How to deodorize a smelly garbage disposal.
A smelly disposal is food residue stuck in the grinding chamber and under the rubber splash guard. You can clear and freshen it in a few minutes with kitchen staples.
Clean a garbage disposal by scrubbing the rubber splash guard, then pouring in half a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar and letting it foam for a few minutes. Flush with hot water, then grind a handful of ice and coarse salt to scour the chamber, and finish with citrus peels for a fresh scent. Never put your hand inside.
Scrub the splash guard
The rubber flaps trap more gunk than the chamber. With the disposal OFF, this is where the smell often lives.
- Turn the disposal off at the switch
- Lift or fold back the rubber flaps and scrub both sides with an old toothbrush and dish soap
- Rinse well
Foam it with baking soda and vinegar
The classic foaming reaction lifts residue from the chamber walls.
- Pour in half a cup of baking soda, then a cup of white vinegar
- Let it foam and sit for 5-10 minutes
- Flush with hot running water
Scour with ice, freshen with citrus
Ice physically scours the grind components; citrus leaves it smelling clean.
- Run the disposal while grinding a handful of ice cubes and coarse salt
- Follow with lemon, orange or lime peels
- Run cold water throughout