With the holidays right around the corner, the last thing you want is something smelly in your kitchen. While convenient, the garbage disposal can lead to some foul odors if you’re not careful. If you are noticing a smell coming from your garbage disposal, Watters Plumbing has some insight on the reasons behind this problem and what you can do to fix it!
The reason why your garbage disposal smells
Luckily, smells from your garbage disposal aren’t usually permanent. The biggest reason your garbage disposal smells is because of a build-up of the food waste. Too much leftover chili after last week’s Green Bay Packer game, veggie scraps after canning your Wisconsin garden’s produce, the list goes on! If you’re using your home’s garbage disposal often, you’re probably going to be met with some odors from time to time. This is something that happens naturally and can often be fixed with a few remedies and by keeping in mind what you put into your garbage disposal.
How you can remedy the smell in your garbage disposal issue
- Prevention – The best remedy to keep your garbage disposal from smelling is through prevention. The number one reason garbage disposal smells is from the disposal of grease, oil, or fat. When it cools, grease creates clogs either in the disposal or drain pipes which causes dreadful smells. If you need to get rid of grease, the best way to dispose of it is by pouring it into a metal can, allowing it to cool then throwing it out. Other foods to avoid putting down the drain include meats, stringy fruits or vegetables, and eggshells.
- Salt and ice – Using two cups of ice cubes and one cup of rock salt, you can clean out your garbage disposal. All you have to do is run cold water over the ice and salt, then turn on the disposal for 10 to 15 seconds. This helps break up and clear out any food particles.
- Mouthwash – Did you know that mouthwash was originally used to sterilize surgical tools? While it’s great to kill the germs that cause bad breath, you can use it to freshen up your garbage disposal as well.
- Use citrus – Nature offers some great natural cleaners like citrus fruits. The rinds of grapefruit, lemons, limes and oranges all have acidic, natural oils that are both antibacterial and antifungal. They will help kill any odor-causing bacteria and leave a pleasant smell.
What should I do when the smell still isn’t going away?
If you have tried some of the remedies mentioned above but the smell is still hanging out, you may have a deeper clog. The best solution is to contact a professional plumber to help with the stubborn clog in your sink.
Need help with your garbage disposal?
Allow the plumbing experts at Watters Plumbing to help you out with your garbage disposal, whether a smell won’t go away or there is a clog you can’t fix yourself. Give us a call at 920-204-7517!