaks down and dissolves any buildup and grime in the disposal. 

Once the fizzing starts to subside, turn on your garbage disposal and let it run for a few seconds. Finally, run cold water down the drain for about 30 seconds to get rid of any remaining debris. It’s recommended that you repeat the process at least once a month to keep your disposal unit free from foul odors. 

3. Use ice and salt 

Cleaning your garbage disposal with ice and salt creates helpful friction that dislodges decaying food particles and eliminates bad smells in the disposal unit. With that in mind, here are the steps you need to follow if you want to get rid of foul garbage disposal smells with coarse salt and some ice cubes; 

• Put a cup of ice cubes into your garbage disposal unit and turn it in. 
• Add a half cup of rock or kosher salt into the disposal while it’s running. 
• Let the garbage disposal run for a few minutes, then rinse it with cold water to flush out any decaying food scraps and clean the drain. 

4. Grind citrus peels in the garbage disposal 

Throw a few orange, lime, or lemon peels into the garbage disposal and grind them for a few minutes. Since these peels are acidic, they will eat away any type of greasy or caked-on messes stuck in the garbage disposal. At the same time, they will neutralize unpleasant odors in the unit and fill it with a more refreshing scent. 

5. Unclog the garbage disposal 

If your garbage disposal is still producing a foul smell after trying out the methods above, there is a good chance it’s clogged. In that case, you need to unclog the garbage disposal to eliminate the foul smells. 

To accomplish that, start by unplugging the disposal unit from the power outlet. Then shine a flashlight down its grinding chamber and check for obstructions. If you can see any blockage, use a pair of tongs or pliers to remove them from the unit and plug it back into the outlet. Lastly, turn on the disposal and run it with cold water for 1 minute to flush out the remaining debris. 

6. Clean the splash guard 

A splash guard is an essential garbage disposal component that prevents debris and food particles from splashing out of the unit and into the kitchen sink during operation. However, food particles and other organic materials like coffee grounds tend to accumulate at the bottom side of the splash guard over time, leading to a foul smell. 

For that, it’s important to regularly clean the splash guard to prevent these materials from accumulating in the unit. 

Luckily, most splash guards are removable for easy cleanup. However, the splash guards on some garbage disposal models are fixed, meaning you have to disassemble the entire unit just to clean the splash guard. 

How to Prevent garbage disposal odors 

As you have seen, there are several methods of eliminating foul odors from your garbage disposal. However, preventing these smells from happening in the first place is the best remedy. After all, you only need to take a few simple measures to keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh and operating as it should. These measures include; 

• Cleaning the garbage disposal regularly, preferably once a week. 
• Putting the right type of food items in the disposal unit. 
• Investing in a good garbage disposal cleaner and deodorizer. 
• Inspecting the garbage disposal regularly for clogs and build-up food debris. 
• Running cold water into the disposal chamber for at least 30 seconds before, after, and when using the garbage disposal. 

Conclusion 

With the methods I’ve mentioned above, you can easily eliminate foul smells coming from your garbage disposal and restore a lovely fresh smell in your kitchen. Even better, you can avoid a smelly garbage disposal with proper maintenance and cleaning techniques. Also, consider investing in a good garbage disposal cleaner and deodorizer to tackle the toughest stenches.