Tips for Dealing with a Smelly Garbage Disposal

Few things are worse than a foul smell coming from your kitchen drain. Often, the culprit is the garbage disposal, which can hold onto food scraps and grease. This can lead to unpleasant odors as bacteria grows. Thankfully, not every disposal issue is mechanical. We are here to help you understand how to clean a smelly garbage disposal effectively and safely, keeping your kitchen smelling fresh. Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical is your trusted choice for plumbing services in the Weatherford, TX area.

Garbage Disposal Safety First

Before you start cleaning, remember that your garbage disposal is a powerful appliance with sharp parts. Safety should always be your biggest priority. You must never put your hand down into the disposal. If you need to retrieve something or clear a jam, always make certain the power is off at the breaker box first. Ignoring this safety rule could cause serious harm.

Harness the Power of Citrus

One of the easiest and most pleasant ways to clean and deodorize your garbage disposal is by using citrus fruit peels. The oils in the rinds not only smell great but also contain acids that can cut through grease and grime clinging to the disposal’s inner parts. We recommend this method for routine upkeep to keep minor odors at bay.

Some of the best citrus fruits to use are lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit.  

Cut the peels into small pieces and put them down the disposal with the cold water running. Turn the disposal on and let it run until the grinding sound stops. The peels will scrub the blades, and the citrus oil will leave a fresh, clean scent in your kitchen.

Essential Oils for a Fresh Scent

Essential oils provide a wonderful aromatic boost that won’t damage your garbage disposal or plumbing system. They can help mask and eliminate lingering odors after a thorough cleaning. We find this is an excellent step for homeowners who prefer natural ways to freshen their homes. Chemical drain cleaners are very caustic and dangerous to your health.

For this method, just put a few drops of your favorite essential oil into the running disposal. Be sure the water is cold. The scent will travel up through your sink, leaving a pleasant aroma. Some popular and effective choices include tea tree oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, or lavender oil.

Baking Soda and Vinegar 

For more stubborn smells, a combination of natural household products is often the best solution. Baking soda and vinegar create a fizzing reaction that can break down tough gunk and sanitize your disposal. This method is safe for your plumbing and very effective at odor removal in your home.

Pour a half-cup of baking soda into the disposal and follow it with a cup of white vinegar. Allow the mixture to foam and sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. Turn on the cold water and run the disposal to rinse the drain thoroughly. The bubbling action helps to dislodge food particles and neutralize the source of the smell.

When to Call a Plumber for Maintenance and Drain Cleaning

Sometimes, bad odors mean more than just a dirty disposal. A persistent, unpleasant smell often indicates a buildup of gunk deep within your drain line. If you have tried all the home cleaning methods and the odor returns quickly, you will likely need professional help. We offer comprehensive plumbing services, including drain cleaning, to address the root cause of these smells.

We use specialized equipment to thoroughly clear your drains. A buildup of grease, hair, and food debris is often beyond home remedies. Our experts in the Weatherford area provide this maintenance to keep your entire plumbing system flowing smoothly and smelling fresh. You should always trust a licensed professional for these serious plumbing issues.

What Not to Put Down Your Garbage Disposal

One of the best ways to keep your disposal from smelling in the first place is by being mindful of what you put into it. The disposal is made to handle small amounts of soft food waste, not everything you can fit down there. Avoiding certain items will prevent jams, damage, and persistent odors.

Fats, Oils, and Grease

You must never pour fats, oils, or grease down your drain or disposal. When these substances cool, they solidify and stick to the inside of your pipes. This buildup traps food particles and creates foul-smelling blockages. Over time, you can develop a serious clog that needs professional drain cleaning.

Fibrous and Stringy Foods

Foods high in fiber can wrap around the disposal’s blades and motor. This strains the appliance and prevents it from working efficiently, which leads to slow drainage and trapped food that smells. Avoid putting celery, asparagus spears, corn husks, and onion skins down your disposal. 

Non-Food Items and Hard Materials

Your disposal is not a trash can for non-food materials. Items like paper towels, plastic wrappers, or even coffee grounds should go in the garbage. Coffee grounds do not break down and will accumulate in your pipes, leading to clogs. Hard materials like fruit pits or bones can also damage the blades and motor. 

Pasta, Rice, and Other Starchy Foods

Starchy foods like pasta and rice absorb water and expand, even after they have been processed by the disposal. Over time, these starchy messes start to ferment and stink, requiring professional attention. If your disposal is beyond repair, it’s time to call in the professionals.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Just like your heating and air conditioning units need regular tune-ups, your plumbing system benefits from routine maintenance. A clean and clear disposal is a sign of a healthy disposal. Keeping up with simple cleaning steps and knowing when to call for professional service will save you from major issues down the road. At Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we believe in proactive care for all your home systems.

Regular maintenance from our skilled technicians prevents minor problems from becoming expensive, messy disasters. We offer a full range of services that keep your essential home systems working perfectly. You will want to rely on us for all your plumbing, heating, air, and electrical needs.

Partner With Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical

If you are struggling with a smelly garbage disposal that home remedies cannot fix, it is time to call in our team. The odor is likely a sign of a deeper clog or buildup that needs our expertise. We offer reliable drain cleaning services to clear even the toughest blockages. Our experts perform plumbing repairs and installations to keep your entire system in top shape. Contact Lightfoot Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today for plumbing, heating, air, and electrical service in Weatherford.