Isn’t it just the worst when you’re cleaning up after a fantastic meal, and suddenly your kitchen fills with a foul smell? Yes, we’re talking about the moment your garbage disposal stinks. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! In this guide, we’ll delve into the common causes and share how to fix them.
The Most Common Reasons Why Your Garbage Disposal Stinks
Even the best, most careful cooks occasionally have a garbage disposal that stinks. Here’s the lowdown on why that happens and how to make things smell fresh and clean again.
Food Remnants
Why it Happens: This is the most common cause. Leftover food bits can get stuck in the crevices of your disposal, and over time, they start to decay and cause unpleasant odors. Think about it like a mini compost heap. Yuck!
The Fix: How do you get rid of garbage disposal smell? The solution here is to do a thorough clean. Turn off and unplug the disposal, then use a long-handled brush to scrub the inside. You can also use ice cubes and coarse salt to scrub away stubborn gunk. This one-two punch should leave your disposal smelling fresh!
Incorrect Use
Why it Happens: Not all food scraps are meant to go down the garbage disposal. Things like coffee grounds, eggshells, or fibrous vegetables can stick around and make your garbage disposal stink over time.
The Fix: How do I keep my kitchen disposal from smelling? Be mindful of what you’re putting down the disposal. Stick to soft, biodegradable food items. And remember, always run cold water while the disposal is working to help flush everything down. Clean your disposal using ice cubes and salt to get rid of the stink!
Grease and Fats
Why it Happens: When grease and fats are washed down the drain, they can stick to the blades and inner walls of your disposal. Over time, they can create a sticky, smelly residue.
The Fix: Remember, your garbage disposal isn’t a trash bin. Avoid pouring grease or fats down the drain. For those stubborn greasy smells, use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Pour the mixture into the disposal and let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with hot water. This garbage disposal cleaner combo does wonders!
Sewage Smell From Disposal
Why it Happens: Why is my garbage disposal smelling so bad? If your garbage disposal stinks like sewage, it could be due to a blockage in your drain pipe or a problem with your p-trap – that’s the plumbing fixture beneath your sink.
The Fix: A plunger or plumber’s snake can help clear a clogged pipe. If the smell persists, the problem might be with your p-trap, and it may need to be replaced. This might be the time to call in a professional.
Lack of Cleaning Routine
Why it Happens: Just like any other part of your home, garbage disposals need regular cleaning. However, they’re often overlooked during the routine house cleaning. This can cause the accumulation of rotting food particles over time, and guess what? Yes, your garbage disposal stinks!
The Fix: How do you deodorize a sink with a garbage disposal? Set a cleaning schedule for your garbage disposal. A weekly deep clean should do the trick. This can be as simple as running some ice cubes and lemons down the garbage disposal to scrub off the grime or making a DIY cleaner with baking soda and vinegar. Routine cleaning not only keeps the smell away but also prolongs the life of your disposal.
Old Disposal
Why it Happens: Everything has a lifespan, including your garbage disposal. An old unit could have dull blades, which means food isn’t disposed of properly and, you guessed it, a garbage disposal that stinks.
The Fix: Why does my garbage disposal smell even after cleaning? If your garbage disposal is over 10 years old and frequently gives off bad odors despite regular cleaning and maintenance, it might be time for a replacement.
If all these fixes don’t help, or if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, don’t sweat it! Dave Smith Appliance Service is your go-to for professional appliance repair services. We’ve got years of experience and know-how to solve any garbage disposal repair problem, no matter how stinky.
Remember, a happy garbage disposal means a happy home. So, keep it clean, folks! And if your garbage disposal stinks, now you know what to do.
