386-752-8656The holidays bring plenty of cooking, cleaning, and kitchen chaos. And that means your garbage disposal is working overtime. With all the extra food prep and cleanup, it’s not unusual for unpleasant odors to develop. If you’ve noticed a lingering stink coming from your sink, it’s time to take action before hosting guests or preparing the next big meal.
At Barrs Plumbing Inc., we want to help you keep your kitchen fresh and your plumbing running smoothly throughout the season. Here’s what those odors really mean, how to clean your disposal safely, and when it’s time to call in the pros.
Why Does My Garbage Disposal Smell?
A stinky garbage disposal is usually a sign that food debris has become stuck somewhere inside the grinding chamber or along the drain. Over time, these particles break down and release unpleasant odors. The most common causes include:
- Food buildup on the sides or underside of the disposal
- Oil or grease that has solidified inside the system
- Fibrous or starchy food scraps that stick instead of grinding
- A clogged or slow-draining line
The good news is that most odors can be cleaned quickly and easily with a few simple steps.
DIY Cleaning: A Quick and Easy Freshening Trick
Before you call for service, try this safe and effective DIY cleaning method to neutralize odors and break down stuck debris:
- Turn off the disposal.
- Place a few pieces of lemon peel inside. The natural oils help freshen the disposal and break down residue.
- Sprinkle in a small amount of baking soda. This helps neutralize odors.
- Turn the disposal on while running cold water.
This combination helps scrub away buildup and leaves your disposal smelling clean and bright. It’s a fast, simple trick that’s perfect for routine maintenance—especially during the holidays.
What You Can and Can’t Put Down Your Garbage Disposal
Knowing what belongs in the disposal is just as important as knowing how to clean it. A few simple guidelines can prevent clogs, odors, and mechanical issues.
Safe to Grind:
- Soft, biodegradable food scraps
- Small citrus peels (great for freshening!)
- Cooked vegetables
- Small pieces of fruit
Keep These Out:
- Grease, fats, and oils (they harden and cause clogs)
- Coffee grounds
- Onion skins
- Eggshell membranes
- Pasta, rice, and starchy foods
- Large bones or pits
- Fibrous vegetables like celery or corn husks
Following these guidelines will help your disposal run smoothly and prevent the buildup that leads to bad smells.
When to Call Barrs Plumbing Inc.
If you’ve tried cleaning your disposal and the odor still won’t go away, there may be a deeper issue—such as a clog, a damaged grinding chamber, or a problem further down the pipe. You should also reach out if you notice:
- A disposal that won’t turn on
- Loud or unusual noises
- Frequent jams
- Slow drainage
- Water backing up into the sink
A professional plumber can quickly diagnose the issue and restore your disposal to proper working order, preventing bigger problems during the holidays.
Keep Your Kitchen Fresh This Holiday Season
Between cooking, entertaining, and cleanup, the last thing you should stress about is a smelly garbage disposal. A little maintenance goes a long way—but when DIY fixes aren’t enough, we’re here to help.
If your disposal still stinks or you’re having trouble keeping it running, contact Barrs Plumbing Inc. today. We’ll get your kitchen back in shape fast—because at Barrs Plumbing, we treat your home like it’s our own!