A dirty garbage disposal can quickly become a source of unpleasant odors, bacteria buildup, and stubborn grime. If your kitchen sink smells less than fresh, it’s time for a deep clean using natural ingredients. Harsh chemical cleaners can be abrasive and harmful to your plumbing, but essential oils like Lemongrass, Tea Tree, and Rosemary offer a safe, effective, and refreshing alternative. These powerful oils help break down grease, eliminate odors, and leave your garbage disposal smelling clean and citrusy-fresh.

In this guide, we’ll share a quick and easy method to deep clean your garbage disposal using essential oils and natural ingredients like baking soda and vinegar. Not only will this method remove stubborn residue, but it will also help maintain your disposal’s efficiency and prevent future clogs. Keep reading to discover the best natural cleaning hacks for a fresh-smelling kitchen and a garbage disposal that runs like new!

Why Your Garbage Disposal Smells

A smelly garbage disposal is often caused by trapped food particles, grease buildup, and bacterial growth. Over time, food scraps can stick to the blades and inner components, leading to decomposition and unpleasant odors. Grease and oil further contribute by coating the disposal’s surfaces, making it easier for debris to cling and rot.[1] If your sink has a persistent foul smell, it’s likely due to leftover food waste that hasn’t been properly flushed out.

Another common culprit is mold and bacteria buildup in the hidden crevices of your disposal. Moisture and food residue create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to musty, sour, or rotten odors. Regular deep cleaning with natural deodorizers like Lemongrass essential oil, baking soda, and vinegar can help break down grime, kill odor-causing bacteria, and keep your kitchen sink smelling fresh.

The Common Mistake That’s Making It Worse

One of the biggest mistakes people make with their garbage disposal maintenance is using hot water while grinding greasy foods. Hot water liquefies fats and oils, allowing them to coat the blades and pipes before solidifying later, leading to stubborn buildup and foul odors. Over time, this sticky residue traps food particles, creating the perfect environment for bacteria and mold growth. Instead, always use cold water when running your disposal to keep grease solid, so it can be broken down and flushed away properly.

Another common mistake is neglecting regular deep cleaning. Simply running water and dish soap isn’t enough to eliminate grime and food buildup inside your disposal. Instead, a natural cleaning routine using baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils like Lemon or Tea Tree can help break down debris, kill odor-causing bacteria, and keep your kitchen sink smelling fresh. By avoiding these mistakes and using the right cleaning methods, you can extend the life of your garbage disposal and maintain a clean, odor-free kitchen.

How Often Should You Clean It?

To keep your garbage disposal fresh and odor-free, clean it once a week using baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils like Lemon or Tea Tree to break down food particles and eliminate odors. For a deep clean, scrub it once a month with a thorough flush to remove stubborn grime and bacteria.[2] Regular maintenance prevents clogs, improves efficiency, and extends the lifespan of your disposal while keeping your kitchen smelling fresh.

Essential Oils for a Fresh Finish

Using essential oils to clean your garbage disposal not only eliminates foul odors but also provides natural antibacterial and degreasing benefits. Edens Garden’s Natural Cleaning blend is specially formulated with purifying essential oils like Lemongrass, Tea Tree, and Rosemary, making it a powerful choice for breaking down grease and disinfecting your disposal. Simply add a few drops to a baking soda and vinegar flush or mix with water for a refreshing, all-natural deodorizer.

For extra germ-fighting power, Edens Garden’s Fighting Five blend is an excellent choice. Packed with Clove, Cinnamon, Lemon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary, this potent blend helps kill bacteria, mold, and lingering food odors. If you prefer a classic citrus scent, Edens Garden’s Lemon essential oil is a must-have for cutting through grease and leaving your kitchen sink smelling fresh. Add a few drops to your disposal before running cold water and grinding ice cubes for a deep clean and long-lasting freshness.

DIY Garbage Disposal Bombs

One way to give your sink a much-needed refresh is by making our trusty Garbage Disposal Bombs. Easy to make, and even easier to use, this little cleaner will have your disposal sparkling in no time.

What You Need

1 cup Baking soda

½ cup Citric acid

40 ml Sunflower carrier oil

2.5 ml Natural Cleaning blend

How To

Combine baking soda and citric acid. In a separate bowl, stir Natural Cleaning into Sunflower carrier oil. Then, combine dry and wet ingredients until the mixture is damp and holds together. Pack the mixture into a tablespoon and set the garbage disposal bombs out to harden on a piece of parchment. Allow the disposal bombs to harden overnight, then transfer to a container.

To use, simply drop 1-2 disposal bombs into your garbage disposal. Pour about a cup of vinegar down the garbage disposal. Wait five minutes before running cold water down the garbage disposal, then turn the disposal on. Voila! Your garbage disposal is now fresh, clean, and ready for optimal disposal.

SOURCES:

1. 5 Ways I Can Make My Garbage Disposal Smell Fresh. https://anytimeplumbingvegas.com/blog/5-ways-i-can-make-my-garbage-disposal-smell-fresh/

2. Do I need to clean my garbage disposal? https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2025/01/24/garbage-disposal-cleaning-diy/