How to Remove the Stench From a Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are a convenient way to dispose of organic kitchen waste. Often the disposal is not run long enough to remove all the waste from the disposal. When this happens over time, the disposal begins to emit a foul odor. Removing the stench from a garbage disposal usually only requires some light cleaning and a lemon. The key to keeping the odor down is to completely get rid of organic waste before shutting the disposal off during daily use.

Dish soap
Rag
Lemon
Knife
Ice cubes

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a small bowl with 1 tbsp. of liquid dish soap and warm water. Wash the rubber flaps on the rim of the garbage disposal flange using a rag dipped in the dish soap solution. Get under the flaps real well to remove the slime that builds up over time.
- 2
  Place the stopper in the drain and fill the sink 2/3 full with cold water. Squirt 2 tbsp. of liquid dish detergent into the sink while the water is running.
- 3
  Pull the plug out of the drain and immediately turn on the garbage disposal. The blades of the garbage disposal create a vortex as the water is draining, washing the inside of the disposal. Turn of the disposal prior to the sink emptying completely.
- 4
  Fill the garbage disposal half way with ice cubes. Cut a whole lemon into four equal quarters with a kitchen knife. Place the lemon into the garbage disposal.
- 5
  Turn on the disposal for 15 seconds to chew up the ice cubes and lemon pieces. Turn off the garbage disposal and leave the lemon pieces and remaining ice in the disposal for 30 minutes.
- 6
  Run cold water and turn on the disposal to completely clear the drain. Allow the disposal to run for one minute after the lemon pieces are gone. Turn off the water and turn off the garbage disposal.

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