How to troubleshoot a trash compactor that smells bad

A foul odor coming from your trash compactor can be obnoxious, but the cause can often be resolved with some simple DIY troubleshooting. Before you call an expensive technician, let us walk you through the process so you can save time and money.

Let’s dive in so you can get your kitchen smelling fresh again.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your trash compactor while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The troubleshooting information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What you need

• Cleaning supplies
• Replacement deodorizer

Read more: How to fix a noisy trash compactor in your kitchen  

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.

Read more: Trash compactor ram stuck? Top 5 reasons & fixes

How to troubleshoot your trash compactor

Find out how you can stop bad odor in your trash compactor by following these steps.

Check the deodorizer

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the type and amount of deodorizer to use.
• If an aerosol can deodorizer is used, check the nozzle. If it’s clogged or damaged, you’ll need to clean or replace it. Clean the nozzle by using a thin wire or a toothpick to gently remove any debris or buildup. If the can is damaged or empty, replace it with a new one.
• If your model doesn’t use an aerosol can, find the liquid or solid deodorizer compartment in the trash compactor. If the deodorizer is empty, refill it with a new deodorizer solution or solid deodorizer block.
• Regularly replace the deodorizer – as recommended by the manufacturer – to maintain the compactor’s freshness.
• Add a small bag of baking soda or activated charcoal to the compactor to help absorb and neutralize any persistent odors.

Prevent & clean up spills and residues

• Consult the compactor’s user manual for cleaning recommendations.
• Remove all trash and debris from the compactor, then use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior surfaces. You can use a degreaser or mild detergent to thoroughly scrub the interior walls, ram, and other accessible parts. Rinse the compactor with clean water and let it dry before replacing the trash bag.
• Run a “clean cycle” if one is available on your model or run an empty compaction cycle to help dislodge any stuck-on food waste.
• Make sure all food scraps are properly bagged or wrapped before placing them in the compactor.
• Clean the compactor at least once a month to prevent odor buildup.

Once you’ve completed troubleshooting, test the trash compactor to make sure it’s working correctly.

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More information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your trash compactor working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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