A garbage disposal shreds food scraps into tiny pieces, enabling them to pass through the plumbing without difficulty. On occasion, these scraps get trapped on the stopper or inside crevices. Once bacteria forms, there’s no mistaking the stench that results.

Once you’ve inhaled it, it’s hard to forget, but easy to prevent.  Here’s how.

Use Running Water

While running your disposal, keep the water running to help flush food particles down the drain.  Once you shut off the disposal, keep the water running for at least another 30 seconds.

Clean the Stopper

The best way to clean the stopper is with a scrub brush using warm water and soap. For the tight spots, an old toothbrush is your best bet.

Deodorize with Vinegar

Vinegar’s deodorizing property for various housecleaning tasks is well-known. It can eliminate bacteria and unpleasant odours, too.  Here are two ways to clean your disposal with vinegar:

• Vinegar and Baking Soda – Sprinkle some baking soda inside your disposal. Then pour in half a cup of vinegar and let it sit for an hour.  Afterwards, run cold water down the drain while running the disposal. When the vinegar smell disappears, the foul odour will be gone, too.
• Vinegar and Ice – Get an ice tray, fill it up with water and white vinegar, and allow it to freeze. While running cold water down the unit, put the ice in at the same time. While the vinegar deodorizes, the ice sharpens the unit’s blades.

Citrus Peel for a Fresh Scent

If you’re done cleaning the disposal but the odor isn’t completely gone, toss a few orange, lime or lemon peels into the unit to give it a fresh citrus aroma. Do this every two weeks, along with proper cleaning, and your unit should will remain odor free.

Sooner or later, even a well-maintained garbage disposal will need to be repaired or replaced.  If that time is now, contact P.C. Plumbing, Heating, AC & Remodeling for the best in home plumbing services.  And remember:  with PC, you always get a guaranteed upfront price quote.