How to Fix a Burning Smell in Garbage Disposal (2024)

FAQs

How to Fix a Burning Smell in Garbage Disposal? ›

Mix baking soda and water. Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with water in the sink. Turn on the garbage disposal and remove the stopper from the sink at the same time to wash away loose particles.

If there is no blockage, or the burning smell persists, there may be damage to the motor or motor capacitor. Repairing this problem would normally require replacing the garbage disposal.

If the garbage disposal won't grind, but the motor makes a humming sound when you flip the switch, it indicates that the impeller or inner flywheel is jammed. This can burn out the disposal's motor unless the reset button or circuit breaker shuts things off.

Pour a few ice cubes into the disposal, then add a handful of salt. Turn the garbage disposal on to break the ice cubes and disperse the salt throughout the interior of the disposal. Repeat as necessary to remove any lingering smells.

A damaged or broken motor is a significant issue that can render a garbage disposal inoperative. Signs of motor problems include: The disposal makes a humming sound without grinding. Frequent overheating.

Essential oils are an effective and safe way to add a fresh scent and keep your garbage bins smelling fragrant instead of unpleasant. You can diffuse essential oils into a deodorizing spray by adding distilled water, white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and your favorite essential oils to a spray bottle.

You can also reset the unit using the button typically located on the bottom. You can try cleaning your garbage disposal with baking soda, vinegar and hot water to break up clogs. Typically, after doing one or more of these things, your garbage disposal will begin working again.

If the disposal overheats, the system will shut down, preventing further damage. If you have a clog in your disposal, the reset button may turn the device off entirely to prevent the blades from grating against the clog endlessly.

The motor overheating is another potential issue causing the garbage disposal to make a humming sound. This can happen if the motor is faulty, the blades are too dull to grind the food items properly, or if you are putting items into the disposal that the unit is not designed to handle.

How do I know if my garbage disposal needs to be replaced? ›

A “Dead” Garbage Disposal

A plug in the disposal could be loose or the button on its reset may have popped out. Perhaps the electrical switch to the disposal needs to be replaced. The circuit breaker to the disposal or the motor may have overloaded or may need to be reset. It's even possible that the motor is dead.

If you notice a burnt smell coming from your garbage disposal, it is a clear sign of a motor issue. Overheating can occur due to internal damage or excessive strain on the motor. A burnt-out motor not only emits unpleasant odors but also poses a safety hazard.

Plink^® Garbage Disposal Cleaner & Deodorizer is a convenient, economical and easy way to freshen the disposal with natural ingredients between disposal deep cleanings. Plink washes away foul odors, leaving the sink, disposal and whole kitchen smelling fresh.

With regard to life expectancy, garbage disposal units typically last for around 10 to 12 years. As with any appliance, careful maintenance can extend a disposal's lifespan. Chronic neglect or ill-advised use, on the other hand, can necessitate a unit's replacement in just a few years.

#5: Overheating

If your garbage disposal continues to randomly turn off during operation, it could be due to overheating. Constant use or food in the grinder that makes the disposal work too hard may be the issue behind your disposal turning off.

If you don't have disposal cleaner tablets on hand, baking soda and vinegar may do in a pinch. Pour a cup of baking soda into the garbage disposal, followed by the same amount of vinegar. Wait for 20 minutes, then rinse with hot water. This method may help clear away minor disposal clogs.

Best to avoid. Don't use harsh chemicals like bleach or drain cleaners. They can damage blades and pipes. Borax is a natural sink cleaner and sanitizer that effectively works on odor-causing mold and mildew that accumulates in garbage disposals.