No More Smelly Disposals!

In today’s modern kitchens, it seems as if it’s virtually impossible to imagine life without a garbage disposal. However, as with any kitchen appliance, the disposal may experience problems from time to time. One of the most common problems involves bad smells, which usually result from food particles getting stuck in the disposal and staying there for a long period of time. While this may be an inconvenient and messy kitchen problem, the good news is that there are many ways to deodorize a garbage disposal to make it smell as good as new in a short period of time. Whether it’s using natural ingredients or various types of cleaners, there’s little doubt the disposal will once again be ready for action.

Natural Remedies

Vinegar

Because more and more people are aware of the potential consequences chemicals may have on their health and that of the environment, many choose to use all-natural remedies when it comes to cleaning their garbage disposal. One of the most effective and popular ways to make a disposal smell new again is to use vinegar, ice cubes.

By pouring vinegar into an ice tray and freezing it overnight, you’ll have an all-natural way to deodorize your disposal that will be quick and effective. After the vinegar has frozen into cubes, take a few of them and toss them down the disposal. Turn on the disposal and let its blades grind up the vinegar cubes, all the while cleaning the blades and ridding the disposal of any leftover food particles.

Baking Soda

Another popular, all-natural, method used by many people involves using baking soda. Typically referred to as one of the best natural deodorizers, baking soda can also work its magic inside a garbage disposal in a matter of minutes. Simply pour a box of baking soda into the disposal, then flush it with warm water. This combination will not only make the disposal smell like new but be one of the cheapest ways to do so every few weeks.

A Cup of Bleach

While many people prefer to use all-natural ingredients such as citrus peelings to get their disposal smelling great, others prefer to use the old-fashioned method of pouring bleach down the disposal. By using one cup of bleach, along with some hot water to flush the disposal, you’ll not only have the disposal be rid of any foul smells but also be rid of any potential bacteria that may be trying to stick around.

Much like baking soda, this cleaning method can be done every couple of weeks or once a month for best results. Another added benefit of this cleaning method is the fact that it is very inexpensive, with a gallon of bleach used exclusively for this purpose it would last for months.

The Power of Citrus

As many people know, if you want to really make your disposal smell great, try using citrus. One of Mother Nature’s most effective deodorizers, citrus can be used in a variety of ways. One of the best is to start by turning on the disposal and running cold water for about 20-30 seconds, which will help loosen any food particles that may still be lurking.

Next, take some citrus fruit such as lemons, oranges, or grapefruit and peel them, setting the peels aside while you take a break and enjoy a nice citrus snack. Once you’re done, take several ice cubes and drop them into the disposal, followed by the citrus rinds. Add some more ice cubes, then turn on the disposal and let it run for about 30 seconds.

Afterward, run it for 30 seconds twice more, which should easily dislodge any food particles and leave you with a great citrus smell. For best results, make sure any peelings are cut into small pieces no bigger than two inches. Otherwise, while you may deodorize your disposal, you could also jam it in the process if your pieces are too big, and possibly cause unexpected damage to the blades or motor.

Avoidable Objects

One of the biggest mistakes people make with their garbage disposals is treating them as if they are all-purpose trash cans, able to accept anything they choose to put down them. Unfortunately, this is not only a foolproof way to make the disposal stink, but it’s also a good bet you’ll damage the blades, gears, and motor in the process. In many cases where hazardous materials are put into the disposal, the damage is so extensive, the entire disposal needs to be replaced. Some of the most common items that should never be put down a disposal include:

• Cigarette butts
• Potato peelings
• Grease or fat
• Metal cans
• Animal bones
• Egg shells
• Coffee grinds
• Fibrous foods such as corn husks or celery stalks

For those who decide to use their garbage disposal as an ashtray, attempting to remove the smell of cigarette butts can be a real challenge. Eventually, if enough baking soda or citrus rinds are used in the disposal, chances are the smell will fade away. However, if grease or fat are poured down the disposal, food particles may accumulate for long periods of time before they are finally disposed of properly.

Grease and fat can rapidly accumulate in the disposal’s gears and motor, often causing them to overheat and burn up. If this happens, don’t bother trying to get it repaired. Instead, pull out the credit card and head to the nearest home improvement store to purchase a new disposal.

Finally, if you decide to try your hand at having the disposal grind up corn husks, celery stalks, onion skins, or other fibrous foods, chances are you’ll do just as much damage to the disposal. These foods are very tough on the blades, which can cause them to be bent, and in some cases, beyond repair. Just remember, it’s cheaper to use the disposal only as intended.

If you find yourself in need of professional assistance with your Greenwood, IN garbage disposal, please contact Johnson Heating | Cooling | Plumbing Inc, at (317) 881-7738.