How to Fix a Smelly Garbage Disposal

With all the leftovers and scraps of food that get thrown down a garbage disposal, it's little wonder that they can start to smell. Getting rid of garbage disposal odor is about more than just getting rid of a smell; that odor is indicative of bacteria and germs that can cause problems later. Cleaning out the disposal is fairly easy.

Instructions

1. Begin by clearing the side of the sink that has the disposal. Scrubbing the sink isn't a necessary part of the process, but it can help make sure nothing falls into the disposal during the cleaning process.

2. Pour bleach down the disposal to disinfect and clean it. There is no science to how much bleach you should use, but a half of a cup is the most you should need. A quarter of a cup would be a good place to start, and you can add more later if need be.

3. Let the bleach sit for five to ten minutes. While the bleach is sitting, slice a whole lemon into small pieces. You'll be using the entire lemon: the rind, the juice and the seeds. You should cut the lemon into no less than eight pieces, to ensure they will be ground properly by the disposal.

4. Drop the lemon slices down the disposal and turn the garbage disposal on. Let the lemons be ground for about 30 seconds to a minute. Turn the disposal off and run cold water down the disposal to clear out any lemon residue.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean your disposal every two weeks to keep it smelling clean all the time.

References

• Good Housekeeping: What's That Smell?