Simple Tips to a Clean, Nice Smelling Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are more than just a scary place to stick your hand (not recommended by the way), they’re also a genius way to “blend” away leftover bits of food and scraps in your sink. But any time you’re dealing with leftover food particles, grease, oils, and fruit peels that may have gotten stuck, there’s a stench not far behind. If you’ve noticed that your sink smells funky even though you’ve cleaned it, it’s probably your disposal. You may even notice that the disposal seems dingy. We’ll let you know how to safely clean it and how to prevent the sink stink. If you ever need kitchen plumbing services, like a garbage disposal problem (beyond being stinky), our All City Plumbers experts are ready to help!

There are several different ways to effectively clean your disposal. Some of these are fine for weekly cleaning, while others should be used for a deeper clean less often because of the supplies and/or tools used. We will make sure to clarify that on each method. Also, a few methods require vinegar, which is a popular solution for clean and freshening up things around the house, but it is acidic so you don’t need to go overboard with it. It can wear down parts of your disposal if used too frequently or soaked for too long. Just make sure to rinse your disposal and sink thoroughly after any of these methods. Here are 4 common and fairly simple ways to clean your stinky, gunky disposal:

Method #1: Lemon and ice (frequent use)

This is a good way to weekly clean your disposal if you use it daily.

Step 1: Put 6 ice cubes in the chamber. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda, three thin lemon slices, and 1 teaspoon of bleach. Put in an additional 6 ice cubes. Make sure the disposal and sink faucet are turned off when doing this step.

Step 2: Turn on the disposal without running water until you hear the grinding stop.

Step 3: With the motor still running, flush with cold water for 30 seconds. Then turn off the disposal and sink. Enjoy your refresh sink and garbage disposal!

Method #2: Baking soda and vinegar

You might already have these products lying around the house, so it’s a good option, but use this one less frequently since vinegar is acidic.

Step 1: Dump ½ a cup of baking soda into the disposal.

Step 2: Carefully pour in a cup of white vinegar and wait for your science fair volcano to erupt (not really of course).

Step 3: After allowing it to sit for 5-10 minutes, turn on warm to hot water and then turn on the disposal. Make sure everything is rinsed out well. Turn everything back off.

Method #3: Soap and water

This is an extremely simple method that can be done as often as you see fit and is especially good to do if any grease or oil gets in your disposal.

Simply plug the sink, fill it halfway with water then add a little bit of dish soap. Then, unplug the drain and immediately turn on the disposal. The soapy water can then get to all the nooks and crannies of your disposal. Rinse everything with water, then turn off the disposal.

Method #4: Garbage Disposal cleaner and brushes

There are designated products for cleaning disposals- foaming powders, brushes, and even small marble-sized deodorizers. If you prefer natural, chemical-free smells, this might not be the option for you. The brushes can be very helpful because they’ll get to all the hard to reach places and you won’t have to put your hand in the disposal (you shouldn’t do that unless absolutely necessary anyways).

How to Prevent the Sink Stink

Much of this can be prevented by what you put in your disposal, how you use it, and how you clean it. Getting rid of those nasty odors isn’t incredibly difficult, but prevention is still the best course of action.

To minimize gunk (and consequently the stink), make sure you always run water when using the disposal. Start running cold water before turning on the disposal, and let it continue for an additional 5-10 seconds after you hear the grinding stop. This helps the food particles get rinsed all the way through the pipes.

Things you shouldn’t put in the disposal:

Fibrous vegetables like celery (fibers can get caught)

Starchy foods like potatoes (build up over time)

Non food items

Lye soap or chemical drain cleaners

Your hand

If you’re in need of plumbing services regarding your kitchen sink, the experts at All City Plumbers are here for you! Contact us so we can check it out and find a solution.

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Choosing Plumbing Materials: Copper, PEX, PVC, & Other Options

by Hadi Masood • 12 December 2025

Guide to choosing plumbing materials: copper, PEX, PVC pros/cons, tankless water heater compatibility, and drain clearing tips from All City Plumbers.

