How to Clean Garbage Disposal and Drains To Keep It Smelling Fresh

Your garbage disposal is one of the hardest-working appliances in your kitchen, tackling food waste and keeping your sink drain clear. However, over time, food residue, grease, and grime can build up, leading to unpleasant odors and reduced efficiency. The good news? With some simple maintenance and regular cleaning, you can keep your garbage disposal fresh, odor-free, and running smoothly.

This guide covers everything you need to know about how to clean garbage disposal and drains, eliminating odors, and maintaining it for long-term durability. Let’s get started!

The History of Garbage Disposals and What They Are

Garbage disposals, also known as waste disposed, were first introduced to residential kitchens in the early 20th century as a way to manage food waste more efficiently. The first garbage disposal unit was invented in 1927 by John W. Hammes, an architect from Wisconsin. His invention was designed to grind food waste into small particles that could be easily flushed through plumbing systems, significantly reducing the volume of kitchen waste needing disposal. By the 1940s, Hammes’ invention was being mass-produced under the name “InSinkErator,” which remains one of the leading brands in the market to this day.

A garbage disposal is a device typically installed under a kitchen sink and connected to the drain. It features a motorized grinding mechanism that breaks down food waste into tiny particles, allowing them to pass smoothly through the plumbing system. Commonly used in households, garbage disposals are not only convenient but also help reduce the environmental impact of food scraps by keeping them out of landfills, where they might otherwise contribute to methane emissions. These appliances have become a staple in modern kitchens, blending functionality with sustainability.

Why Your Garbage Disposal Smells

A smelly garbage disposal is usually caused by a buildup of food particles, grease, and bacteria trapped inside the unit or along your sink drain. Left untreated, these materials can cling to the disposal blades, pipes, and surrounding surfaces, creating nasty odors that permeate your kitchen.

A garbage disposal can sometimes develop unpleasant odors, often caused by a combination of factors. Here are the most common reasons why your garbage disposal might start to smell:

1. Food Residue Build-Up: Over time, tiny food particles can collect in the crevices and blades of the disposal. If these remain trapped and are not thoroughly flushed out, they begin to decompose and emit foul odors.
2. Grease and Fat Accumulation: Pouring fats, oils, and grease into the disposal may seem harmless, but these substances tend to coat the inner surfaces and form sticky layers. This residue not only traps more food particles but also has its own rancid smell as it breaks down.
3. Clogs in the Drain: A partial clog or blockage further down the drain can restrict water flow and cause food waste to linger longer. The stagnant environment creates a breeding ground for bacteria, resulting in unpleasant smells.
4. Bacterial Growth: Moisture combined with organic materials leads to bacterial growth in the disposal and pipes. These microorganisms thrive in the damp, warm environment, and their activity is a major contributor to odors.
5. Old Food Waste in the Disposal: If the disposal isn’t run frequently or isn’t thoroughly rinsed after use, old food waste can remain inside. Over time, this rotting material produces strong, offensive smells.
6. Non-Food Items Stuck Inside: Occasionally, non-food items like small paper scraps, utensils, or other debris can accidentally end up in the disposal. These materials can trap food particles around them, exacerbating odors.

Regular maintenance, proper usage, and periodic cleaning can help mitigate these issues and keep your garbage disposal odor-free.

How to Clean Your Garbage Disposal Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to deep clean your garbage disposal and leave it smelling fresh.

Step 1: Start with Safety

Before you begin, make sure your garbage disposal is turned off. If possible, unplug the unit or locate the reset button to ensure it doesn’t accidentally turn on while cleaning. Safety first!

Step 2: Flush It with Hot Water

Begin by running hot water through the garbage disposal for about a minute. This helps loosen any food particles, grease, or grime stuck inside the unit.

Step 3: Scrub the Surface

Using a small brush or an old toothbrush, gently scrub the surface areas of your garbage disposal, including around the sink drain. Apply a bit of dish soap as you clean to break down grease on the surface. Make sure to reach any visible gunk near the top of the disposal.

Step 4: Use Baking Soda and White Vinegar

For a deeper clean, pour one cup of baking soda directly into the disposal, followed by one cup of white vinegar. Allow the mixture to fizz and foam for a few minutes. This chemical reaction helps break down grease, food residues, and bacteria. Rinse with warm water after the foam subsides.

