The garbage disposal in your home is a useful and important system, but over time it can build up food particles that emanate foul smells and fill your home with unpleasant odors. If your garbage disposal is beginning to give off a bad smell, consider using these tips to get your home smelling fresh and clean again.
Lemons
Lemons are a natural antiseptic and antibacterial and can help kill odor-causing bacteria in your garbage disposal. Cut a lemon into small pieces and place it down your garbage disposal while grinding. The citrus smell provides a pleasant relief from the foul odors.
Ice Cubes
Ice cubes can help eliminate strong odors in your garbage disposal, and also sharpen the blades of the grinder as well.
Vinegar
Vinegar can help eliminate odor causing bacteria in your garbage disposal after just a few uses. Pour half a cup of white distilled vinegar down your garbage disposal and run the cold tap at the same time. This should help reduce odors. For an equally powerful odor fighting solution, you can try adding one cup of dry baking soda and one cup of distilled white vinegar to your garbage disposal to improve the smell.
Mild Bleach Solution
Using a mild bleach solution or cleanser can reduce the smell of waste and also remove some of the food particles that are trapped in your garbage disposal system. Some bleach solutions are available in different scents, which when mixed with running cold water, can help reduce unwanted smells in your garbage disposal.
Thorough Cleaning
If your garbage disposal is giving off an abnormally strong odor, there may be a buildup of food particles in the system. You can significantly improve the smell of your garbage disposal by cleaning the lid with soap and water, and using a small brush to remove food particles. A dish or wire brush can be used to clean the inside of the garbage disposal unit. Never insert your hand or any tool into the garbage disposal until the unit is fully unplugged and disconnected. Also, you may want to try our septic system cleaning products.