Garbage disposals make getting rid of kitchen waste quick and easy. All the leftovers go right down the drain, never to be dealt with again…
But if you start to notice something stinking up your kitchen, your garbage disposal might be the unlikely culprit. And considering it grinds up wet food for a living, it’s normal for unpleasant smells to develop over time.
Food remains that get washed down the drain may get stuck on the garbage disposal’s blade. This residue builds up over time. And in some cases, the remains may even block the drain line. This creates the perfect environment for odors to develop.
Luckily, getting rid of that nauseating stench is relatively easy. Here are three ways you can keep your garbage disposal clean and prevent nasty odors:
Ice cubes, kosher salt, and citrus
In some cases, residue from decomposed food may be stuck somewhere inside the garbage disposal. This area is likely going to be on its blades.
An abrasive combination, like ice cubes and kosher salt, may be able to scrub off the grime. Citrus like lemon, on the other hand, should handle the smell.
All you need is two cups of ice cubes, one cup of kosher salt (table salt works as well), and some citrus peels. Pour this combination down the disposal drain with some cold water. And then turn the machine on. Within a few minutes, the stench should be noticeably less.
Vinegar and baking soda
It’s no surprise that vinegar and baking soda, the holy grails of natural cleaning agents, can also help fix a stinky garbage disposal.
Pour half a cup of vinegar and half a cup of baking soda down the drain. If done correctly, the mixture should start to fizz and bubble. After five minutes, rinse the drain with cold water. The smell should be a lot less prominent now.
Dish soap and hot water
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have much else on hand, dish soap and hot water might be your best bet. Granted, this isn’t the most powerful combination. But it might be enough to handle more mild cases.
Start by using a sink stopper to plug up the drain. Then fill the sink up with hot water and add a liberal amount of dish soap. Now remove the stopper and turn on the garbage disposal. This should allow the mixture to fill up the garbage disposal and clean parts of it that are otherwise forgotten. It also helps push out any leftover rotten food that could be trapped in the drain line.
Call a Professional Inland Empire Plumber
You may be able to fix your smelly garbage disposal yourself, but a local plumber can tell you for sure what the problem is and whether it’s an easy fix. If your garbage disposal needs to be replaced, your plumber can help you choose the right model and install it properly. Do your kitchen, bath, or utility spaces need plumbing repair or service? If you’re in San Bernardino or the Inland Empire, schedule service online or call us at 909-297-1914.
