Why Does My Garbage Disposal Stink?

Garbage disposals are a handy appliance to have in any kitchen. But why would your garbage disposal stink? There are a few reasons this could happen.

More than likely, your garbage disposal stinks because of stuck food particles and debris. Over time, these particles can rot and cause a foul odor. If you want to clean your garbage disposal and eradicate the stink, you'll need to remove any debris that's trapped inside.

It's not uncommon for a garbage disposal to get clogged and cause a foul odor. In this article, we'll show you how to clear clogged garbage disposal and get rid of the stink. In addition, we will answer frequently asked questions about garbage disposals, so read on!

How Do I Get Rid Of The Odor In My Garbage Disposal?

Garbage disposal's main purpose is to grind up food waste so it can easily wash down the drain. They are useful because you don't have to put your food waste in the garbage can.

The problem with putting food waste in the garbage can is that it can start to smell bad. Especially if the garbage can doesn't get emptied often enough. The food waste will start to rot and produce a foul odor.

Garbage disposal eliminates this problem because the food waste is immediately ground up and washed down the drain. But sometimes, even garbage disposal can cause a foul odor.

This is usually due to food particles and other debris getting stuck in the disposal. Over time, these particles can rot and cause a foul odor.

If you don't use your garbage disposal properly, the food will sit in there and rot. And that will cause a foul odor.

To get rid of the odor in your garbage disposal, you need to remove any debris that has gotten trapped inside. You can do this by running some water and turning on the disposal. The water will help to flush out any debris that gets stuck in there.

If your garbage disposal is still smelling bad, keep reading because we will answer some frequently asked questions about garbage disposals.

Can I Put Baking Soda In My Garbage Disposal?

Yes, you can put baking soda in your garbage disposal. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer, and it will help to get rid of the stink in your garbage disposal.

The best method is to pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain and follow it up with a cup of vinegar. These two substances will react and create a foaming action that will help remove any debris inside your garbage disposal.

Let the foaming action work for a few minutes, and then flush everything by running water down the drain.

If the disposal still continues to smell bad, you can repeat this process.

Can I Put Lemons In My Garbage Disposal?

Yes, lemons are a great way to freshen up your garbage disposal. Lemons are a natural disinfectant and will help to remove any bacteria that's causing the bad odor.

To use lemons, cut a lemon in half and put it at your disposal. Turn on the disposal. Then, allow it to run for a few seconds. The lemon will help to freshen up the disposal and get rid of any bad odors.

You can also use limes, oranges, or grapefruits. Any type of citrus fruit will work to freshen up your garbage disposal.

It's better to only use the juice from the citrus fruit. Don't put the whole lemon or lime down the disposal because the rind can get caught in the blades and cause a clog.

It can also ruin the motor on your garbage disposal. So, only use the juice from the citrus fruit to freshen up your garbage disposal.

Can You Pour Bleach Down A Garbage Disposal?

No, you should never pour bleach down a garbage disposal. Bleach is a harsh chemical, and it can damage the blades of your garbage disposal.

Instead of using bleach, you can use white vinegar. White vinegar is a natural disinfectant, and it will kill any bacteria that are causing the bad odor in your garbage disposal.

You can also use a natural cleaner like Borax to clean your garbage disposal. Borax is a natural disinfectant, and it's safe to use around food.

Should You Run Water With a Garbage Disposal?

Yes, you should always run water when you use your garbage disposal. The water will help to flush out any debris that's  in the disposal.

It's also a good idea to let the water run for a few minutes after you turn off the disposal. This will help to remove any residue left in the disposal.

Running your garbage disposal dry is a recipe for disaster. The blades will get dull, and they can even break. Lastly, the motor will overheat, and it can burn out. So, always run water when you use your garbage disposal.

What's mre, cold or cool water is better than hot water. Hot water can cause fats to liquefy, and they can stick to the blades of your disposal.

This can cause a clog, which can be difficult to remove. So, always use cold or cool water when you run your garbage disposal.

What Should You Not Put In A Garbage Disposal?

There are a few things that you should never put in your garbage disposal. Coffee grounds, eggshells, and grease can all cause problems for your garbage disposal.

Coffee grounds can collect in the blades of your disposal and cause a clog. Eggshells can also get caught in the blades and cause a clog. And grease can harden over time and cause a clog.

Also, avoid putting in banana peels, pineapple tops, and celery. These items can also cause a clog. Grease and bones are also a no-no for your garbage disposal.

Grease can harden over time and cause a clog. And bones can damage the blades of your disposal. So, it's best to avoid putting these items into your garbage disposal.

If you're not sure if something can go in your garbage disposal, it's always best to be cautious and throw it in the trash. Also, double check any local ordinances as some items like medication and hazardous waste can't go in the trash.

How Often Should You Clean A Garbage Disposal?

You should clean your garbage disposal every week or two weeks. This will help to keep it smelling fresh and prevent any build-up from happening.

As we mentioned, use cold water and run the disposal for a few minutes after you turn it on. This will help to flush out any debris that's trapped in the disposal.

You can add your garbage disposal to your cleaning routine. Bacteria build-up can cause bad odors, so it's important to keep your garbage disposal clean.

Plus, not running your garbage disposal enough can lead to problems. The blades can get dull, and they can even break. In addition, they can rust, and this can cause them to break.

So, it's important to clean your garbage disposal regularly. This will help to keep it working properly and prevent any problems from happening.

What Should You Do If Something Is Stuck In The Disposal?

If something is stuck inside the disposal, don't panic. You can do a few things to remove it.

First and most importantly, unplug the disposal. You don't want to accidentally turn it on while you're trying to remove the object.

Next, use a pair of tongs or pliers to remove the object. If the object is small, you can try using a toothpick or a skewer.

If you can't get the object out with tongs or pliers, you may need to disassemble the disposal. Typically, you can do this will an Allen wrench.

Once you've removed the object, reassemble the disposal and plug it back in. Turn on the cold water and run the disposal for a few minutes. This will help to remove any debris that's left over.

If you're still having trouble, call a plumber or an appliance repair person. They'll be able to help you remove the object and get your disposal back up and running.

Is It OK To Put Ice Cubes In A Garbage Disposal?

Putting ice cubes down your garbage disposal can actually help to clean it. The ice will sharpen the blades and remove any build-up that's on them.

What's more, the ice can help to break up any debris that's lingering inside the disposal. So, if you're having trouble getting your disposal to work properly, try putting some ice cubes down it.

You can do this once a month or so to help keep your disposal clean. Just be sure to use cold water and run the disposal for a few minutes after you add the ice cubes.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are ways to avoid your garbage disposal from having problems. By avoiding certain items and cleaning them regularly, you can keep your garbage disposal working properly for years to come.

Made it to the end? Here are other articles you might find helpful:

How Long Does A Garbage Disposal Last?

What To Put Down A Garbage Disposal To Clean It [5 Suggestions]

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