Garbage disposal smells
A garbage disposal that smells almost always has rotting food stuck under the rubber splash guard or coated on the inside of the chamber. A good scrub, some ice and a habit of running more water fixes most of it. If the smell is more like sewer gas than old food, the cause is probably in the drain, not the disposal. Never put your hand into the disposal. The smell usually lives under the splash guard, not deep in the drain.
Why disposals start to smell
A disposal grinds food into small bits that water carries down the drain. Bits get caught on the underside of the rubber splash guard and stick to the walls and grinding plate, especially greasy or starchy food. There they rot and smell.
Not running enough water is the usual reason food lingers. A slow or clogged drain below the disposal can also hold dirty water that smells, and a drain that smells like rotten eggs or sewage points to a plumbing problem.
Common causes of the smell
Food rots on the underside.
Grease and starch coat the walls.
Food sits instead of washing away.
The smell is coming from below.
| You notice | Likely cause | Start at |
|---|---|---|
| Smells like rotting food | Dirty splash guard | Step 2 |
| Smell comes from inside | Buildup in the chamber | Steps 3 and 4 |
| Smell keeps coming back | Not enough water | Step 5 |
| Slow drain or sewage smell | Clogged trap or sewer gas | Step 6 |
Let's fix it
- Turn off the powerUnplug the disposal under the sink or switch off its breaker before you do any cleaning near the opening. The wall switch alone isn't enough. It's easy to bump by accident.
- Clean the splash guardThe rubber splash guard is the worst spot for smells. Lift the flaps and scrub the underside with a brush and dish soap; many can be flipped inside out or pulled out to clean. Rinse well. Use a flashlight and tongs to pull out any food you can see in the chamber, never your fingers.
- Grind ice and saltDrop in two cups of ice cubes and a half cup of coarse salt, then restore the power. Turn on the cold water and run the disposal until the grinding stops. The ice and salt scrub buildup off the grinding plate and walls.
- Freshen with baking soda and vinegarWith the disposal off, pour in a half cup of baking soda, then a cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz for 10 to 15 minutes, then flush with warm tap water, followed by cold water while running the disposal. Tossing in a few small citrus peels afterward adds a fresh smell, but it won't clean on its own.
- Run the water longerEach time you use the disposal, run cold water before, during and for about 15 to 20 seconds after grinding. That carries food all the way through the drain. Avoid pouring grease down it, and feed in scraps a little at a time.
- Check for a slow drain or sewer smellIf water drains slowly or backs up, food may be stuck in the trap below the sink, and that smells no matter how clean the disposal is. If it's a rotten-egg or sewage smell rather than old food, or it comes from other drains too, see the sewer smell guide instead.
Watch it done
- No smell from the sink after a day or two
- The splash guard looks clean underneath
- Water drains quickly
If it still smells
If the smell comes back within a day or two, food is likely stuck in the drain line or trap. Clearing the trap is a common DIY job, but have a bucket ready and turn off the disposal's power first.
If you have a dishwasher that drains into the disposal, dirty water from the dishwasher can add to the smell. Clean the dishwasher filter and make sure its drain hose loops up high under the counter so water can't flow back.
What a pro typically charges (a rough estimate; prices vary by area): A plumber's service call usually runs $150–$300. Clearing a clogged sink drain typically costs $150–$350, and replacing a disposal runs about $250–$600 installed.
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Disposal smell questions
Why does my garbage disposal smell so bad?
Rotting food under the splash guard or stuck to the chamber walls is the usual cause.
How do I get rid of garbage disposal smell?
Scrub the splash guard, grind ice and salt, and run cold water longer after each use.
Can I use bleach in my garbage disposal?
It's better not to. Dish soap, baking soda and vinegar clean it without harsh chemicals.
Why does my sink smell like sewage?
That's usually a drain or vent problem, not the disposal. A dry or clogged trap is a common cause.