Is your garbage disposal giving off a bad smell?
It’s a common issue caused by food scraps and grease buildup.
This guide explores the common reasons for stinky disposals and easy ways to fix them.
Get your kitchen smelling fresh again!
Key Takeaways
- A smelly garbage disposal is a common problem in kitchens.
- Food buildup, especially greasy and fibrous items, can cause bad smells.
- Dead water trapped in the disposal leads to foul odours.
- Bacteria grow in the moist environment of the disposal, causing smells.
- Clogged and dirty drains can trap food and contribute to bad odours.
- Decaying food scraps and organic matter create strong, unpleasant smells.
- Baking soda and vinegar helps clean and break down food particles.
- Citrus fruits like lemons or oranges remove odours and clean the blades.
- Ice and salt help scrub the disposal and remove odours.
- Regular maintenance, like dish soap and running cold water, keeps the disposal fresh.
Common Causes Of A Smelly Garbage Disposal
A smelly garbage disposal is a common problem in many kitchens.
Here, examine five main causes of these unpleasant smells and how they happen.
1. Food Build-Up And Residue
Food particles often get stuck in the garbage disposal, especially if they aren’t fully ground up.
Over time, these bits of food can decay and create bad odours.
Greasy and fibrous foods like meat, vegetables, and pasta are especially troublesome.
They can stick to the disposal’s blades and walls, leading to lasting smells.
2. Stagnant (Dead) Water
Sometimes, water can get trapped in the disposal, especially if it’s not draining properly.
This stagnant water becomes a growth ground for bacteria, causing foul smells.
Even a small amount of water left behind can quickly become a smelly problem.
3. Bacterial Growth
Bacteria grow well in moist places, and your garbage disposal is a perfect spot for them.
When food scraps and water mix, bacteria break them down and cause bad smells.
These bacteria can spread bad smells throughout your kitchen if not cleaned regularly.
4. Clogged Or Dirty Drains
A clogged or dirty drain can allow water to return to the disposal, trapping food particles and waste.
This can create a hard-to-get-away smell.
A buildup of waste in the drain pipes can also contribute to ongoing odours if not properly cleaned.
5. Rotting Organic Matter
Food scraps, peels, and coffee grounds can rot inside the disposal.
As they break down, they produce a strong, foul odour.
The longer these materials stay trapped in the disposal, the worse the smell becomes.
Easy Fixes For A Smelly Garbage Disposal
A smelly garbage disposal can be fixed with a few simple steps.
Here are five easy fixes to keep your disposal fresh and clean.
1. Cleaning With Baking Soda And Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are effective tools for cleaning your garbage disposal.
Start by pouring about half a cup of baking soda into the disposal.
Then, add half a cup of vinegar and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
The baking soda and vinegar will fizz.
This helps break down food particles and clean the disposal.
After the wait, run cold water and turn on the disposal to flush everything out.
2. Using Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits, like lemons and oranges, are great for offsetting odours.
Cut a lemon or orange into small pieces and drop them into the disposal.
Turn on the disposal while running cold water.
The citrus’s fresh, natural scent will remove bad smells.
Also, the rough texture of the fruit will clean the blades.
3. Ice And Salt Method
The ice and salt method is easy to clean and refresh your garbage disposal.
Fill the disposal with a few handfuls of ice cubes and sprinkle salt over them.
Turn on the disposal and run cold water.
The ice will scrape off food particles stuck to the blades.
Also, the salt will remove odours and keep the disposal clean.
4. Dish Soap And Water
Cleaning your garbage disposal with dish soap and hot water often can prevent odours.
Simply pour a small amount of dish soap into the disposal and run hot water for a few seconds while the disposal is on.
This will wash away grease and food particles that can cause smells.
It’s an easy habit to keep your disposal fresh.
5. Regular Disposal Maintenance
To prevent future odours, run cold water when using your disposal.
This helps keep food particles moving and prevents them from getting stuck.
Avoid putting greasy, fibrous, and starchy foods down the disposal.
These can cause clogs and bad smells.
Regular maintenance will help keep your disposal smelling fresh and running smoothly.
When To Call A Professional
Sometimes, garbage disposal issues are too big to fix on your own.
If you notice bad odours that stay after cleaning, it could be a sign of deeper problems.
These issues may include a clog and bacterial buildup inside the system.
If the disposal won’t turn on or makes strange noises, you need professional help.
Also, if your disposal is leaking or there is a backup of water that won’t drain, it’s time to call an expert.
A professional plumber can diagnose and fix these problems safely.
They have the right tools and experience to handle more complicated issues.
Regular maintenance by a professional can prevent bigger problems later.
They can inspect, clean, and repair your disposal to keep it running smoothly.
Contact us at OP Plumbing Hub for high-quality services.
Conclusion
This article discusses common causes of and fixes for smelly garbage disposal.
It is often caused by food buildup, standing water, or bacteria.
Regular cleaning with baking soda, citrus, and ice can help stop odours.
If the smell continues, it may be time to call a professional. Contact us at OP Plumbing Hub for expert services.