You’ve got dinner simmering on the stove, but as soon as you walk into the kitchen, something stops you in your tracks — that awful, funky smell drifting up from the sink. Yep, it’s the garbage disposal again.
If your garbage disposal in Denver smells bad, don’t panic. It’s one of the most common kitchen complaints we hear from homeowners. The good news? In most cases, you can fix it yourself with a few simple cleaning tricks, and a little bit of prevention goes a long way to keeping those odors from coming back.
Let’s dive into why your garbage disposer smells, how to clean it the right way, and when it’s time to call the Denver plumbers or Centennial plumbers at Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical for a deeper fix.
Garbage disposers work hard every day, grinding up food waste and sending it down the drain. Over time, small food particles, grease, and residue can get trapped in the disposal blades, splash guard, or even further down the drainpipe. When that organic material starts to break down — hello, bad smells.
Here are the most common culprits:
In Denver homes, especially older ones, disposers can also connect to dishwashers or older plumbing setups where food residue collects more easily. If you’ve got a musty or sour smell that keeps coming back, it might not just be surface grime.
Before you get your hands anywhere near the disposer, turn it off — and if possible, unplug it or flip the breaker. Accidents can happen even with the switch off.
Avoid putting your hand inside the disposal. Instead, use a brush, scrub pad, or tongs if you need to reach in.
Run cold water while using the disposal (and never hot water with grease — it can melt and re-solidify down the line).
You don’t need fancy products to make your kitchen smell fresh again. Most of what you need is probably already in your pantry.
Start with a good scrub around the sink flange and rubber splash guard — that black ring right inside the drain. Lift the flaps and clean underneath them. You’ll be surprised how much gunk hides there!
Use a sponge or old toothbrush with a little dish soap. Wipe away any visible residue or food particles.
Bell Pro Tip: If your kitchen sink is stainless steel, this step doubles as a polish. A little baking soda paste will shine things up nicely.
Once the visible parts are clean, it’s time to rinse out the rest of the disposal chamber.
This sends a soapy, bubbling wave through the disposal and pipes — washing away bits of food and residue you can’t reach.
This one’s a favorite among our Bell plumbing technicians. It’s simple, effective, and oddly satisfying.
The ice scrubs the blades while the salt helps scour away grime. You’ll hear it crunch — that’s a good sign!
Now that it’s clean, you can make it smell great again.
If the smell sticks around even after cleaning, it could be coming from deeper in the drain or dishwasher connection.
Try running a mixture of hot water and dish soap down the sink while the disposal runs. You can also remove and rinse the P-trap (that U-shaped pipe under the sink) — but only if you’re comfortable doing light plumbing work.
If you’re not sure or if there’s any sign of sewage smell, it’s best to call a professional plumber. Persistent odors could indicate a clogged vent or a failing seal.
Keeping your garbage disposal fresh is mostly about good habits. Here are a few easy routines to follow:
Even if you don’t cook every day, run your disposer with cold water once or twice a week. This prevents residue from drying out and keeps the blades moving freely.
Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal for about 15 seconds each time. This helps wash food particles all the way down the drain.
Avoid:
Once a month, do a quick cleaning: ice and salt, followed by a citrus peel or baking soda flush. Set a reminder on your phone or add it to your home maintenance checklist.
In Denver’s dry climate, drains can dry out if you’re away for long periods (like summer vacations). Before you leave, run some water and a little baking soda through the disposer to keep things fresh while you’re gone.
If you’ve tried everything and that smell just won’t go away, it’s time to bring in the experts. Some smells come from deeper plumbing issues that DIY cleaning can’t fix.
You might need a professional if:
At Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we’ve been helping Denver homeowners with plumbing issues for over a century. Whether you need a deep drain clean, a new garbage disposer, or just some expert advice, we’re here to help — fast, friendly, and local.
A smelly garbage disposer might make your kitchen feel less inviting, but it’s usually an easy fix. With regular cleaning and smart habits, you can keep odors away for good — and keep your kitchen smelling as fresh as a Colorado morning.
If you’re in the Denver metro area and your garbage disposal smells no matter what you try, reach out to Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical. We’ll help you pinpoint the problem, clean it safely, and get your kitchen back to smelling great in no time.
Call us today or schedule online to book a garbage disposal cleaning or inspection with one of our trusted plumbers!
We’re ready to answer your questions or schedule your appointment, call now or book online!
