The Secret To Cleaning Your Smelly Garbage Disposal Is Hiding In Your Bathroom

Does your garbage disposal's scent conjure unpleasant memories from your college days when weekend-long parties left your mouth smelling like a dump truck? You'll be happy to hear that the same thing that took care of your bad breath then can cure your garbage disposal woes now — mouthwash. The reason this hack is so effective is because most mouthwashes kill bacteria almost instantly. And since it's the bacteria feeding on leftover food particles that's causing the stink, getting rid of it is going to solve the problem. Fun fact: Mouthwash was originally invented as a surgical antiseptic, which means it's more than qualified to tackle the germs in your sink. (Oh, and there are plenty of other unexpected ways to use mouthwash around your home, too.)

It's a gross analogy, but the odors emanating from your garbage disposal are from a similar problem as bad mouth odors: trapped food debris. While they're a fantastic invention, garbage disposals aren't perfect — scraps of food also get stuck in their "teeth" after they've ground away at the waste to wash it down the drain. Whatever gets stuck will rot and become a breeding ground for bacteria, hence the foul smell. In case you're wondering, some of the worst food culprits are grease, oils, fibrous veggies, coffee grounds, and eggshells. You should never dispose of these items in your garbage disposal.

Applying this fix to your garbage disposal is easy. Simply pour in a few capfuls of mouthwash, leave it to work its anti-bacterial magic for 15 minutes or so, then flush with warm water. As an added bonus, mouthwash also leaves behind a lovely minty aroma that other DIY fixes like baking soda and vinegar can't match. When your sink is getting smelly and you don't have time for a deeper clean, this mouthwash hack makes for a quick and refreshing day-to-day fix.

However, much like you still need to floss and brush your teeth in addition to using mouthwash, you should still clean your garbage disposal on a regular basis. This can be done with borax, baking soda and vinegar, or a store-bought cleaner. Don't forget to give the sink's rubber splash guard a good scrub with dish soap and a brush to prevent buildup and odors. And remember to never stick your fingers inside the disposal — always use a brush or other tool when cleaning it. It's also worth noting that not all mouthwashes are septic-safe, so make sure to use a brand that is safe if your home has a septic tank.