If an unpleasant odor is lingering around your kitchen sink, your garbage disposal is likely the source. What you can’t see might be exactly what’s making your whole kitchen smell off.
Over time, small bits of food waste can get trapped under the splash guard or cling to the inside walls of the disposal. When combined with moisture and warm temperatures, those bits start to decompose, leading to that all-too-familiar sour or rotten smell. Fortunately, you don’t need to call in a plumber or buy specialty products to take care of it. You can eliminate odors and keep your sink fresh and functional with a few routine maintenance habits and some common household ingredients.
Why your garbage disposal smells
A garbage disposal is designed to grind food waste into small pieces that can be flushed away. However, not all particles make it through the drain. Tiny bits of food often get stuck on the sides of the grinding chamber, beneath the splash guard, or within the drainpipe itself. When these remnants sit for too long, they begin to break down, attracting bacteria and producing unpleasant smells.
Ignoring the problem can lead to more than just a foul odor. Built-up residue can cause clogs, slow drainage and even reduce the efficiency of your disposal. Regular cleaning not only helps prevent these issues but also extends the life of your appliance and contributes to a cleaner kitchen overall.
Start with a thorough cleaning
Before you begin, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Garbage disposals are powerful appliances with sharp internal components. Always turn off the disposal at the wall switch or circuit breaker to ensure there is no risk of it turning on while you clean.
Remove visible debris
Using tongs or pliers, carefully reach inside the disposal to remove any visible food particles. Avoid using your hands, even if the power is off. Look for anything that might be trapped around the blades or the splash guard.
Scrub the splash guard
The rubber splash guard is often the most overlooked part of the disposal, yet it’s one of the most common sources of odor. Food waste and grime can get caught underneath the flaps and begin to rot. If the splash guard is removable, take it out and scrub it thoroughly with dish soap and hot water. For non-removable guards, lift the flaps gently and clean underneath using an old toothbrush or a long-handled brush.
Clean inside the disposal
Once visible debris is removed and the splash guard is clean, it’s time to address the interior chamber. Use a brush and soapy water to scrub just inside the disposal. Be gentle, and avoid pushing too hard against the internal components.
Deodorize with baking soda and vinegar
A natural, effective solution for breaking down buildup and neutralizing odors is the classic combination of baking soda and vinegar. Here’s how to use it:
- Pour half a cup of baking soda directly into the disposal.
- Follow with one cup of white vinegar.
- Allow the mixture to fizz and sit for 10-15 minutes. This reaction helps loosen grime and kill odor-causing bacteria.
- Finish by flushing the disposal with a kettle of boiling water to rinse away loosened residue.
This method is natural as it doesn’t rely on harsh chemicals. It also helps break down minor grease and food buildup that brushing may have missed.
“I swear by a monthly baking soda and vinegar fizz; let it bubble for a few minutes before rinsing it with hot water.”
— Bella Bucchiotti, xoxoBella
Try an ice and vinegar scrub
Ice cubes serve a dual purpose in garbage disposal maintenance: they help knock loose stubborn debris and can assist in keeping the blades sharp. When combined with vinegar, they also offer mild disinfection. To make a simple cleaning cube:
- Fill an ice cube tray with a half-and-half mixture of white vinegar and water.
- Freeze until solid.
- Drop several cubes into the disposal and run it with cold water for 30-60 seconds.
The ice’s hard texture chips away stuck-on particles, while the vinegar provides extra cleaning power. If you prefer, you can substitute vinegar with lemon juice for a fresher scent.
Prevent odors with ongoing maintenance
Once your disposal is clean, keeping it that way comes down to a few practical habits. Here are some easy ways to prevent future buildup and avoid odors:
- Use cold water when running the disposal. Cold water keeps grease solid, allowing it to be chopped and flushed away instead of sticking to the pipes.
- Avoid pouring oils and fats down the drain. Even small amounts can coat the disposal and drain, trapping food particles and creating odor over time.
- Grind regularly, even when there’s no waste. Running the disposal with a few ice cubes and water keeps internal parts moving and helps dislodge particles.
- Use citrus peels sparingly. Lemon and orange peels can freshen up the smell, but they should only be used occasionally. Large pieces of peel can jam the blades if added in excess.
“Anytime I cook with lemon or lime, I quarter up the used rinds and pop them down the disposal. They deodorize the disposal, and the citrus smell brightens up the whole room.”
— Ashley Wali, Wanderlux
Clean your garbage disposal weekly. A quick scrub of the splash guard and a vinegar rinse once a week can prevent the buildup from starting in the first place.
One last thing
A smelly garbage disposal means it’s time for a little maintenance. By cleaning the unit regularly, using natural deodorizing methods and staying on top of basic habits, you can keep your kitchen smelling clean and your sink draining smoothly. Schedule a quick disposal cleaning into your weekly or biweekly routine; it only takes a few minutes and makes a noticeable difference.
Tamara Tsaturyan is the owner and writer of Thriving In Parenting. It’s a website focused on providing simple tips for busy parents: easy and healthy recipes, home decor and organization ideas and all things parenting.