Step 5: Freshen with Ice and Citrus

Here’s a trick to sharpen your disposal blades while freshening your appliance! Fill the disposal with ice cubes and a few drops of lemon or other citrus-scented essential oils. Run the disposal for 10–15 seconds while turning on cold water. The ice scrapes away gunk and stuck particles, while the citrus scent leaves your garbage disposal smelling fresh and clean.

Step 6: Finish with a Disposal Cleaner

For an extra boost, use a specialized disposal cleaner or an ice machine cleaner. These products often have foaming action to reach deep into hard-to-access areas, ensuring a thorough clean. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.

Tips for Regular Garbage Disposal Maintenance

Keeping your garbage disposal in excellent condition doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Incorporating these habits into your routine can prolong its lifespan and reduce odors.

Flush Regularly

Run hot water down the kitchen sink after every use to prevent food particles and grease from sticking to the pipes.

Avoid Certain Foods

Don’t put items like grease, coffee grounds, or fibrous vegetables (e.g., celery) into the disposal. These can clog the pipes and coat the blades.

Use Dish Soap Frequently

Run a bit of dish soap through the disposal weekly to remove grease buildup.

Freshen Weekly

Drop a few ice cubes and a slice of lemon into the disposal weekly to keep the blades clean and maintain a pleasant smell.

Inspect the Blades and Pipes

Regularly check the disposal blades for stuck materials and inspect your sink drain for any clogs. If needed, use a small brush to clean hard-to-reach spots.

Be Gentle on Cleaning Materials

Avoid harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach or industrial-strength drain cleaners, as these can erode your pipes and damage the disposal’s components.

Leave it to the professionals at MD Sewer and Plumbing to handle all your garbage disposal services and repairs. Contact us today!

Common Questions About Garbage Disposal Cleaning

Can I Use Vinegar in My Garbage Disposal?

Yes! White vinegar is an excellent, natural cleaner for your garbage disposal. It helps dissolve grease, reduce odors, and combat bacteria buildup.

How Often Should I Clean My Garbage Disposal?

For general use, aim to clean your garbage disposal once a week. Deep clean it with baking soda and vinegar at least once a month, or more frequently for heavy use.

Is It Okay to Use Bleach?

While chlorine bleach can kill bacteria, it’s not recommended for garbage disposals as it can wear down essential components and harm pipes. Stick to natural cleaning agents like vinegar and baking soda.

Can Ice Damage the Disposal?

Not at all! Ice cubes actually help remove stuck-on food particles and gunk from the blades. They’re a safe and effective cleaning tool for most disposals.

Top 6 Garbage Disposal Cleaning Products and Brands

1. Glisten Disposer Care Freshener & Cleaner: Glisten is a trusted brand that provides an effective foaming cleaner to remove odors and buildup. Its lemon-scented formula leaves your disposal fresh and clean. Purchase here
2. Affresh Garbage Disposal Cleaner: Affresh offers easy-to-use biodegradable tablets that clean and eliminate odors. They effectively tackle grime and residue inside your disposal system. Purchase here
3. Plink Garbage Disposal Freshener and Cleaner: Plink is perfect for both cleaning and deodorizing your disposal. Its small capsules dissolve grease and leave behind a pleasant citrus scent. Purchase here
4. Lemi Shine Disposal Cleaner: Powered by natural citric extracts, Lemi Shine’s cleaner removes hard water buildup and odors with a non-toxic, eco-friendly approach. Purchase here
5. Seventh Generation Lemongrass & Citrus Cleaner: Seventh Generation offers a plant-based, environmentally responsible option that effectively cleans without harsh chemicals, leaving a natural refreshing scent. Purchase here
6. Weiman Garbage Disposal Cleaner and Deodorizer: Weiman’s cleaner uses foaming action to reach deep, degrease, and sanitize hard-to-reach areas of your garbage disposal system. Purchase here

Keep Your Garbage Disposal Smelling Fresh | How To Clean Garbage Disposal and Drains

A clean and odor-free garbage disposal makes your kitchen function more efficiently while keeping bad smells at bay. By following the steps outlined in this guide and adopting regular maintenance habits, you can ensure your disposal and sink drain remain in top condition.

For even better results, consider combining natural cleaning methods with specialized disposal cleaners to target every corner of your appliance.

Now it’s your turn! Try these tips, and your garbage disposal will be smelling fresh and clean in no time.