How to Clean a Garbage Disposal and Remove Odors

Food scraps, grease and soap film cling to the grinding chamber, splash guard and the underside of the rubber baffle. Bacteria feed on the residue and create the sour smell many homeowners notice. Running water alone does not remove it.

• Grease and oil coat the walls
• Starchy foods form a paste
• Citrus rinds and ice scrub it away
• The rubber splash guard traps debris
• Stagnant water breeds odors

After scouring, freshen the unit. Cut a lemon or orange into pieces and grind them with cold water. For stubborn odors, sprinkle baking soda into the drain, add vinegar and let it fizz for several minutes before flushing with hot tap water.

If the smell persists, the unit leaks, hums or jams repeatedly, there may be a bigger problem such as a clogged drain line or a failing motor. Our garbage disposal service can repair or replace units, and our drain cleaning team can clear the line.

• Smell remains after cleaning
• Water backs up in the sink
• The unit hums but does not spin
• There is a leak under the sink
• The disposal is over ten years old

Sometimes the disposal is clean and the smell comes from elsewhere. The sink drain trap, the dishwasher drain hose and the overflow hole can all collect odors. Clean the strainer and stopper, run hot water down the drain and wipe around the flange. If the smell is like rotten eggs, a sulfur odor may come from the drain line and needs a professional look.

Natural cleaning methods are usually enough. Commercial disposal cleaners sold as foaming tablets can work well when used as directed, but harsh drain openers can harm seals. Always follow label directions and never mix products.

• Run cold water while grinding
• Pour hot water after cleaning
• Avoid grinding grease or pasta
• Replace the splash guard when torn
• Keep a note of when you last cleaned

A well treated disposal can last a decade or more. Feed scraps in small amounts, run cold water during and after use and avoid anything that is stringy, hard or greasy. A noisy or leaking unit is a sign to schedule service before it fails.

The easiest way to keep a disposal fresh is a short routine you repeat on the same day each week. Rinse the sink, run a handful of ice with a few citrus peels and finish with a minute of cold water. Add a baking soda and vinegar treatment once a month, and scrub the splash guard at the same time. The habit takes about five minutes and prevents most smells.

• Keep a small brush near the sink
• Store citrus peels in the freezer for quick use
• Wipe the under sink area for dampness
• Teach everyone in the house which scraps to avoid

If your sink drains slowly even after cleaning, the line may be partly clogged and worth a professional look.

Knowing what to grind makes every cleaning easier. Soft scraps, small amounts of cooked food and citrus are usually fine. Grease, large bones, eggshell piles, coffee grounds in bulk and fibrous vegetables cause trouble.