How to Fix Your Foul-Smelling Garbage Disposal

You’ve taken out the trash and checked the refrigerator for spoiled food, but you still can’t pin that stinky smell in your kitchen. Don’t blame the chef! Have you checked your garbage disposal?

Your sink might be clear and free of dishes and food, but you might not have checked the disposal for rotting food and bacteria left behind. Neighborly has some simple solutions to help make that bad smell good again.

Clean the Things that Clean!

Just like we sometimes neglect to wipe down dust from the vacuum cleaner, we often forget to clean the garbage disposal. Just like anything else in your kitchen, your disposal needs some TLC of its own every now and then.

Especially when your turn off your disposal as soon as it “sounds clear,” you might not be giving food time to run down the drain. When this happens, food sticks to the disposal and is left to rot and mold. Therefore, always leave your disposal running five seconds longer than you think it needs to run. You’ll make sure all food and debris is removed that way!

Disposal Deodorization Tips

Ready for some more “stop the stink in the sink” advice? Check out these tips!

• While you’re running your disposal five seconds longer than you think it needs to run, but sure the faucet is running too. Never operate the disposal without running water!
• Begin by cleaning the visible portion of your disposal with hot soapy water and a scrub brush. This may seem like an obvious tip, but it’s the place to start!
• On that same note, don’t neglect the drain plug. Make sure to clean it with warm, soapy water and a scrub brush. It might even be time to replace it entirely!
• Be sure to give your disposal a routine flushing. Plug the sink and fill with hot soapy water. Then, turn on your disposal, remove the plug and let the water rush through. While it’s good to always run water when operating the disposal, letting the water flush through is good every now and then, as the disposal will have the chance to fill with water instead of rush straight through.
• Remember to avoid sending oil or grease of any kind down your disposal. Also, refrain from normal “no no” items like celery and coffee grounds – even though you may love that coffee smell!
• Leave the coffee for the coffee pot – there are several combinations of natural household items that will help deodorize your disposal and help you home smell great again. Try these combinations:
  • Kosher salt and ice cubes
  • Baking soda and warm water
  • Citrus peels (try oranges and lemons!) and the fruit itself
  • Bleach (just a rinse – dilute with water!)

“What’s that wonderful smell?” With these tips, you can shock guests with your unexpected reply! Get your disposal in tip-top shape today, and if you need some extra assistance, a professional at Mr. Rooter Plumbing is ready and excited to help.

To find a professional for any of your home service needs, explore our Neighborly family brands now.