Plumbing Blog

food scraps in the kitchen sink

Natural Cleaning Hacks to Freshen Up a Smelly Garbage Disposal

A smelly garbage disposal can seriously ruin eating a meal. It happens when food particles and debris get trapped in the disposal and start to rot and produce foul odors over time. There are easy fixes to get your disposal functioning properly again without using harsh chemicals or pricey cleaning products. You probably have some of the best cleaning solutions for garbage disposals in your pantry. The following three all-natural remedies can remove any gunky buildup and eliminate lingering odors.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

This classic duo packs a powerful one-two punch against smells and clogs. The baking soda is a gentle abrasive that scrubs away stuck-on debris while the vinegar’s acidity helps dissolve grease and grime.

Citrus Peels

Don’t toss those lemon, lime, or orange peels. They contain d-limonene, a compound that’s great for cutting through odors and buildup. Plus, the fresh citrus scent is way better than last night’s fish remains.

Ice and Salt

When you need to bring out the big guns, grab some ice cubes and salt. As the ice gets chopped up, the coarse salt acts as an abrasive scouring agent to dislodge even the most stubborn clogs and gunk.

Here’s how to put these natural solutions to work.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

  1. Sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda down the disposal.
  2. Pour in 1 cup of vinegar and let it fizz for 5 to 10 minutes.
  3. Run hot water for 30 seconds while running the disposal.

Ice and Salt Method

  1. Fill the disposal about ⅓ full of ice cubes.
  2. Sprinkle in ½ cup of rock salt.
  3. Run the disposal until the ice is chopped up, and then flush with hot water.

Citrus Peel Method

  1. Toss in lemon, lime, or orange peels and run the disposal.
  2. For extra deodorizing power, sprinkle in some baking soda first.
  3. Finish by running hot water for 30 seconds.

How often should you be cleaning your disposal? A good rule of thumb is once a week for regular maintenance. But if you notice any lingering odors or sluggish draining, that’s a sign it’s time for a deeper cleaning.

Some items should never go into the garbage disposal because they can cause serious damage or clogs. They include:

  • Celery stalks, corn husks, or artichokes
  • Bones or fruit pits
  • Crab or lobster shells
  • Sticky foods like rice, pasta, and oatmeal
  • Nonfood items

With just a little know-how and a few simple ingredients, you can say goodbye to smelly disposals for good. But if you notice that your disposal struggles to grind up food waste, clogs frequently or stops working altogether, don’t hesitate to call in a professional. Contact us at Buckeye Plumbing for reliable garbage disposal repair services in Dayton, OH to keep your kitchen fresh and functional.

For more information about Buckeye Plumbing & Property Solutions do not hesitate to call us today. 937-749-7097

jQuery(document).ready(function($) { var delay = 100; setTimeout(function() { $('.elementor-tab-title').removeClass('elementor-active'); $('.elementor-tab-content').css('display', 'none'); }, delay); });

Schedule Service

Reviews

Brittany Foster
Brittany Foster
Read More
Kelly & James (I think is his name) we’re WONDERFUL! Punctual, respectful, and helped my family within 2 hours of my emergency phone call. I appreciate their services and will be calling for any future needs!! Thank you both so much!
Susan Rauch
Susan Rauch
Read More
Employee arrived on time and replaced a toilet and replaced bathroom vanity and all plumbing. During installation discovered a leak which they repaired. Both men were polite and worked efficiently.
Robert Brock
Robert Brock
Read More
Corey and Blake did an excellent job replacing our water heater. They showed up on time, explained what the job entailed, and presented me with an estimate within 20 minutes of being on-site. The customer service reps at the office were also very friendly and answered any questions I had.
Jennifer Black
Jennifer Black
Read More
These guys are the rock stars of the plumbing world! Knowledgeable, honest, professionals who I would recommend to anyone and will definitely use again for any future plumbing needs.
Sheri Talley
Sheri Talley
Read More
Main drain from house to street was block. James and Darryl arrived earlier than expected. They were very friendly, courteous and respectful of my property. They cleaned up after the job was completed. I am very pleased with this company.
Shelbea Stewart
Shelbea Stewart
Read More
HUGE shout out to Buckeye Plumbing! The entire staff is always super responsive and very friendly! I am the property manager for an apartment complex and they have tended to our every need including all emergency after hour calls! They do an excellent job with all repairs and are very quick to do so. Incredible company!
Peggy Miller
Peggy Miller
Read More
I needed an estimate on repairs for a home I am purchasing and time was of the essence. Jonna set things up quickly for me and Blake performed the service and all in record time! I highly recommend this company for it's prompt, professional, and friendly service.
Ronald Seaton
Ronald Seaton
Read More
Did a very good job. Still waiting on drywall repair and tile replacement around the new fixtures in the tub shower area. James was very professional and personable. The job is finished and we are very satisfied.