When it comes to your home's plumbing system, and, in particular, your garbage disposal, you may have heard a thing or two about what helps to get rid of those horrible smells and can help to unclog your drains, etc. If you happen to have a garbage disposal, you might know that from time to time that it gives off a foul odor. This smell is most likely due to the fact you are putting some unwanted leftovers or food particles (that should have been placed in the trash) down the drain. Even though you might feel compelled to grab a lemon out of your fridge, chop it up, and then put it in your garbage disposal, you should never do that.

Why skip grabbing a lemon?

What most homeowners don't know is that although lemons (and other fruits) provide a fresh citrusy smell to the room, the acid from the lemons can corrode the inside of your garbage disposal. Most of us even know that lemons are acidic, but forget to put two and two together when it comes to a metal disposal inside the sink.

If you want to help get rid of that smell, we recommend putting ice down the garbage disposal to essentially chip off any leftover food that has been building up inside the sink. Although it may not give you that fresh smell, it will help to get rid of any old food that is causing the smell to begin with.

Here are some other garbage disposal dos and don'ts:

  • Do make it a point to help ensure that your garbage disposal is clean and free of debris after you wash dishes. You can do this by pouring a small amount of dish soap inside your disposal, turning it on, and then turning the cold water on.
  • Do make it a goal to run your garbage disposal daily. Doing so will help to prevent corrosion and rust, as well help guarantee that it is still in working order.
  • Don't ever pour grease, or put ANY fibrous material in your garbage disposal. Doing so will likely cause your pipes to clog and/or the machine to break.
  • Don't pour harsh chemicals in your garbage disposal, doing so can cause some damage to its blades over time.

If you believe that you are guilty of any of these don'ts and/or have done everything you can to get rid of that smell coming from your garbage disposal, unclog your pipes, etc., it's time to call a professional plumbing company!