When to Repair or Replace Your Water Heater?

by Hadi Masood • 11 December 2025

Deciding when to repair or replace your water heater is a vital consideration that impacts home comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. Water heaters are essential household appliances that provide hot water for bathing, cooking, and cleaning, and their performance can significantly influence utility costs and quality of life. Understanding the signs that indicate repair or replacement needs, as well as evaluating the conditions favoring each option, enables homeowners to make informed decisions. This comprehensive article covers these aspects in detail, incorporating valuable information from professionals such as All City Plumbers, insights from tankless water heaters, and the importance of emergency services for critical situations. Recognizing Signs That Repair is Needed Water heaters, like any mechanical system, may experience malfunctions or inefficiencies over time. Early identification of repair needs can extend the life of the unit and prevent costly replacements. Common signs requiring repair include inconsistent water temperature, strange noises such as rumbling or popping caused by sediment buildup, water leaks near the tank or connections, and longer than usual recovery times for heating. Ignoring these symptoms can exacerbate damage, leading to more extensive and expensive repairs. Homeowners should prioritize regular maintenance inspections, ideally conducted by trusted professionals such as All City Plumbers, who can diagnose issues comprehensively and recommend effective repair strategies. In some cases, simple fixes like replacing thermostats or flushing mineral deposits restore functionality efficiently without necessitating full replacement. When Replacement Becomes the Best Option Despite repairs, there comes a time when replacing a water heater is more cost-effective and safer than patching existing problems. Factors influencing the decision to replace include the age of the unit—typically over 10 to 15 years for traditional tanks—repeated and escalating repair costs, inconsistent water quality, and significant leaks that compromise structural integrity. Additionally, adopting new technologies can justify replacement. Tankless water heaters insights reveal their advantages in energy efficiency, longer service life, and space-saving designs compared to conventional models. Upgrading to a tankless system presents opportunities for homeowners looking to reduce energy consumption and enjoy continuous hot water. Professional plumbers, including All City Plumbers, can provide expert evaluations to identify ideal replacement systems tailored to household needs and budgets. Safety Concerns and Emergency Services A malfunctioning water heater can pose safety hazards such as leaks that damage property or, in the case of gas-powered units, risks of carbon monoxide leaks or explosions. Recognizing emergency signs—unusual smells, visible corrosion, or sudden loss of hot water—requires immediate attention. In these instances, accessing emergency services is crucial to prevent injuries or extensive damage. Emergency response teams dispatched by experienced plumbing services expedite diagnosis and mitigate risks, often providing temporary solutions such as shutoff assistance or temporary heating options while permanent repairs or replacements are scheduled. Homeowners are encouraged to establish relationships with reputable providers like All City Plumbers to ensure prioritized emergency support when critical. Maintenance and Longevity Considerations Regular maintenance positively influences whether a water heater can be repaired or requires replacement. Tasks like flushing the tank, inspecting anode rods, and checking for leaks enhance efficiency and delay deterioration. Maintenance regimens tailored to specific systems, including tankless water heaters, further optimize performance and longevity. Professional plumbing companies emphasize preventive care that minimizes unscheduled downtime and maximizes appliance lifespan. Integrating maintenance with proactive monitoring helps identify gradual decline early, allowing timely interventions and cost-effective upkeep. Environmental and Economic Impacts of Repair vs. Replacement Homeowners also weigh environmental and financial factors when deciding between repair and replacement. Newer water heaters, especially tankless models, conform to stringent energy standards reducing carbon footprints and lowering monthly bills. Repairing outdated or inefficient units might temporarily save money but could result in higher operational costs and environmental impacts. Energy rebates, incentives, and financing options offered for upgrades enhance affordability, and professional consultations with experts like All City Plumbers help balance upfront investments with long-term savings. Such holistic considerations ensure that each household’s decision supports sustainability goals alongside comfort and budget priorities. Conclusion Determining when to repair or replace a water heater involves evaluating performance issues, safety concerns, age, and economic factors, supported by expert advice from seasoned plumbers and modern technological insights. Proactive maintenance can defer replacement, but timely transitions to advanced systems, including tankless water heaters, often bring superior efficiency and reliability. Equally, preparedness for emergencies through access to prompt services mitigates risks. Trustworthy services like All City Plumbers provide comprehensive, tailored solutions ensuring homeowners enjoy safe, consistent hot water with optimal investment returns.