4 ways to rid your garbage disposal of foul smell - CNET - ApparelGeek

This story is part of Try This , CNET's collection of simple tips to improve your life, fast.

Despite their usefulness, trash cans have one major disadvantage: they sometimes stink.

To really give your trash can the proper cleaning it needs, turning on the power switch and the faucet every time you put food in it isn't enough. All you have to do is stir the food to allow it to flow through the tubes. Food particles can be left behind, which then rot and form bacteria that can cause an unpleasant odor.

We share some tips to get rid of the bad smell emanating from your disposer. For more kitchen hacks, learn how to unclog a clogged drain without the use of chemicals.

Try the ice cube method

If your blades have food particles or other debris stuck to them, they will be less effective at shredding food, which can go down the drain and cause bad odors. Pour a cup of ice into the grinder, followed by cold water to clean (and even sharpen) the blades. Run the drain and water until you hear no more squeaking.

Note that the ice cube method only works for bladed garbage disposals.

Lemons make everything smell fresh

Lemons are great for cleaning almost anything in your kitchen. For your design, take a whole lemon, then cut it in half and quarter each half; You should have eight lemon slices total. Try to remove the seeds if possible. Next, turn on the cold water and grinder and begin adding the lemon slices (one at a time) to the grinder.

You might not have to toss all eight lemon slices in the trash, so save the leftovers for the next cleaning or use them to make a pitcher of lemonade.

You probably have many of these cleaning supplies stashed away at home.

Angela Lang/CNET

Baking soda and vinegar can freshen it up

Baking soda and vinegar can do a lot when combined. Start by pouring half a cup of baking soda into your disposal. Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour to give it time to absorb the scent. Next, pour a cup of vinegar down the drain and let it sit for about five to 10 minutes. Finally, turn on and throw in the cold water and let it run for 15 seconds.

Clean splash-proof rubber cap

Have you ever wondered what that gummy thing in your sink drain is? It is designed to prevent food from splashing when cut into small pieces. This also means it's a bacteria collector as food can get stuck underneath.

How can you purify what you cannot see? Luckily, some of the fins are removable and you can soak them in dish soap and water, or pop them in the dishwasher. For the ones that aren't, you'll have to get creative.

What we don't want is you sticking your hand in the grinder, so grab a toothbrush and some dish soap. Gently pull up each tab one at a time and rub well.

smart ! Your kitchen should smell fresh again in no time. Repeat these methods once a week. For more information, check out how to kill mold and prevent it from growing in your washing machine and this trick that will clog your shower head in just an hour .

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