Why Does My Garbage Disposal Smell?
Just because it’s called a garbage disposal doesn’t mean it should make your kitchen smell like garbage. Unpleasant odors are usually caused by food residue or grease buildup, but persistent smells can sometimes indicate a deeper plumbing or drainage issue.
Here’s what may be causing the odor, how to safely clean your disposal, and when it’s time to call a professional.
Common Causes of Smelly Garbage Disposals
A smelly garbage disposal doesn’t necessarily mean the unit is broken. In many cases, odors are caused by food and residue collecting in or around the disposal. Common causes include:
- Food particles trapped inside the grinding chamber
- Buildup underneath the rubber splash guard
- Grease, fats, or oils coating the disposal or drainpipe
- Starchy or sticky foods, such as potato peels, clinging to surfaces
- Food waste that was not completely flushed through the drain
Avoid pouring fats, oils, or grease down your kitchen sink, even if you have a garbage disposal. These substances can cool, solidify, and contribute to clogged pipes.
How to Safely Clean a Garbage Disposal System
Before cleaning the disposal or splash guard, turn off the unit and disconnect its power by unplugging it or switching off the appropriate circuit breaker. Never place your hand inside the disposal.
1. Clean the Splash Guard
Food residue frequently collects underneath the rubber splash guard and causes odors.
With the power disconnected, use a long-handled brush, old toothbrush, or scouring pad with warm, soapy water to clean underneath the rubber flaps. Do not reach into the grinding chamber.
2. Flush the Disposal
Restore power to the disposal. Turn on a steady stream of cold water, start the disposal, and allow it to run long enough to clear any remaining food waste. Continue running the cold water for several seconds after turning off the disposal to help flush the drainpipe.
3. Use Ice to Loosen Buildup
With cold water running, place a handful of ice cubes into the disposal and turn it on. The ice can help loosen food residue inside the grinding chamber.
4. Freshen with Baking Soda and Vinegar
With the disposal turned off, pour approximately half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by about one cup of white vinegar. Allow the mixture to foam and sit for five to ten minutes. Then rinse thoroughly while running the disposal with cold water.
Never combine this mixture with bleach, drain cleaner, or other chemical cleaning products.
These steps may solve your odor issue without any serious action being needed.
When a Bad Smell May Indicate a Bigger Problem
If cleaning the disposal doesn’t eliminate the odor, the problem may be elsewhere in the plumbing system. Keep an eye out for some of these other signs that may indicate professional attention is required:
- Water draining slowly
- Standing water in the sink
- Recurring clogs
- Gurgling sounds
- Water leaking beneath the sink
- Sewage-like odors that return after cleaning
- A disposal that hums, jams, leaks, or repeatedly shuts off
Need Help With a Smelly Garbage Disposal?
If odors continue after cleaning or your sink is draining slowly, clogging frequently, or backing up, call True Neighbor Services at 512.778.8783. Our team can inspect the disposal and surrounding plumbing, identify the source of the problem, and recommend the appropriate repair.
True Neighbor Services assists homeowners, landlords, property managers, and commercial property owners throughout Central Texas. Backed by more than 40 years of combined industry experience, we provide dependable plumbing repairs, installations, upgrades, inspections, maintenance, and emergency services.
Call 512.778.8783 today to schedule an appointment and let us help keep your kitchen running smoothly and smelling fresh.
