Disposer has an Odor
How to Clean your Maytag Food Disposer to Remove Odor
Unpleasant smells from a garbage disposer usually point to food residue, grease, or standing water lingering where it shouldn’t. If your disposer has an odor or you notice an odor coming from garbage disposal components, the upside is that most garbage disposal odors can be cleared with careful cleaning and a few simple habit changes. Use the guidance below to pinpoint the source, clean safely with common household items, and keep your disposer fresh. If you’ve been asking “why does my garbage disposal smell,” the steps here address the most common causes of a stinky garbage disposal.
Over time, food particles may accumulate in the grinding chamber and baffle. An odor from the disposer is usually a sign of grease and food buildup, caused by insufficient water flow during and after disposal use.
There are three recommended ways to clean a disposer to help remove odors:
- Use affresh® Disposer Cleaner
- Follow the baking soda procedure below
- Grind Citrus peelings
Why Your Disposer Smells
Garbage disposal smells often develop when food particles collect on the grind ring or under the splash guard, when grease coats the chamber and traps debris, or when slow-draining plumbing leaves water sitting in the disposer. These conditions allow residue to break down and create a stinky garbage disposal.
Bacteria feed on leftover food and greasy films. Stagnant water in the chamber or drain lines can produce sour or sulfur-like odors. Even small amounts of buildup can result in noticeable garbage disposal odors over time. If you’re wondering “why does my garbage disposal smell,” these are the most frequent reasons for garbage disposal smelling issues.
How to Clean a Disposer to Remove Odor
Begin with safety. Turn off the disposer at the wall switch and unplug it if possible, or switch off power at the circuit breaker. Do not place your hand into the disposer unless power is off. Remove visible debris at the sink opening with tongs. Lift the splash guard flaps and wipe underneath with a cloth to address odor coming from garbage disposal splash areas.
Clean the splash guard thoroughly. If your model allows removal, take it out; otherwise, lift each flap and scrub both sides with dish soap and a small brush. Built-up film here is a frequent odor source behind garbage disposal smells. After scrubbing, run hot water for 30–60 seconds to flush loosened residue.
affresh® method (recommended):
- Turn on the hot water to low-flow
- Place 1 affresh® Tablet in the disposer
- Turn on the disposer for 15 - 30 seconds; Foam may rise.
- Turn off the disposer.
- Rinse any remaining foam down the drain
Baking Soda Method:
- Turn off the disposer and disconnect the power supply.
- Reach through the sink opening and clean the underside of the splash baffle and the inside upper lip of the grind chamber with a scouring pad.
- Place the stopper in the sink opening and fill the sink halfway with warm water.
- Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with water. Turn the disposer on and remove the stopper from the sink simultaneously to wash away loose particles.
Citrus Peelings Method:
Grind your citrus peelings in your disposer regularly for a fresh, fruity scent. Always run cold water with your disposer and allow water to run for at least 15 seconds after grinding.
Preventing Future Disposer Odors
- Run a strong stream of cold water before, during, and for 15 seconds after use to move particles through the trap and prevent garbage disposal smells.
- Avoid putting grease, oil, or fatty foods down the disposer. Grind fibrous items sparingly and cut large pieces into smaller portions.
- Operate the disposer regularly to prevent stagnation, and grind a few citrus peels occasionally for a fresh scent between cleanings to keep odor coming from garbage disposal parts at bay.
- Use manufacturer-approved cleaners as directed to help break down residue without damaging components that can lead to a stinky garbage disposal.
- Inspect the splash guard monthly; replace it if torn, warped, or permanently greasy, as worn guards trap odors and can reduce performance. Use only parts and accessories approved for your model to maintain safety and protect warranty coverage.
If you would like to download or view product literature for your appliance, please visit our Manuals and Literature page.
Cleans even where you can't see
affresh® cleans deep inside your appliances reaching components such as the tub, racks, pump, valves, drain, and recirculation hoses.
Cleaners are available at many retailers or can be purchased here at affresh®.
