5 ways to deodorize a smelly garbage disposal

If you’re looking for a natural approach to deodorizing a smelly garbage disposal, try these five common household items to do the job.

Mouthwash

If it’s safe to use in your mouth then it’s safe to use in your garbage disposal. Pour a cup down your garbage disposal and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Baking soda

Baking soda is made of bicarbonate of soda which is a natural deodorizer that neutralizes and eliminates odors on contact. Pour some down your garbage disposal, wait a few minutes, and rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Baking soda plus vinegar

If baking soda alone isn’t helping, use baking soda with some vinegar thrown in. The acid in the vinegar combined with the baking soda creates a chemical reaction that kills really nasty smells. Use about half a cup of baking soda and vinegar. The key here is to allow enough time for this combination to work its magic. So, let it sit for about 15 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Ice and table salt

Plain old ice cubes and table salt poured down a garbage disposal helps to remove stuck on food from the blades and eliminate odor.

Citrus fruits

Lemons, limes, oranges or grapefruits are excellent for removing stubborn odors and leaving a clean, fresh scent behind. You can use the peels only or the entire fruit.