Garbage disposals are powerful tools in the kitchen, making it easier for homeowners to clean up after meals. But for all their usefulness, they have one major drawback—they can get smelly. Even if you’re diligent in cleaning your garbage disposal, food particles can still build up and cause an unpleasant odor in your kitchen.
Fortunately, you don’t have to put up with any nasty smells. There are several ways to freshen up your garbage disposal and have it smell squeaky clean. In addition, keeping certain foods away from your unit will prevent clogging and unwanted odors. If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog, a plumbing professional can help get things moving.
Dealing With a Smelly Sink? Here Is How to Make a Garbage Disposal Smell Better
Anything that handles waste is bound to get smelly. Garbage disposal odors usually start with a slight sour smell in the sink. If left unaddressed, the offensive odor can fill your whole kitchen. Your garbage disposal might also develop a clog that requires professional attention. Here are some ways to keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh and clog-free.
White Vinegar and Baking Soda
One fast and easy way to clean your garbage disposal is to combine two ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen: baking soda and vinegar. Start by pouring a fourth cup of baking soda into your unit and follow up with a cup of white vinegar.
Leave the mixture to bubble for a few minutes before letting water run through the garbage disposal. The reaction kills odor-causing bacteria and washes away mineral deposits that might be harboring stinky germs.
Salt and Ice
Rock salt and ice are other kitchen staples that can help keep garbage disposal odors at bay. Combined, they can break up and dislodge stubborn food particles in your garbage disposal. They also do a great job of cleaning the blades.
Start by pouring two cups of ice cubes down the garbage disposal, followed by a cup of rock salt. Next, let cold water run over the salt and ice and turn on the garbage disposal for 30 seconds.
Mouthwash
Mouthwash isn’t just for getting rid of bad breath. Many people don’t know that the first mouthwash was originally an antiseptic treatment for sterilizing surgical tools. That means it can do wonders for your garbage disposal. Rinse your unit with a cup of mouthwash whenever it needs freshening up. That will kill the odor-causing germs clinging to it.
Borax
Unpleasant garbage disposal smells don’t stand a chance against borax. This natural cleaner eliminates odors and gunk, leaving your unit fresh and clean. To use borax on your garbage disposal, sprinkle a generous amount of it and leave it for 30 minutes. Finish by running hot water down the disposal to wash away the debris.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits aren’t just a refreshing treat. They’re also a natural deodorizer that can leave your sink smelling fruity fresh. The citrus oils in these fruits are anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, killing odor-causing bacteria and eliminating any smelly residue in your garbage disposal. Most of these oils are in the rinds of lemons, oranges, grapefruit and limes. You can grind the rinds or slice up the fruits whole after dicing them into small pieces.
Foods You Should Never Put Down the Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal may be one tough cookie, but that doesn’t mean it’s indestructible. Here are some foods you should keep away from your unit if you want to prolong its life.
Coffee Grounds
You might have heard rumors that coffee grounds can make your garbage disposal smell incredible. But it’s one of the worst things you can pour down your unit. They will become sludge inside your garbage disposal and mess up your plumbing system. The best way to dispose of coffee grounds is through composting, where their nutrients will be beneficial.
Fibrous Vegetables
Fibrous vegetables may be great for you, but they’re not good for your garbage disposal. Kale, asparagus, celery and rhubarb are notorious for getting tangled up in garbage disposal blades and causing them to malfunction. In addition, remember to remove the stickers from fruit peels because they can also stick to the blades and pipes. You can toss vegetable leftovers in an organic garbage bin or compost heap.
Starchy Foods
Starchy foods like rice, pasta and oats expand in water, which is bad news for garbage disposals. They can easily get stuck in the blades and kitchen pipes, causing clogs and hampering proper drainage. The starch might also coat the blades and make them less effective. Even potato peels are a no-no because they can create a sticky, starchy mess inside your garbage disposal. Throw starchy items in the garbage instead.
Fats and Grease
Butter, oil and bacon grease may slide down your garbage disposal without a problem. However, they eventually solidify and attach to your pipes. Fat and grease buildup can lead to severe plumbing issues like your garbage disposal leaking water and having backups, which are time-consuming and expensive to repair. One way to dispose of fats and grease is by pouring them into cans or jars and placing them in the garbage.
Does Lemon Make Garbage Disposal Smell Better?
If your garbage disposal has a funky odor, a humble lemon could solve your smelly situation. Its rind and fruit are suitable cleaning agents for this appliance.
So, how does this cleaning hack work? It’s a two-part process. First, lemon juice’s acidity breaks down grime and grease. In addition, it has antibacterial properties that eliminate odors. The result is a sparkling sink and an odorless garbage disposal.
Start by cutting one lemon into wedges with the peel on. Next, turn on the cold water and let your garbage disposal run. Drop in the wedges one at a time until the grinding stops before the next piece. The process might be long and loud, but letting the blades run thoroughly through the rinds is beneficial. That way, they are extra clean and will perform efficiently again.
If lemons don’t work and your garbage disposal still smells foul, it’s time to call a pro. There could be a stubborn clog in your unit harboring unpleasant smells. A plumbing professional can unclog your garbage disposal and remove unwanted odors from your sink and kitchen. You can prevent future blockages by keeping grease, stringy vegetables, starchy food and coffee grounds away from your unit.
Is It Bad to Pour Boiling Water Down the Garbage Disposal?
Is boiling water bad for your garbage disposal? Yes and no. Boiling water can help break down and wash away food particles and clear clogs. But at the same time, it also melts and spreads fat, which can lead to clogs further down your pipes. Use boiling water sparingly, and always run your garbage disposal as you pour it down the sink.
Cold water is the better alternative for your garbage disposal. Keep it running as your unit grinds food, and ensure all food particles pass through the plumbing system. Another benefit of cold water is that it prevents your garbage disposal from overheating while in use.
If there’s a stubborn clog in your garbage disposal, avoid using boiling water to melt it. That can do more harm than good. Also, never reach down with your hand to remove the clog, even if your unit’s unplugged. Instead, contact a professional plumber to deal with the situation. The plumber knows the best way to unclog your unit safely.
Is Your Garbage Disposal Giving You Trouble? Leave It to the Pros
Garbage disposals are handy in the kitchen, but they can also be a source of stress for homeowners. If your unit is clogged up and producing a foul smell, don’t hesitate to get professional help. A licensed plumber knows how to eliminate the blockages and make your garbage disposal smell better.
ABC Can Get Your Garbage Disposal Working Again
A garbage disposal that isn’t working can cause huge disruptions in your life. Instead of prolonging the issue by trying to fix it yourself, contact ABC Home & Commercial Services. Our appliance repair pros will efficiently locate the issue and then get to work on making all garbage disposal repairs. They can even help you learn how to clean your garbage disposal.
