Stinky garbage disposal?

Question

My garbage disposal literally smells like a stinky skunk today! I heard that baking soda, and lemons work. Already tried ice cubes- didnt get rid of the smell. If I get baking soda, how much do I need to put down there? Also when I pour it down there, do I need to run the water and the disposal at the same time? Also , If I decide to use a lemon, what do I do with it? cut it up and throw it down there? thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Baking soda:

Sprinkle the dry powder and let it sit.  Start with a 1/4 box and add more if the smell lingers after a while.  The odor removal properties work best when dry.  (This also works for your refrigerator, open a box top and place it at the rear, or on the door.)

Lemon:

It will mask the smell, and the acid might break down some of the fatty residues that are causing it.  Drop a half lemon and grind it up for a while into small pieces under a slow stream of  water.  (You don't want to completely flush the lemon away.)

In both cases, you want the lemon/baking soda to sit within the unit to take action.

Good luck!

Answer 2

If you've ever run grease or greasy foods down into the disposal, you may need to run very hot water for about 5 minutes to melt any gunky buildup and then do the other lemon/ice remedies.  Are you sure nothing is stuck inside the disposal (of course be careful when sticking your hand down in there!)

Answer 3

I like to use a grapefruit. The wonderful aroma is intoxicating! I cut it into quarters and feed it in one at a time. Good luck!

Answer 4

run some water and then empty the box of baking soda into the drain....let it sit for a bit and then flush will running the disposal...  as for lemons, the disposal would have no problem grinding up half lemons.... orange peels also help with odor... best thing is to make sure you don't leave food inside the disposal.. run it long enough to flush everything out....

Answer 5

Dump coffee grounds in the garbage disposer, and turn it on. Do not turn on water.

Coffee ground can be used for 'de-stink" all your sinks, the shower, etc.  It is a good preventive maintanance item.  An since it is suluable, you do not have to worry about clogging the pipes.

Answer 6

I usually use a whole lemon. I just take it with the garbage disposal on and water running, and toss it into the sinkhole. If you do it like that, keep it running for a bit because it takes a while to "swallow". Good Luck :]