Nothing is worse than the potent odor of rotting food in your kitchen. A smelly garbage disposal is a surefire way to lose your appetite and drive out dinner guests. While not all odor problems can be handled quickly or on your own, there are some proven tricks to remedy these unwanted fumes from your disposal.
For septic tank owners, keep in mind that it is very important that you do not pour harsh chemicals down your garbage disposal, as this can cause consequences within your septic system that are far worse than a stinky disposal. For light clogs and temporary foul odors in your garbage disposal, try the following septic-safe DIY fixes:
- Baking Soda and Vinegar – Some odor issues can be solved by simply pouring some baking soda and vinegar down your drain. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and then flush the unit with hot water while you have the motor running.
- Ice and Vinegar -If the clog and stench is giving you pushback, you can try running some ice and vinegar in your unit. Ice works to dislodge food particles that may be caught in the grinder or blades, and the vinegar can break up the smell.
- Citrus Peels – If your family likes oranges and lemons, send those peels (and leftover pulp) down the drain. The robust citrus scent and acidic properties of these fruits can not only eliminate the bad smell but replace it with a fresher, more pleasant aroma.
Keeping Yourself Out of a Stinky Situation
The best advice is to prevent foul smelling clogs from happening in your garbage disposal in the first place. This means understanding what your garbage disposal can and can’t handle. As much as you wish it was, your disposal is not a magical tool that can instantly make any type of waste disappear. Fibrous or stringy foods can be the worst, as these can easily get caught up in the blades and gun your motor. A little maintenance goes a long way with any appliance, including your garbage disposal. Go ahead and put citrus fruit down your drain periodically or even make a habit of pouring baking soda and vinegar down the unit every couple of weeks to stop bad odors before they reach the surface!
Know When to Call a Professional
If the above remedies aren’t kicking that bad smell or if you are frequently battling a disposal stench in your kitchen, it is time to call an expert. Garbage disposals have strong motors, sharp components and electrical hookups, so it is not advised to stick your hand down there to investigate the issue on your own.
Call Metro Septic today for more tips on keeping your garbage disposal safe for your nose and your septic tank.