If your garbage disposal is starting to emit a musty, mildewy odor, it likely means there is built up food debris and gunk causing mold growth inside the unit. Moldy smells from the disposal are commonly caused by food particles getting trapped and starting to rot, especially starchy and sugary foods. Fruit and vegetable peels, egg shells, coffee grounds, and small bones can also get lodged in the disposal blades and grinding ring. Over time, this stuck-on debris provides the perfect breeding ground for mold.
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What causes mold to grow in a garbage disposal?
There are a few key factors that can lead to mold growth in your garbage disposal:
- Food build-up – Leftover food debris provides a food source for mold to grow. Starchy foods like rice, pasta, and potatoes are especially prone to sticking.
- Moist environment – The inside of a garbage disposal is damp and humid, perfect conditions for mold.
- Lack of cleaning – Not regularly cleaning the disposal allows gunk and food particles to accumulate.
- Infrequent use – Using your disposal infrequently doesn’t allow enough water flow to flush out debris. The standing water encourages mold.
Small bits of food get caught in the crevices and grinding parts of the disposal. As this debris starts to rot and decay, mold spores landing inside the disposal can feed on the organic matter. The wet, enclosed environment also allows the mold colony to flourish.
How to clean a smelly garbage disposal
Getting rid of a moldy odor from the garbage disposal involves cleaning out any built-up gunk and food debris. Here are some tips for cleaning and deodorizing a smelly disposal:
- Remove splash guard – The removable plastic shield under the sink needs to come off to access the inner workings.
- Clean grinding parts – Use a cleaning brush to scrub the grinding ring and blades inside the disposal to dislodge any stuck-on bits.
- Flush with hot water – Run the hot water tap for several minutes to wash away loosened debris.
- Deodorize with baking soda – Pour 1⁄2 cup of baking soda down the drain and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.
- Scrub with vinegar – Use a vinegar-soaked dish scrubber to wipe the inside walls and grind ring. Let it sit briefly before running the disposal.
- Freshen with citrus – Toss citrus peels into the disposal and turn it on to help neutralize odors.
- Add bleach – Mix 1 cup bleach with 5 gallons of water and pour or scrub inside the unit. Let it sit 15 minutes before rinsing.
Taking the disposal apart to thoroughly clean all the hidden crevices can help remove a stubborn mold smell. Just be sure to unplug the unit first!
How to prevent future mold growth
Once you’ve eliminated the current mold problem, there are steps you can take to prevent the smell from returning:
- Remove scraps first – Empty the disposal contents into the trash before washing dishes to avoid leftover bits going down the drain.
- Grind ice – Add some ice cubes to the disposal and grind them up occasionally to clean the insides.
- Flush with hot water – Always run hot water for 30 seconds before and after using the disposal.
- Use often – Run the disposal at least once a week to keep things flowing freely.
- Clean with baking soda – Put 1/2 cup baking soda in the disposal and flush with vinegar once a month.
Avoid putting starchy foods down the disposal if possible. Composting vegetable and fruit scraps is an even better way to keep them out of the plumbing altogether.
When to call a plumber
If you’ve thoroughly cleaned the disposal and tried to remove a mold smell to no avail, it may require professional servicing. Some signs it’s time to call a plumber include:
- Persistent bad odor
- Visible mold growth
- Water backing up
- Leaking unit
- Loud grinding noises
- Tripped electrical switch
A plumber has the specialized tools and expertise to fully disconnect, dismantle, and clean out your garbage disposal. They can diagnose any underlying issues and advise if repairs or replacement are needed. Mold growth can damage disposal parts over time.
When to replace a garbage disposal
If the inner components of the disposal are corroded or deteriorating due to extensive mold, a full unit replacement may be required. Here are some signs it’s time to replace your garbage disposal:
- It’s over 10 years old
- Repair costs exceed 50% of a new unit
- It’s leaking from multiple points
- The motor is constantly jamming
- It turns very slowly and lacks grinding power
- It shows extensive rust or corrosion
New garbage disposals have come a long way in power and efficiency. A noisy, underperforming model can often benefit from upgrading to a newer one. This provides a fresh start without any built up gunk inside.
Conclusion
A moldy smell coming from your garbage disposal is a common issue caused by food buildup inside. Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent mold growth and odors. But if the smell persists despite your best efforts, it’s a sign that professional attention is needed. Call a plumber if DIY remedies don’t eliminate the smell to have your unit inspected and cleaned properly or replaced if necessary.
| Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Food build-up | Clean disposal and grind ice regularly |
| Wet environment | Run water before and after using disposal |
| Lack of use | Run disposal at least weekly |
| Infrequent cleaning | Use baking soda and vinegar treatment monthly |
Following proper garbage disposal hygiene and maintenance habits can help avoid unpleasant mold odors. But if smells persist despite your best efforts, professional attention may be required. Contact a plumber to diagnose and fix the issue.
Related Questions
Why does my garbage disposal smell like rotten eggs?
A rotten egg smell coming from the garbage disposal usually indicates there is debris buildup causing sulfur gases to be released. Make sure to run plenty of water while operating the disposal and clean it regularly with baking soda and vinegar to prevent blockages.
Why does my garbage disposal water smell bad?
Standing water in a garbage disposal can cause foul odors. Make sure to run water before and after using the disposal to flush out any debris. Clean the unit regularly with baking soda and citrus peels to keep it fresh smelling.
How do I get rid of mold in my garbage disposal?
To clean mold out of a garbage disposal: remove the splash guard, scrub the interior with a brush, flush with hot water, scrub with bleach or vinegar solution, and toss in citrus peels while running to freshen the smell. Prevent future mold by cleaning regularly.
Products to Eliminate Garbage Disposal Odors
Disposal Cleaners
- Goo Gone Disposer Care Foaming Cleaner
- Rid-X Septic Treatment
- Clorox Disinfecting Disposer Cleaner
- Affresh Disposal Cleaner
Deodorizers
- Plink Garbage Disposal Deodorizer and Cleaner
- Sani Sticks Disposal Deodorizers
- Clorox Disinfecting Disposer Deodorizing Pacs
- Lemi Shine Disposal Deodorizer
Fresheners
- Jet-Dry Rinse Agent
- Citrus Fruit Peels
- Baking Soda
- White Vinegar