If you've noticed a funky smell coming from your kitchen sink, chances are it's coming from your garbage disposal. This appliance is a convenient way to dispose of food waste, but it can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and odors. Luckily, getting rid of garbage disposal smell is a simple task that you can do with a few household items.How to Get Rid of Garbage Disposal Smell
The first step in eliminating a garbage disposal smell is to give it a good cleaning. Start by running hot water down the drain for a few minutes. Then, cut a lemon into small pieces and drop them down the disposal. Turn on the disposal and let it run for a minute or two. The citric acid in the lemon will help to break down any food particles and eliminate odors.How to Clean a Smelly Garbage Disposal
If the lemon trick doesn't completely get rid of the smell, you can try using baking soda and vinegar. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes and then run hot water down the drain. The combination of baking soda and vinegar will create a chemical reaction that helps to break down any food particles and eliminate odors.Eliminating Garbage Disposal Odors
If you prefer a more natural approach, you can make your own garbage disposal cleaner using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of salt and 1/4 cup of borax. Pour the mixture down the drain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, pour 1/2 cup of vinegar down the drain and let it sit for a few more minutes. Run hot water down the drain to rinse everything away.DIY Garbage Disposal Cleaner
Baking soda and vinegar are a powerful combination when it comes to getting rid of odors. To use this method, sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes and then run hot water down the drain. This will not only help to eliminate odors, but it will also help to break down any food particles that may be stuck in the disposal.Removing Garbage Disposal Smells with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Another effective way to deodorize your garbage disposal is by using ice and salt. Fill an ice cube tray with a mixture of water and salt, and freeze it. Once frozen, run the ice cubes down the disposal while it's running. The ice will help to dislodge any food particles, while the salt will help to eliminate odors.How to Deodorize a Garbage Disposal
The best way to deal with garbage disposal smells is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Make sure to run cold water down the drain while the disposal is in use, and continue to run the water for a few seconds after you turn off the disposal. This will help to flush away any remaining food particles. You can also periodically pour a cup of vinegar down the drain to keep your disposal clean and fresh.Preventing Garbage Disposal Odors
If you love the smell of citrus, you can use it to freshen up your garbage disposal. Cut up a lemon, lime, or orange into small pieces and drop them down the disposal. Turn on the disposal and let it run for a minute or two. The citrus oils will help to eliminate odors and leave your sink smelling fresh and clean.Using Citrus to Freshen Up Your Garbage Disposal
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your garbage disposal in good working order and preventing odors. You can use any of the cleaning methods mentioned above on a weekly basis to keep your disposal clean and fresh. It's also important to avoid putting certain foods down the disposal, such as grease, oil, and fibrous vegetables like celery and potato peels. These items can clog the disposal and cause odors.How to Clean and Maintain Your Garbage Disposal
If you've tried all of these methods and you're still dealing with a smelly garbage disposal, there may be a more serious issue at play. Some common causes of garbage disposal smells include a build-up of food particles, a clogged drain, or a malfunctioning disposal. In these cases, it's best to call a professional plumber for assistance.Common Causes of Garbage Disposal Smells