A garbage disposal can be a real game-changer in the kitchen. It helps clear away food scraps quickly and keeps your trash cans from filling up with leftover food that could attract pests. But like anything that handles waste, your garbage disposal can start to develop unpleasant odors if it isn’t cleaned regularly.
Why Does a Garbage Disposal Start to Smell?
Over time, leftover bits of food can stick to the inside of your disposal or drain pipes. If you use your garbage disposal often, especially without rinsing it properly, those scraps can start to break down and smell. You might first notice a sour scent lingering near the sink, and if it goes untreated, that smell can take over the entire kitchen.
Oil and grease are two of the biggest culprits. Many people don’t realize that pouring hot oil down the drain is a bad idea. Once the oil cools, it solidifies and sticks inside the disposal or pipes. Grease can also collect and create an ideal spot for bacteria and odors to build up.
How to Get Rid of Garbage Disposal Smells
If your garbage disposal isn’t smelling so fresh, don’t worry. There are a few simple and affordable ways to fix it without calling in a plumber. Just remember to always run water while using your disposal and avoid flushing down items that can cause clogs.
5 Easy Ways
1. Use Household Items Like Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pour a quarter cup of baking soda into the disposal and follow it up with a cup of white vinegar. This natural reaction bubbles up and helps kill the bacteria that are causing the smell. After a few minutes, run cold water through the disposal to rinse everything away. You can also use dish soap, hot water, or even a little borax now and then to keep things to clean a garbage disposal. Salt and ice cubes can help scrape off buildup inside the disposal. Surprisingly, even a splash of mouthwash can work in a pinch—it’s antibacterial and leaves a fresh scent behind.
2. Try Fresh Citrus for a Clean, Natural Scent
Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and limes contain oils in their peels that act as natural deodorizers. Simply toss in a few citrus peels and run your disposal with some water. The oils break down grime, kill odor-causing bacteria, and leave behind a clean, zesty scent. Some people even use whole slices for an extra boost of freshness.
3. Use Scouring Powder or Baking Soda for a Deeper Clean
Scouring powder works well for clearing out stuck-on residue inside your disposal. Just sprinkle about half a cup down the drain, let it sit for about 15 minutes, then run the disposal with water. If you don’t have scouring powder on hand, baking soda will do the trick too.
4. Watch What You Put In
To avoid bad smells and clogged blades, be mindful of what goes down your garbage disposal. Avoid greasy or fatty foods, both raw and cooked meat, and fibrous vegetables like celery or corn husks. These types of waste can wrap around the blades, cause build-up, and eventually make your and my garbage disposal smell or stop working.
5. Use a Bottle Brush for the Final Touch
For a deeper clean, you can scrub the inner edges of your garbage disposal with a bottle brush and a bit of dish soap. Make sure the disposal is turned off, and never put your hand inside. A quick scrub now and then can keep things fresh and prevent lingering odors from building up.
Follow Up With Leak Experts USA
Keep your kitchen smelling fresh all the time! Need help with a clogged or smelly garbage disposal in Las Vegas?
Call Leak Experts USA at (702) 745-5571 or book online and we’ll take care of it for you.
Our team handles everything from routine maintenance to full repairs—quickly, cleanly, and affordably. Follow us on Instagram for regular updates!
