Your garbage disposal lives at the bottom of your sink. It stands to reason that soapy dishwater running through it every day keeps it clean. If that’s the case, then why does your garbage disposal smell funky? Not all food scraps are safe to send down the disposal.
It is also important to practice routine disposal maintenance and cleaning. There are actions you can take to keep your garbage disposal efficient and smelling fresh.
Follow this guide from Blanco AC, Electrical & Plumbing to learn more about why your disposal smells bad and what you can do about it.
Why the Garbage Disposal Smells
Some items should be thrown away in the trash or composted instead of sent down the disposal. Here are four reasons your garbage disposal might smell.
1. Grease Buildup
Grease is a common culprit when it comes to foul-smelling garbage disposals. Although it starts as a liquid when hot, grease quickly congeals as it cools, forming a sticky coating on your disposal’s blades and pipes. Over time, this buildup attracts and traps other food particles, amplifying unpleasant odors. Because grease is difficult to remove once it solidifies, it’s best to avoid pouring it down the drain altogether. For a quick remedy, flush your disposal with hot water and a few drops of dish soap to break down grease particles and keep your disposal odor-free.
2. Starchy Foods Stuck Under Blades
Starchy foods like cooked rice, pasta, and potatoes can contribute to bad smells in your disposal. When these foods are put through the disposal, they often stick beneath the impeller blades and in small crevices, where they can start to rot over time. The sticky nature of starches makes them prone to building up and attracting bacteria, which further intensifies the odor. To avoid this issue, run cold water while grinding starchy items, and avoid large quantities at once. Flushing with water after each use can also help prevent starchy buildup.
3. Peels and Skins in the Drain
Vegetable peels and fruit skins can also be a source of garbage disposal odors. These types of debris tend to collect around the drain and can get stuck in the disposal’s various nooks and crannies. As they sit, peels and skins can promote mold and bacterial growth, resulting in a musty, unpleasant smell. To combat this, try grinding up citrus peels after each disposal use. Not only will it help break down any stuck pieces, but it will also leave a fresh scent behind. Routine cleanings can prevent these items from building up and creating odors.
4. Coffee Grounds Clogging the Gasket
Although coffee grounds seem harmless, they can cause significant issues in a garbage disposal. As they’re ground up, coffee grounds can splash up and stick to the disposal’s gasket, often accumulating around the drain. Over time, these small particles create clogs that trap other food debris, leading to unwanted smells. To avoid clogs and odor issues, dispose of coffee grounds in the trash or compost instead. If coffee grounds have already caused a clog, try flushing the disposal with water and a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to break down any buildup.
Isn’t the Garbage Disposal Self-Cleaning?
While the disposal does a great job of banishing food scraps, it does not clean itself. Water never fills the disposal completely, which allows debris to build up inside.
How To Clean a Smelly Garbage Disposal
Hot Water and Soap
Plug the drain over your disposal and fill the basin with hot tap water and a few drops of dishwashing soap. Turn on the disposal and unplug the drain. This method allows the hot, soapy water to flush through the entire disposal.
Ice and Salt
If the above cleaning method did not work, it’s time to get abrasive. Fill the disposal with a couple cups of ice cubes. Top this with a generous sprinkle of coarse salt. This combination will work to scour the disposal. Turn on the cold tap and run the disposal until the ice is gone.
Scrub It
The best way to get rid of bad smells in your disposal is to scrub them away. Companies make bristle brushes specifically to scrub garbage disposals. Make sure to turn off the power to the garbage disposal before cleaning. Scrub the line where the flange meets the sink, as well as under the gasket.
When You Need Garbage Disposal Repair
Tried all the above methods and your sink still stinks? The problem may be in your drains, not your garbage disposal. A deep clog can sit in your drain and send stinky smells up and out of your disposal.
If you have a clogged drain or you need garbage disposal repair, trust the professionals. At Blanco AC, Electrical & Plumbing, we get the job done right.
Contact us today!