How to Clean a Garbage Disposal Naturally (And Get Rid of That Smell)

Please note: This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

If your kitchen smells fine… until you turn on the garbage disposal, you’re not alone. Garbage disposals are basically tiny food traps hiding under your sink, quietly collecting old food bits, grease residue, and mystery gunk you’d rather not think about.

The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals, fancy cleaners, or anything scary to fix it. With a few simple, non-toxic ingredients you probably already have at home, you can clean your garbage disposal naturally, eliminate odors, and keep it running smoothly.

Let’s get into it.

A countertop displays baking soda, lemon halves, ice cubes, a bottle of vinegar, and a small brush beside text reading, How to clean garbage disposal naturally.

Why Garbage Disposals Start to Smell

Garbage disposals don’t usually smell because they’re “dirty” — they smell because food residue sticks around longer than it should.

Common causes include:

Small food particles trapped under the rubber splash guard
Grease and oil coating the inside walls
Soft food buildup that never fully flushes away
Standing moisture with no airflow

Natural cleaning works so well here because the goal isn’t just to disinfect — it’s to break down buildup, neutralize odors, and flush everything out.

The Best Natural Way to Clean a Garbage Disposal

This method is simple, effective, and gentle on your plumbing.

What You’ll Need

½ cup baking soda
1 cup white vinegar
Hot water
Dish brush or old toothbrush
Tongs (optional but helpful)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Turn off the disposal
Make sure the disposal is completely off. You won’t be reaching deep, but safety first.
Add baking soda
Pour ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drain.
Pour in vinegar
Slowly add 1 cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz and bubble for 5–10 minutes. This helps loosen food residue and neutralize odors.
Scrub the splash guard
Lift the rubber guard and gently scrub the underside with a brush. This is often where the worst smells hide.
Flush with hot water
Run hot water for 30–60 seconds to rinse everything away.

That’s it — clean, fresh, and chemical-free.

A hand pours baking soda from a small bowl into a stainless steel sink drain to clean garbage disposal. A glass measuring cup with clear liquid, likely vinegar or water, sits nearby.

How to Deep Clean a Garbage Disposal (Once in a While)

If your disposal smells extra questionable or hasn’t been cleaned in a long time, try this deeper clean.

Ice + Salt Method

This helps scrub the inside walls naturally.

Add 1–2 cups of ice cubes into the disposal
Sprinkle in ½ cup coarse salt
Turn on cold water and run the disposal for 20–30 seconds

The ice helps knock debris loose while the salt gently scours the interior.

How to Deodorize Your Garbage Disposal Naturally

If odor is your main issue, these quick fixes work great between deep cleans.

Citrus Peel Refresh

Toss a few lemon, lime, or orange peels into the disposal
Run cold water and turn it on for 15–20 seconds

This freshens things up without masking odors.

Baking Soda Overnight Trick

Sprinkle baking soda into the disposal before bed
Rinse it out with hot water in the morning

Perfect for lingering smells.

What Not to Put in Your Garbage Disposal

Even the cleanest disposal can start smelling if it’s used the wrong way. Avoid:

Grease, oil, or fat
Coffee grounds
Eggshells
Pasta, rice, or starchy foods
Fibrous foods like celery or corn husks

These items either coat the disposal or get stuck and break down slowly — hello, odors.

How Often Should You Clean Your Garbage Disposal?

Light cleaning: once a week
Deep cleaning: once a month
Quick deodorizing: anytime you notice a smell

Consistency matters more than intensity here.

Troubleshooting: If Your Disposal Still Smells

If odors keep coming back, try this checklist:

Scrub the underside of the splash guard again (it’s usually the culprit)
Run hot water longer after each use
Avoid grease entirely — even “a little bit” adds up
Try the ice + salt method weekly for a month

If smells persist after all of that, it may be time to check for plumbing issues below the sink.

FAQs

Can I use bleach to clean my garbage disposal?
You can, but it’s not necessary and not ideal. Bleach doesn’t remove buildup well and can damage pipes over time. Natural methods work just as well.

Is vinegar safe for garbage disposals?
Yes. Occasional use is perfectly safe and effective for odor control and light cleaning.

Can I use essential oils?
A drop or two mixed with baking soda is fine for scent, but avoid pouring oils directly down the drain.

Should I use hot or cold water with the disposal?
Use cold water while running the disposal and hot water afterward to flush the drain.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your garbage disposal naturally doesn’t have to be complicated or gross. A few simple ingredients, a little consistency, and knowing where smells actually come from makes all the difference.

Fresh kitchen, fewer odors, and no harsh chemicals — exactly how we like it.

Other DIY Cleaning Solutions You Might Like:

A bowl of baking soda, a bottle of vinegar, lemon halves, ice cubes, and a cleaning brush surround text that reads, Bye, garbage disposal smell. An easy, natural way to clean garbage disposal.

Please note: This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

Idea Factory Staff

Articles credited to IdeaFactory Staff are written by trusted contributors who share a passion for DIY, home decor, crafting, and everyday creativity. Each piece is reviewed and edited by Lynn Kerr to ensure it meets Idea Factory’s standards for clarity, usefulness, and hands-on practicality.