7 Ways to Get Rid of Garbage Disposal Smells
Sometimes, our good friend the garbage disposal can develop a less-than-desirable side effect: obnoxious garbage disposal smells that wince at us every time we approach the sink. Fear not, dear reader! Here are 7 creative and unique ways to eliminate the smell and get your garbage disposal to smell fresh. Well okay then let’s go over and get the bottom of that sink smelling like the day it was made!
Table of Contents
1. Power of Baking Soda:
That simple baking soda, which most of us have in our kitchens and store cupboard, is the superhero when it comes to fighting garbage disposal smells. As aromatherapy, it functions by amplifying the ability to develop nearby fragrances and invariably replacing it with a light, slightly alkaline, odor.
Here's how you can use baking soda:
- Plug in the sink and turn on the hot water, so that the bottom of the disposal is covered with water.
- Pour lots of baking soda (preferably 1/2 cup) into the sink with a sprinkle.
- For about an hour, store the baking soda and let it work by absorbing the stink and other related odors.
- After 1 hour, turn the disposal and run water for about half a minute to wash off the baking soda and clear any odor.
2. Say Cheese:
It would be unfair to overlook the wonderful power that scent of citrus carries the implication of fresh and clean. But seriously, in case you are struggling with garbage disposal smells, lemons, limes, oranges, and so on will always do the trick. These fruits contain citric acid and act to remove grime and other films on surfaces causing smells that are not desirable.
Here's how you can use citrus:
- Cut a lemon, lime or an orange and simply press it, and then discard the peels into the disposal.
- Start the disposal and let the fruits be chopped for approximately half a minute.
- Put cold water on the sink to wash out any parts of the fruits that might remain and to encourage the release of the fresh scent of the citrus.
3. Freeze 'Em Up:
Not a fan of citrus? No problem! Do not worry you can still use fruits to clean your garbage disposal to make it smell fresh again. When you freeze the fruit chunks in ice cube trays, you can have a natural and wonderful smelling scrub that is harmless to your disposal.
Some great options for fruit ice cubes include:
- Pineapple – this fruit contains enzymes that can dissolve fats as well as microorganisms that cause smell.
- Apples – due to the natural acidity of apples this product can clean your disposal and help to remove bad smells.
- Berries – blueberries and blackberries and the likes may cause discoloration of the disposal due to their deep purple colors.
4. Bye-Bye, Bad Breath:
Do you remember the moment of application of this product in your childhood? Who knew that one of the most basic science projects for kids could also be used to clean your garbage disposal? To use Alka-Seltzer, simply pour a few tablets or two capsules directly into the disposal and switch on the disposal to watch table salt-like reactions that will lead to a septic-smelling reaction that will freshen your sink. And yet the best thing about it is that no washing up is required for this method!
5. Sanitize with Sanitizer: The Dish Soap Solution
Dish soap is something we all have sitting in our kitchen cupboards, so it’s about time it got put to good use. A great way to eliminate grease and bacteria that could trigger foul smell is to open the disposal and pour a liberal amount of dish soap to it and let it work for a few minutes. After this you shut off the power and after about 30 seconds of turning the disposal you are done with the dish soap, the remaining smell is rinsed automatically.
6. Sparkling Clean:
Mix and match vinegar and baking soda to perform a deep cleansing and deodorizing task that will help get your garbage disposal in its best condition.
Here's how you can do it:
- For this type, you can make equal parts of water and vinegar, or flush 1/2 cup of baking soda down the disposal.
- After using the baking soda, pour in one cup of white vinegar, and use warm water afterward.
- Leave it for a few minutes so that vinegar and baking soda have some time to work on breaking down grease as well as residue.
- Rinse the disposal for about 30 seconds and turn off before draining cold water to cleanse from more debris.
7. Goodbye, Odors:
The Regular Maintenance Routine is concerned with following basic steps:
The best way of preventing these stinks from coming through garbage disposal is to maintain the units as often as possible. By practicing these methods of getting rid of bad smells, you will be in a position to ensure that your garbage disposal is always smelling as good as new.
Second, be careful of the kind of foods that you are discarding and avoid pouring grease, coffee beans or large quantities of carbohydrate based products down the drain. Following these basic steps should allow any homeowner to ensure that debris will be virtually nonexistent and that their garbage disposal smells’s will remain fresh and pleasant for many years to come.
Conclusion
If you want your kitchen sink to smell fresh and your disposal to work like it’s brand new, you don’t have to go out and spend a lot of money on chemicals and appliances. Therefore, it is advisable to try one of these garbage disposal smells -eliminating methods mentioned in the article, thus being able to admire the smell of a clean garbage disposal. Be odour free!
You may also like- How to Keep Ants Away
Questions ? Look here.
1. What causes garbage disposal odors?
Garbage disposal odors are typically caused by food residue, grease buildup, or bacterial growth inside the disposal unit. Over time, these elements create unpleasant smells that linger in your kitchen.
2. How can I use baking soda to clean my garbage disposal?
To use baking soda:
- Plug the sink and fill it with hot water to cover the disposal.
- Sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda into the water.
- Let it sit for an hour to absorb odors, then flush it out by running the disposal with water.
3. Can citrus fruits help eliminate garbage disposal smells?
Yes! Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges are excellent for eliminating odors. Their citric acid breaks down grime and leaves a fresh scent. Simply toss the peels into the disposal, run it for 30 seconds, and rinse with cold water.
4. Are frozen fruit cubes safe for garbage disposals?
Absolutely! Freezing fruits like pineapple, apples, or berries in ice cubes creates a natural scrub for your disposal. Use the frozen cubes to clean and deodorize the disposal without causing damage.
5. How does Alka-Seltzer freshen garbage disposals?
Alka-Seltzer tablets react with water to release carbon dioxide bubbles, which help loosen grime and eliminate bad odors. Drop a few tablets into the disposal, let them fizz, then rinse with water.
6. Can dish soap be used to clean a garbage disposal?
Yes, dish soap is effective at cutting through grease and bacteria. Pour a generous amount into the disposal, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water.
7. How do vinegar and baking soda work together to clean garbage disposals?
The combination of baking soda and vinegar creates a foamy reaction that breaks down residue and neutralizes odors. Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water.
8. How can I prevent bad smells in my garbage disposal?
To prevent odors:
- Avoid disposing of grease, coffee grounds, and starchy foods in the disposal.
- Regularly clean the unit using methods like baking soda, citrus peels, or vinegar.
- Perform routine maintenance to keep the disposal fresh and functional.
9. Is it safe to use commercial cleaning products for garbage disposals?
While some commercial products are safe, it’s best to use natural methods like baking soda, vinegar, and citrus peels to avoid damaging the disposal or harming the environment.
