How to Make Your Garbage Disposal Smell Better?

Garbage disposal is an important part of our kitchen. They remove food particles and residues regularly. These garbage disposals often create bad smells over time. As these machines handle garbage disposal, regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary to ensure that they work properly and don’t create bad smells. Odorless garbage disposal is not just about maintaining a pleasant kitchen environment. It also reduces the environmental impact associated with waste disposal. By keeping your waste disposal clean and efficient, you are contributing to a more sustainable world.

Relevant Statistics:

• Over 50% of American homes have a garbage disposal installed in their kitchen.
• Approximately 20% of household waste can be processed through a garbage disposal.
• Nearly 70% of homeowners report experiencing foul smells from their garbage disposal.
• On average, a garbage disposal can last up to 12 years with proper maintenance and cleaning.
• Around 85% of foul smells in the kitchen are reported to come from the sink or garbage disposal.
• Garbage disposals contribute to about 10% of the total household food waste.
• Over 75% of homeowners use commercial cleaners to eliminate garbage disposal smells.
• Approximately 30% of homeowners use natural remedies, like citrus peels or baking soda, to clean their garbage disposals.

Why Garbage Disposals Start to Smell?

One of the most unusual reasons for foul smells in garbage disposals is the accumulation of meal waste. If food debris is not chewed and carefully washed, it could stick to the fibers and within the extrusion unit. Over time, this debris decomposes and creates an awful smell.

Another cause of unpleasant smells is bacterial growth and mold. Cool, dark conditions in a landfill are ideal for the growth of these microorganisms. When they eat food waste, they release gases that contribute to bad smells.

Sometimes, the problem may not be the garbage disposal itself but the drain pipe not connected to the landfill. If the pipe is partially blocked or has a buildup of grime, it can cause a backflow of sewer gases into the sink, resulting in a foul smell.

In addition, some forms of meals are more sensitive to bad smells than others. Foods with sturdy smells along with onions, garlic, and fish can leave a lingering smell even after grinding and washing. Similarly, greasy or oily food sticks to the partitions and seams of the exhaust system, causing a smell through the years.

Step-by-Step Guide: Deep Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal

These are the practical steps you can apply to refresh your garbage disposal and get rid of bad smells. 

Step 1: Turn Off and Disconnect the Garbage Disposal 

To be secure, usually, flip off and take away your garbage disposal before you start cleaning. This step is essential to prevent accidental gas releases through cleansing.

Step 2: Clean the Visible Portions 

Wash the seen parts of the garbage disposal with an extended-dealt brush and heat soapy water. This will encompass the rim and other regions where food debris can accumulate.

Step 3: Ice and Salt Treatment 

Once the visible parts are washed, it’s time to focus on the blade. Pour in a single cup of ice, and sprinkle 1/2 a cup of coarse salt on the bottom of the filling. The ice and salt will help loosen the fibers and remove any trapped meal debris.

Step 4: Neutralize Smell with Natural Cleaners 

Vinegar and baking soda put off smells destroying and drying out smell-inflicting microorganisms. Start by pouring 1/2 a cup of baking soda into the rubbish with the same amount of vinegar. The mixture will create a turbid reaction that destroys particles and impurities in the disposal.

If the fizzing subsides after a lot of time then flush the disposal with warm water for about 30 seconds. Repeat this procedure at least as soon as a month to dispose of smells. Another option is to freeze the vinegar right into a cup and pour it right into a disposal landfill. The debris will assist in solidifying any smell-causing substance, allowing the fibers to dissolve and wash.

Step 5: Rinse Frequently

Rinse the disposal with boiling water to wash away any residue. For an extra touch, you can also add some dried citrus (lemon, orange, or grapefruit) to the extract and steep it in cold water.

Following this routine regularly will not only eliminate unpleasant smells but will also extend the life of your garbage disposal.

Best Commercial Products for Garbage Disposal Cleaning

Cleaners are specially designed to eliminate smells and waste. These products are specially designed to break down food waste and neutralize its bad smell. Here are some well-known products used to prevent bad breath and prevent drowning.

1. Glisten Disposer Care Fresher

This highly recommended solution not only neutralizes the smell of garbage disposal but also gives your kitchen a refreshing lemony scent. It is biodegradable and safe for all types of disposal systems and drains.

2. Plink garbage disposal refresher and cleaner

Coated with a special coating, this biodegradable cleanser provides a refreshing in the palm of your hand. Plink also prevents accumulation and enhances disposal performance.

3. Green Gobbler Water Purifier

This green cleaner uses aggressive synthetic chemicals to eliminate hard debris and smell-causing compounds in your garbage disposal. It is bio-friendly and safe for both pipes and septic tanks.

The Role of Maintenance in Preventing Garbage Disposal Smells

Maintenance of your garbage disposal plays a pivotal role in smell prevention. A well-maintained unit is far less likely to develop unpleasant smells. Some maintenance practices that will help keep foul smells are as follows;

Regular Rinsing 

Each time you use your disposal, take an additional step to thoroughly flush it with water. Let the water run for about 30 seconds to a minute after using the disposal. This ensures that all food particles have been flushed through the system, thereby reducing the chances of any bits sticking around that cause a foul smell in the garbage disposal. 

Liberal Use of Water 

One common mistake many people make is not using enough water when running their garbage disposal. Water isn’t just there to help flush stuff down the drain; it also acts as a lubricant and helps prevent waste from sticking to the blades and the sides of the appliance. Ensure a copious amount of water is used each time the disposal is activated. 

Watch What You Put In It 

Certain types of waste should never be put down a garbage disposal because they either damage the unit or cause smell issues. Examples of such items include fibrous vegetables, banana peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, and oil or fat. Proper usage can extend the life of your disposal and prevent bad smells.

Periodic Deep Cleansing 

Even with the best regular maintenance, your garbage disposal could still benefit from an occasional deep cleaning. Using a mixture of solution of vinegar and baking soda or commercial cleaners can help get rid of any lingering smells and tackle any potential microbial growth.

Conclusion

Smooth garbage disposal is important for putting off bad smells and additionally for the general cleanliness of your kitchen. Regular cleaning, blended with natural deodorant inclusive of citrus extract or vinegar, can effectively make your garbage disposal fresh and efficient.

It is important to keep in mind what you’re putting in your garbage disposal. Avoid disposing of food waste that can easily stick to disposable containers or clog drains, such as coffee grounds, fruit, and fibrous vegetables. These can create an unpleasant smell over time.

By following these guidelines you can ensure that your garbage disposal remains clean, functional, and smell-free, resulting in a clean and pleasant kitchen environment. Regular maintenance and cleaning can extend the life of your garbage disposal and ensure that it is efficient and smell-free.

Frequently Ask Questions