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Garbage disposal smells? Here’s how to easily clean and maintain it.

Maryal Miller Carter   Paste BN
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If you notice an obnoxious smell lingering in your kitchen, your garbage disposal might be the culprit. While some assume these units can handle anything, that's not the case. Some waste inevitably causes clogs and unpleasant odors. The good news? You don't need to be an expert plumber to keep your waste disposal and drain fresh and functional. Just follow these handy tips and tricks.

In this quick garbage disposal guide, we'll explain the basics of what to avoid dumping to maintain freshness and prevent clogs. We'll also show you how to easily tackle the stink caused by bacteria and food residue. Here's how to clean your smelly garbage disposal in a flash!

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How to clean and properly maintain your smelly garbage disposal

It's crucial to avoid disposing of certain items in your garbage disposal or drain to prevent potential clogs and damage. Here are some things you should steer clear of:

  • Grease. It can solidify and lead to pipe blockages over time.
  • Coffee grounds. These can accumulate and create pipe obstructions.
  • Eggshells. They may adhere to pipes, contributing to clogs.
  • Vegetable peels. These can also accumulate and cause plumbing blockages.
  • Bones. They can damage disposal blades.
  • Expandable foods like pasta or rice. These absorb water and expand, causing pipe blockages.

To combat odors and keep your disposal fresh, consider this simple DIY solution:

  • Pour 1/4 cup of baking soda down your drain, followed by 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. The resulting bubbling reaction naturally eliminates odor-causing bacteria and germs.
  • After a few minutes, flush the drain with cold water and run your garbage disposal for 15 seconds.
  • For a fresh scent, repeat the process with lemon peels. In addition to their pleasant aroma, lemon peels help further eliminate odors by naturally cleansing and deodorizing the disposal.

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