Deodorize Garbage Disposal
Also filed inLivingEssential OilsAll NaturalDIYCleaning
Get rid of that smelly kitchen sink odor by deodorizing your garbage disposal. These hands-free garbage disposal cleaner tabs are especially effective drain odor eliminators for all things drain!
Cleaning out the garbage disposal is probably not on your long list of to-do’s, am we right? But, unfortunately, while there are many things to think about, cleaning the garbage disposal isn’t one of them!
However, no one wants to deal with garbage disposal smells either. So we came up with some garbage disposal cleaning tablets that involve no scrubbing; simply drop them in the drain.
In addition to these hands-free tablets, see our favorite drain odor eliminator hacks at the end of this note!
You can make a large batch of these cleaner tabs at a time, store them under the sink, and drop one into the drain anytime it needs a little refresher!
Why does our garbage disposal stink?
Sink drains with garbage disposals become storage beds for rotting foods. Food can become lodged under the impellers or in little crannies for days resulting in less-than-pleasant odors.
So keep these drain odor eliminators on hand to save you time by being prepared.
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DIY garbage disposal cleaner
As gross as it can get, deodorizing the garbage disposal was never high on our priority list. So making a hands-free cleaner was the only way this job would be done regularly.
Besides, garbage disposals are small and difficult to really clean, so instead of trying to squeeze our hand into a small hole with sharp blades, we decided to make a cleaning tab to do the work for me.
For this recipe, you will need the following:
- Baking Soda
- Salt (any salt will do)
- Lemons
- Lemon essential oil
- Silicone molds or an ice tray
How to make a disposal cleaner
- In a large bowl, combine baking soda and salt with a fork until there are no clumps.
- Zest the two lemons and add to the dry ingredients.
- Cut the two lemons in half and squeeze the juice into the dry ingredients—approximately 4 tablespoons.
- Add 15-20 drops of lemon essential oil and stir all the ingredients until well combined. You want the ingredients to hold their shape when squeezed together; add more liquid if needed.
- Use a spoon to scoop the mixture into the molds and press firmly to tightly compact the ingredients.
- Allow it to dry for 24-48 hours before using. (drying times will vary based on the size of the molds)
- Once dry, remove the tablets and store them in an airtight container. We keep mine in a small container with a lid under our sink.
How to fix a smelly garbage disposal?
Drop one tablet into the drain to deodorize the garbage disposal, turn on the water and run the disposal for several seconds.
A few key ingredients
BAKING SODA
Baking soda is quite possibly our favorite cleaning ingredient. It is a natural odor neutralizer with a whole host of cleaning uses.
Baking soda is an effective odor remover and can leave your kitchen sink smelling fresh and clean. We use it as a natural cleaning agent for our oven with premium results.
With its mild alkali properties, it can quickly dissolve dirt, grime, and grease. In addition, baking soda is effective in removing soap scum, hard water and cleaning drains.
SALT
Any salt will do for this cleaner. While we're not particularly eager to use table salt for cooking, it is a great lower-cost option for this recipe.
Salt works as an effective yet gentle cleaning agent. It can actually be used to unclog and clean drains by pouring it down the troubled drain and washing it out with hot water.
LEMONS
We love using lemon for cleaning! First off, lemons work wonderfully as a natural cleaner, but mostly we love that fresh lemon scent; great for deodorizing our garbage disposal.
Seriously, nothing is better, in our opinion!
Lemons are naturally antibacterial and antiseptic, and they act as a natural bleach because of the acid found in them.
You can drop a few lemon rinds down the drain and run the water with the disposal on for a few seconds to freshen up the drain.
LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL
Lemon essential oil has cleansing and purifying properties making it one of the best oils for cleaning. We use it in so many cleaners, including a DIY multi-purpose cleaner, homemade granite cleaner, and DIY daily shower cleaner.
You can substitute lemon for tea tree, lime, orange, rosemary, or lavender.
All these essential oils have cleansing and purifying properties, making them an excellent option for cleaning kitchen sinks, drains, and garbage disposals.
Hacks for when your kitchen sink smells
Try one of these hacks next time your kitchen sink smells:
- Pour about 1/4 cup of salt into the drain and splash a few tablespoons of water on top. Let it sit for several minutes, then wash it out with hot water.
- Quickly deodorize the garbage disposal using fruit peels. That’s right, throw the peel of an orange, lemon, or grapefruit into the disposal, turn on the water then the disposal for 20-30 seconds.
- Sprinkle baking soda into the garbage disposal, followed by a few splashes of vinegar and 10 drops of lemon essential oil. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then wash it out with water for 30 seconds.
Tips
Always run water when using the disposal.
Use cold water to keep fats and oils in their solid form in order for them to break up best and not clog drains.
Run the disposal every couple of days to break up any food stuck to the sides.
Use a sink strainer to catch larger pieces of food to avoid clogging the drain.
Wrapping up
You’ll be so glad to have these lovely-smelling kitchen sink deodorizers on hand. They are easy to make and work great!
For more great DIYs, read one of these cleaning posts next!
- DIY soap scum remover
- Homemade window cleaner
- How to easily clean a range hood
- Hands-free toilet cleaning bombs
- How to clean & get stains out of car seats
- Say goodbye to a mildewy-smelling washing machine
- How to clean wood floors
Deodorize Garbage Disposal
By the studio Ascher Prep: 5 minutes minsActive: 10 minutes minsTotal: 15 minutes mins Yield: 15 tablets
SaveSaved Pin Print These hands-free garbage disposal cleaner tabs are especially effective drain odor eliminators for all things drains! Equipment
- Silicone molds
- Glass storage jar
Ingredients
- 1 cup of baking soda
- ½ cup of salt
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested
- 15 drops of lemon essential oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine baking soda and salt with a fork until there are no clumps.
- Zest the two lemons and add to the dry ingredients.
- Squeeze the juice of both lemons into the dry ingredients.
- Add the lemon essential oil and stir all the ingredients until well combined. You want the ingredients to hold their shape when squeezed together; add a few splashes of water if needed.
- Spoon the mixture into the molds and press firmly with your fingers until tightly compacted.
- Allow them to dry for 24 hours before using. (drying times will vary based on the size of the molds)
- Once dry, remove the tablets and store them in an airtight container.
