How to Keep a Garbage Disposal Smelling Clean and Fresh

Your garbage disposal might be out of sight, but it shouldn’t be out of mind — especially when it starts stinking like last week’s leftovers. Even the cleanest kitchens can get hit with funky odors when food particles and grease build up inside the disposal. At Lone Star Spotless Cleaners, we’ve got the go-to methods for keeping your garbage disposal fresh, clean, and running smoothly — without the gag reflex.

Start with a Good Scrub

First things first, turn off the power to your disposal. Then take a brush or an old toothbrush and scrub the rubber splash guard (that flappy rubber ring where food goes in). This area is a hotspot for food buildup and gunk. Lift each flap and clean underneath with hot, soapy water or a baking soda paste.

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

One of the most effective — and satisfying — ways to clean your disposal is the baking soda + vinegar volcano method. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of vinegar. Let it fizz and sit for 10–15 minutes to break down buildup and kill odors. Then rinse with hot water while running the disposal.

Ice Cubes + Citrus = Double Duty

For deodorizing and sharpening the blades at the same time, toss a few ice cubes and lemon or orange peels into the disposal. Run cold water and turn the unit on. The ice helps knock off stuck debris while the citrus oils freshen things up naturally. Do this once a week to maintain that clean smell.

Don’t Feed It the Wrong Stuff

To prevent future odors, avoid putting things like grease, coffee grounds, egg shells, or fibrous vegetables (like celery or corn husks) down the drain. These items don’t break down easily and can lead to clogs, stink, and expensive repairs. Stick to soft food scraps and run cold water before, during, and after each use.

Need a Deeper Clean? Let Us Handle It

Sometimes that disposal funk just won’t quit. That’s when it’s time to call the pros. Lone Star Spotless Cleaners offers deep kitchen and appliance cleaning in Houston, including garbage disposal sanitizing as part of our comprehensive services. We’ll get rid of the stink and keep your sink area fresh, clean, and guest-ready.