Garbage disposals are a convenience that can quickly turn into a nightmare if not properly maintained by professional plumbing services. Over time, garbage disposals can play host to disease-causing microbes that make their presence known when spewing foul odors.
The rancid smells are due to the mold and other bacteria decomposing the organic matter left behind in the garbage disposals. Fortunately, competent plumbers who have the training and experience to deal with the issue can fix these garbage disposal problems.
While you wait, here are four homemade solutions that can temporarily alleviate the foul smells, at least until your plumber comes along and addresses the root of the problem.
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Monitor the type of food you dispose
Garbage disposals are great at doing what they are supposed to, which is pulverizing food waste into tiny bits that are easily washed away by water. That being said, particular types of food waste are just more challenging to get rid of and can regularly cause garbage disposal problems.
Here are six food types that should never be tossed inside your garbage disposal units:
- Fibrous and “stringy” food items, such as vegetables;
- Bread-based products;
- Eggshells;
- Used cooking oil and grease;
- Plastic materials; and
- Leftover bones.
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Toss in Some Citrus Peels
The only real way of getting rid of the smells coming from your garbage disposal is to have a plumber inspect and clean it thoroughly before addressing any mechanical issues. While waiting for your plumber, you can throw in several pieces of citrus peels down your garbage disposal.
While the peels won’t clean your garbage disposal, the powerful citrus oils will emit a pleasant fragrance that can overpower the unpleasant odors.
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Wash It Down With a Baking Soda and Vinegar Mixture
The combined acidity of baking soda and vinegar mixture is enough to kill many kinds of bacteria and its smells. As such, you can try pouring half a cup of baking soda and vinegar mixture down the drain.
The solution will forth and fizzle and make its way down the drain, killing foul-smelling bacteria and the odors that they emit. To maximize the solution’s effectiveness, use your sink stopper to keep the solution inside the disposal.
Finally, rinse the garbage disposal by running hot water down the drain for at least a minute. This method should get rid of a sizeable number of bacteria and eliminate unpleasant odors. However, it’s unlikely to dislodge any leftover food stuck in the unit, which will begin to smell again in a few days.
For this reason, this method is best used as a temporary solution that helps make your home liveable while waiting for professional plumbers to arrive.
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Use an Ice and Salt Mix
This method involves using ice and rock salt to kill bacteria. First, unplug the disposal unit and fill the drain with a dozen or so ice cubes and a cup of rock salt. Turn on the garbage disposal while leaving some water running, and leave it on until the blades have scraped away any waste buildup.
This method is by far the most effective home remedy, but beware, as it can damage your garbage disposal! Only use it if you have exhausted other options, such as calling a competent plumber.
Conclusion
It’s worthwhile to note that the inside of your garbage disposal is the perfect habitat for mold. Garbage disposals are generally dark and humid, and it also contains a lot of moisture from leftover food and other organic garbage trapped within it.
While eliminating the waste can be attempted by oneself, this is a dangerous endeavor, especially without any professional knowledge. For this reason, the best way to avoid a smelly garbage disposal unit is to call reliable plumbers near you to remedy the situation.
Are you looking for a licensed plumber in Charlotte, NC? Plumber Charlotte NC aims to empower Charlotte, North Carolina residents, with a directory of local plumbers who can help with garbage disposal problems and other plumbing issues. Visit our website now for more information about plumbing and the nuances of maintaining your home’s waterworks!
