How to Clean a Garbage Disposal and Remove Bad Odors

Dealing with a smelly kitchen sink can be frustrating, especially when the source is your garbage disposal. Over time, food particles, grease, and debris can build up inside the unit, creating unpleasant odors that spread throughout the kitchen. Many homeowners search for solutions and often ask how to clean a garbage disposal and remove bad odors, but they also wonder how to handle clogs when the system stops working properly. That’s when the question of how to unclog a garbage disposal comes into play.

If your garbage disposal smells or refuses to drain, you’re not alone. From dealing with standing water to figuring out the best way to unclog a garbage disposal, this guide will help you clean, freshen, and maintain your unit. And when DIY fixes don’t work, contacting an Eagle Rock Plumber is the best solution.

Why Does a Garbage Disposal Smell?

A garbage disposal is designed to grind food scraps and wash them away, but when waste sticks to the walls, blades, or pipes, odors start to form. The main causes of bad smells include:

• Food buildup – Bits of food often cling to the sides and don’t fully wash down, leading to bacterial growth.

• Grease and oil – Fats congeal inside the disposal, creating sticky residue that traps odors.

• Clogs and blockages – A garbage disposal drain clogged with food or grease not only causes a smell but also leads to standing water.

• Old units – Worn-out disposals lose grinding power, leaving larger food chunks that rot over time.

If ignored, these issues can make your sink unbearable and may even require professional service from plumbers in Eagle Rock CA.

Signs That Your Garbage Disposal Needs Cleaning or Unclogging

Not every bad odor means your disposal is clogged, but certain warning signs suggest you need to act quickly. You might notice:

• A persistent rotten smell even after running water.

• Water pooling in the sink because the garbage disposal is not draining.

• Loud humming noises while the motor runs but blades don’t spin.

• Food particles backing up in the sink.

• Frequent resets after turning the unit on.

These symptoms often mean the disposal needs more than just cleaning it may require a deep unclogging.

How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal (Step-by-Step)

How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal Safely

When odors are accompanied by drainage issues, it’s time to learn how to unclog a garbage disposal. Always remember safety first, never put your hands directly into the unit. Follow these steps instead:

• Turn off the power – Switch off the unit and unplug it. For extra safety, turn off the breaker connected to the kitchen.

• Check for visible obstructions – Shine a flashlight into the disposal. If you see food or small objects, use pliers or tongs to remove them.

• Reset the disposal – Press the red reset button at the bottom of the unit. Many times, this restarts the motor after a jam.

• Use an Allen wrench – Insert the wrench into the socket at the bottom and twist back and forth. This loosens stuck blades.

• Flush with hot water – If you’re dealing with unclog garbage disposal with standing water, pour boiling water slowly to break up grease and debris.

• Try baking soda and vinegar – For extra cleaning, add a cup of baking soda followed by vinegar. Allow it to fizz before rinsing with hot water.

If these steps don’t work, the issue may be more serious, and you’ll need an emergency plumber Eagle Rock.

Best Way to Unclog a Garbage Disposal and Remove Odors

While there are many DIY tricks online, the best way to unclog a garbage disposal is to combine cleaning with preventative care. After clearing the clog, make sure you eliminate odor-causing residue by:

• Running ice cubes with rock salt through the unit to scrape off food buildup.

• Using citrus peels (like lemon or orange) to freshen the smell naturally.

• Flushing the drain weekly with hot water to prevent a garbage disposal drain clogged with grease.

• Grinding small batches of food instead of overloading the system.

This process keeps the blades sharp, the pipes clear, and your kitchen smelling fresh.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Garbage Disposal Not Draining

When your garbage disposal is not draining, it means there’s a blockage in the drainpipe or within the disposal chamber itself. Ignoring it can lead to:

• Standing water that encourages bacteria growth and bad smells.

• Extra strain on your disposal motor, causing it to burn out.

• Blockages that spread further into your plumbing system, requiring costly repairs.

If the clog persists after DIY methods, don’t wait to call a plumber Eagle Rock before the situation escalates.

Professional Help for Garbage Disposal Problems in Eagle Rock

DIY methods are helpful for minor issues, but some problems need professional tools and expertise. If your garbage disposal drain clogged repeatedly or if the unit keeps humming without grinding, it’s time to get help.

At Derks Plumbing, our plumbers in Eagle Rock CA are skilled in diagnosing and fixing garbage disposal issues quickly. Whether it’s unclogging, repairing leaks, or replacing an old unit, we provide solutions tailored to your needs. For urgent problems, we also offer emergency plumber Eagle Rock services so your kitchen is back in working order without delay.

Tips to Prevent Bad Odors and Clogs in Your Garbage Disposal

Once your disposal is clean and unclogged, regular maintenance will keep it that way. Here are habits to adopt:

• Run cold water for 20–30 seconds before and after using the disposal.

• Avoid putting grease, coffee grounds, rice, pasta, or fibrous vegetables down the drain.

• Clean the rubber splash guard regularly, as it traps food particles.

• Schedule yearly inspections with a trusted Eagle Rock plumber to catch problems early.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to unclog a garbage disposal and clean it properly is essential for keeping your kitchen fresh and functional. While regular maintenance and DIY solutions can handle minor problems, persistent clogs or odors require professional help. If your garbage disposal not draining or if you’re struggling with a garbage disposal drain clogged, don’t wait until the issue worsens.

Trust Derks Plumbing for expert service in Eagle Rock. Our experienced plumbers in Eagle Rock CA and reliable emergency plumber Eagle Rock team are always ready to restore your kitchen’s plumbing. For fast, effective, and affordable garbage disposal solutions, contact us today and let your trusted plumber Eagle Rock handle the rest.

For more information: How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal

FAQs

Why does my garbage disposal smell even after cleaning?
Residual food particles or grease may still be stuck inside the blades or drain. Deep cleaning with ice, salt, or professional service may be needed.

Can I use drain cleaner if my garbage disposal drain clogged?
No. Harsh chemicals can damage the disposal’s blades and pipes. Instead, try hot water, vinegar, or call a professional.

What’s the safest method to unclog garbage disposal with standing water?
Turn off the power, clear visible obstructions with pliers, then flush with hot water and baking soda before resetting the unit.

How do I know when to replace instead of repair my garbage disposal?
If the unit frequently clogs, makes loud noises, or is more than 10 years old, replacement may be more cost-effective than repair.

Can an emergency plumber Eagle Rock fix my garbage disposal the same day?
Yes. Professional plumbers carry the tools needed to clear tough clogs or install a new unit if required, often in a single visit.