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Don’t Let Food Reek Havoc in the Sink

Young children often huddle under the covers in their bedrooms, certain that a monster prowls in the closet or under the bed. Most parents will open the closet door or peek under the bed to remind them that the coast is clear.

But if your children accused your kitchen sink of harboring a shady presence, would you be able to deny it? Something foul may be lurking in your sink.

Your garbage disposal may start to smell when food debris builds up. It may be a lingering odor or an overpowering stench, but a good dose of cleaning can clear the air.

Place a handful of ice cubes and citrus peels – lemons, oranges or limes – in the disposal. Turn on cold water and then turn on the disposal for 15 to 30 seconds. Then turn off the disposal and continue to rinse with cold water for 15 more seconds.

If you have grease buildup, turn on hot water and then turn on the disposal. Squeeze a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid in the disposal. Run hot water for 15 to 30 seconds while the disposal is running. Finally, turn the disposal off and continue to let hot water run until the suds are gone.

Of course, the best way to ensure an odor-free kitchen is to prevent the smell before it starts. Never put bones, celery stalks and shrimp or onion peels down the garbage disposal. If you have large amounts of food to dispose of, scrape the scraps into the trash and just rinse the dishes off.

Don’t let food “reek” havoc in the sink, and your entire family will thank you!