Why Does My Garbage Disposal Smell?
You walk into the kitchen and there's a smell coming from the sink that no amount of dish soap seems to fix. If you have a garbage disposal, that smell is almost certainly coming from food buildup inside the unit. The good news is that most disposal odors can be eliminated with a proper cleaning. The bad news is that if the smell keeps coming back no matter what you do, it might be a sign of a bigger problem.
Why Garbage Disposals Smell
Every time you run the disposal, small particles of food stick to the grinding components, the inside walls of the chamber, and the underside of the splash guard. Over time, this buildup starts to decompose, and bacteria feed on it. That's what you're smelling.
The splash guard is often the worst offender. It's the rubber flap at the drain opening that keeps food from splashing out. The underside of this guard gets coated with food residue that you can't see from above, and most people never think to clean it.
How to Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Start by cleaning the splash guard. You can remove it on most models by pulling it up out of the drain opening. Scrub it with dish soap and a brush, making sure to get the underside and the grooves. If it doesn't come out easily, scrub it in place with a bottle brush or old toothbrush.
Next, clean the grinding chamber. Drop a handful of ice cubes into the disposal along with a half cup of coarse salt. Run the disposal with cold water for about 30 seconds. The ice and salt work together to scrub the grinding components and the walls of the chamber.
After that, cut a lemon or lime in half and drop the halves into the disposal one at a time. Run the disposal with cold water. The citrus oils help deodorize and leave a fresh scent.
For persistent odors, pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz for 10 to 15 minutes, then flush with hot water while running the disposal.
What Not to Use
Avoid using chemical drain cleaners in your garbage disposal. They're harsh on the grinding components and the internal seals, and they don't address the actual cause of the smell, which is food buildup. Bleach can also damage the unit over time. Stick with the natural methods above.
When the Smell Won't Go Away
If you've done a thorough cleaning and the odor keeps coming back within a few days, there may be food trapped in areas you can't reach. Corroded internal surfaces, worn grinding components with deep crevices, and degraded seals can all harbor bacteria and decaying food that no amount of surface cleaning will fix.
Persistent odors in an older disposal are often a sign that the unit is nearing the end of its useful life. If your disposal is more than 8 years old and the smell won't stay away, replacement may be the most practical solution.
Prevention
The best way to prevent disposal odors is to run the disposal regularly (bacteria grow more in unused disposals), always run cold water during and after use, avoid putting grease or oil down the disposal, and do a quick ice and citrus cleaning once a week.
If the smell persists despite your best efforts, Denver Disposal can help. We specialize in garbage disposal repair and replacement throughout the Denver metro area. Our pricing is on our site, and same-day appointments are available. Book online or call (720) 312-3542.