A foul-smelling garbage disposal can make your entire kitchen unpleasant. Over time, food particles, grease, and bacteria can build up inside the disposal, leading to bad odors, slow drainage, and even clogs. Fortunately, with the right cleaning techniques and maintenance, you can keep your garbage disposal fresh and functioning properly.

At Plombier Candiac, we specialize in kitchen plumbing services, including garbage disposal maintenance, repairs, and installations. If you’re dealing with a persistent odor or a malfunctioning unit, this guide will help you eliminate smells and keep your disposal running smoothly.

Why Does Your Garbage Disposal Smell?

There are several reasons why your garbage disposal might have a bad odor:

✅ 1. Food Residue Stuck in the Blades

✔️ Small food particles can stick to the disposal’s grinding components, leading to decay and foul smells.

✅ 2. Grease and Oil Buildup

✔️ Grease and fat can coat the disposal’s walls, trapping food and bacteria.

✅ 3. Bacterial Growth & Mold

✔️ Warm, moist environments encourage bacteria and mold, which produce bad odors.

✅ 4. A Clogged or Dirty Drain Pipe

✔️ If food waste isn’t fully flushed, it can get stuck in the drainpipe and start to smell.

🚨 Ignoring these issues can lead to clogged pipes, slow drainage, and even damage to your garbage disposal.

How to Get Rid of Garbage Disposal Smells

🛠 1. Flush with Hot Water & Dish Soap

✔️ Run hot water down the drain for 30 seconds.
✔️ Add a few drops of dish soap and let the disposal run for another 15 seconds.

💡 Why? Hot water helps break down grease, while dish soap cuts through fats and oils.

🍋 2. Use Baking Soda & Vinegar to Neutralize Odors

✔️ Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the disposal.
✔️ Add 1 cup of white vinegar and let it fizz for 10 minutes.
✔️ Rinse with hot water while running the disposal.

💡 Why? This natural cleaning method eliminates bacteria, removes buildup, and neutralizes bad smells.

🧊 3. Clean with Ice & Salt for Deep Scrubbing

✔️ Drop a handful of ice cubes into the disposal.
✔️ Add ½ cup of coarse salt (rock salt or sea salt works best).
✔️ Turn on the disposal while running cold water.

💡 Why? The ice sharpens the blades and knocks off stuck food, while salt scrubs away grease and residue.

🍊 4. Freshen with Citrus Peels

✔️ Toss lemon, lime, or orange peels into the disposal.
✔️ Run cold water and turn on the unit for 30 seconds.

💡 Why? Citrus peels contain natural oils that help deodorize and break down grease buildup.

🛠 5. Scrub the Rubber Splash Guard

✔️ Lift the black rubber splash guard (also called the baffle) and scrub it with dish soap and a sponge.

💡 Why? The underside of the splash guard traps food particles and bacteria, leading to persistent odors.

How to Prevent Garbage Disposal Odors

Once you’ve eliminated the smell, follow these tips to keep your disposal clean and fresh:

✅ 1. Run Your Disposal Regularly

✔️ Turn on the disposal at least once a day to prevent food buildup.

✅ 2. Always Use Cold Water When Running the Disposal

✔️ Cold water solidifies grease and fat, allowing it to be chopped up and flushed away.

✅ 3. Avoid Putting Problem Foods in the Disposal

🚫 Never put these in your garbage disposal:
❌ Grease, oil, or fat
❌ Coffee grounds
❌ Eggshells
❌ Pasta, rice, or potato peels (they turn into sticky paste)
❌ Bones, fruit pits, or fibrous vegetables (like celery or corn husks)

✅ 4. Deep Clean Your Disposal Weekly

✔️ Use baking soda and vinegar or citrus peels to prevent odor buildup.

🚨 If your garbage disposal smells bad even after cleaning, there may be a deeper plumbing issue. Contact Plombier Candiac for professional drain cleaning and disposal repair.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

If your garbage disposal still smells bad, isn’t working properly, or has recurring clogs, it may need professional maintenance or repair.

📞 Call a plumber if:
✔️ The disposal makes loud grinding noises.
✔️ Water drains slowly or backs up into the sink.
✔️ The unit leaks from the bottom or side.
✔️ There’s a strong sewage-like smell that won’t go away.
✔️ The motor hums but doesn’t grind food.

🚰 A malfunctioning garbage disposal can cause drain blockages and plumbing damage. Contact Plombier Candiac for expert disposal repair and drain cleaning.

Final Thoughts

A smelly garbage disposal is usually caused by food buildup, grease, and bacteria. By following regular cleaning techniques—like using baking soda, vinegar, and citrus peels—you can eliminate odors and keep your kitchen fresh.

If your garbage disposal has persistent smells, clogs, or mechanical issues, don’t wait for a complete breakdown. Contact Plombier Cowansville today for professional garbage disposal maintenance, drain cleaning, and plumbing repairs!

📞 Need help fixing your garbage disposal? Call us today! 🚰🔧