How to Remove Musty Smells From Garbage Disposals

Having a garbage disposal in your kitchen sink adds convenience to clean-up.

Using a garbage disposal is a convenient way to dispose of food pieces from meal preparation and leftovers after dinner. While most food particles are washed down the garbage disposal drain, small bits and pieces may get stuck and eventually develop odor-causing bacteria. This odor-causing bacteria creates an unpleasant, musty odor in your garbage disposal. Remove the musty smell, and its source, using natural supplies from home so you can continue to use your garbage disposal without adding to the odor.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring cup
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Boiling water
• Knife
• 4 lemons

Instructions

1. Run a small amount of water in your garbage disposal so it's wet.

2. Measure 1/2 cup of baking soda and pour it into your garbage disposal. Follow this with 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Allow the combination to sit and foam in your garbage disposal for 15 minutes. The vinegar and baking soda mixture will work to dissolve any grease or small food particles creating odors in your garbage disposal.

3. Pour boiling water down your garbage disposal to rinse away the baking soda and vinegar mixture, as well as dissolved grease and food.

4. 

   Lemons are one of nature's best cleaners.

   Slice four lemons into quarters. Place the lemon quarters into your garbage disposal and run them through. The lemons and lemon juice cut any remaining grease, clean out the garbage disposal and remove musty odors.

Tips & Warnings

• Run citrus peels and scraps through your garbage disposal at least once a week to keep it clean and fresh-smelling.

• Avoid allowing food scraps to collect in the garbage disposal to take care of later. Warm, moist places are prime locations for mold and mildew to grow, which causes musty odors. By removing food scraps right away, you avoid creating a place for mold and mildew to grow in your garbage disposal.

References

• Earth Easy: Non-Toxic Cleaning Solutions