Using your garbage disposal may be a convenient way to get rid of food waste so that it doesn’t clog your drains, but it can develop a foul smell that will make being in your kitchen unpleasant. Even when your disposal seems to be working properly, it can still trap food particles that decay and leave your sink smelling like a garbage can. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh. Here are just a few of them.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Mixing baking soda and vinegar together is a great way to deodorize a smelly garbage disposal or clear a small clog from a drain. Simply pour a quarter cup of baking soda down your disposal followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for five to ten minutes, and rinse it with cold water.
Ice Cubes and Salt
Grinding ice cubes and coarse salt in your garbage disposal is a great way to help clean the grinding components and remove any food particles stuck to them. Place a handful of salt and some ice cubes in your disposal, and run it for about ten seconds while rinsing with cold water.
Citrus Peels
Citrus oils from lemons or oranges are natural deodorizers, and you can take advantage of them by running chopped lemon and orange peels through your disposal with cold water. Not only will this keep your disposal smelling fresh, but it will help clean the components and your plumbing.
Cleaning With a Brush and Soap
If it’s been a while since your garbage disposal has been cleaned or if it really smells bad, you can always scrub it with a long bottle brush and some dish soap. Make sure that your disposal is turned off and unplugged, and scrub the inside thoroughly.
Proper Use
While any garbage disposal can develop foul odors, you can help keep it smelling fresh simply through proper use. First of all, avoid pouring coffee grounds, cooking grease, rice, and pasta down your drain. These can get stuck in any drain and create serious problems for your disposal. Second of all, run your garbage disposal for an extra five or ten seconds after you’ve ground down any waste. This helps flush out any debris that may be sticking in the unit. Finally, clean your disposal regularly, not just when it starts to smell. The best way to clean it is with the bottle brush and soap method, but any of the above methods will be effective.
Like any appliance, your garbage disposal requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep working properly. As long as you remember these tips and stick to a regular cleaning schedule, your disposal will keep smelling fresh while it’s doing its job. If you have concerns or require garbage disposal services, contact Coastal Home Services in Morehead City, NC.
