How to get rid of bad smells coming from a garbage disposal

If your garbage disposal is giving off a less-than-pleasant smell, it’s probably due to trapped food particles or buildup. Luckily, you can freshen things up in just a few easy steps. Here’s how to get rid of bad smells and keep your disposal smelling clean.

Notice: The guidance provided in this article is general and may not fully apply to your specific appliance model. While we aim to offer valuable advice for a variety of DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations may result in differences in troubleshooting procedures, error codes, or part replacement requirements. For precise and accurate assistance, we recommend consulting the technical sheet or user manual for your appliance model.

Causes of bad smells in a garbage disposal

Bad smells in your garbage disposal usually come from leftover food particles, grease, or bacteria building up over time. Here are the most common culprits:

• Food residue buildup: Small food particles can get stuck in the grinding chamber or on the walls of the disposal. Over time, these particles decay and cause unpleasant odors.
• Grease and fat accumulation: Grease and fat may go down the drain as liquids, but they solidify and coat the inside of the disposal and pipes, trapping food particles and odors.
• Splash guard grime: The underside of the rubber splash guard can collect debris, grease, and bacteria. This often-overlooked area is a major source of bad smells.
• Clogs in the drain pipes: If food particles or grease build up in the drainpipes, it can cause blockages. Stagnant water and trapped debris in these clogs can create foul odors that travel back up to the disposal.

Read more: How To Quickly And Easily Unclog Your Kitchen Double Sink With A Garbage Disposal

Step 1: Flush the garbage disposal

Flushing the garbage disposal is a quick way to loosen and wash away small food particles and residue that may be trapped inside. This step can also help clear out minor clogs in the pipes that contribute to bad smells.

How to do it:

1. Turn on the hot water and let it flow through the disposal for 1–2 minutes.
2. This will help loosen grease and food particles stuck to the walls of the disposal and pipes.
3. Fill the sink halfway with hot water.
4. Pull out the stopper to release the water all at once while running the disposal. The sudden rush of water can help flush debris through the pipes more effectively.

Step 2: Use baking soda and vinegar

Baking soda is excellent for neutralizing odors, while vinegar helps break down grease and residue. Together, they create a natural, fizzy reaction that effectively cleans and freshens up your garbage disposal.

How to do it:

1. Pour ½ cup of baking soda directly into the garbage disposal.
2. Make sure it spreads evenly across the grinding chamber.
3. Slowly pour ½ cup of vinegar into the disposal.
4. You’ll see it fizz and bubble as it works to break down residue and grime.
5. Allow the mixture to sit in the disposal for 10–15 minutes. This gives it time to tackle buildup and neutralize odors.
6. After the fizzing stops, turn on the hot water and run it through the disposal while it’s running to rinse away any loosened debris.

Step 3: Clean the splash guard

The splash guard, or baffle, is the rubber piece at the top of your garbage disposal. Food particles, grease, and grime can collect on the underside of the splash guard, becoming a hidden source of bad smells.  

How to do it:

1. For safety, unplug the garbage disposal or turn off the circuit breaker.
2. Gently pull up the edges of the splash guard to expose the underside. Most splash guards are flexible and can be easily lifted or removed.
3. Use a brush or sponge with warm, soapy water to scrub both sides of the splash guard thoroughly.
4. Pay special attention to the grooves and folds where debris and bacteria can hide.
5. Rinse the splash guard under running water to remove any remaining soap or grime.
6. If you removed the splash guard, place it back securely. Restore power and run the disposal with cold water to ensure everything is clean and functioning.

Read more: How to fix a burning smell in your garbage disposal

Step 4: Grind ice and rock salt

Grinding ice and rock salt in your garbage disposal acts like a natural scrubber for the grinding chamber. The ice chips away at stuck-on debris, while the salt provides an abrasive surface to clean the blades and impellers. This combination helps remove stubborn buildup and eliminates bad smells.

How to do it:

1. Drop a handful of ice cubes (about 6–8) into the disposal.
2. Add a tablespoon of rock salt on top of the ice. If you don’t have rock salt, coarse sea salt works too.
3. Turn on the cold water and run the disposal for about 20–30 seconds.
4. As the ice and salt clean the grinding components, you’ll hear a crunching noise.
5. After grinding, let the cold water run for 10–15 seconds to flush away any loosened debris.

Step 5: Deodorize with citrus peels

Citrus peels, like those from lemons, limes, or oranges, naturally release fresh, pleasant scents when ground in the garbage disposal. They also contain natural oils that can help clean and deodorize the grinding chamber.

How to do it:

1. Cut the citrus peels into smaller pieces to make them easier to grind.
2. Avoid using whole citrus fruits, as they might be too bulky for the disposal.
3. Drop a handful of the peels into the garbage disposal.
4. Turn on a steady stream of cold water to help move the peels through the system.
5. Turn on the disposal and let it grind the peels for about 20–30 seconds.
6. After grinding, keep the cold water running for another 10–15 seconds to flush out any remaining particles.

 Read more: How to Clean a Garbage Disposal That Smells Bad

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