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My garbage disposal smells like a swamp monster moved in

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Posts: 7
(@crafter21)
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I've tried the ice cube trick too, and it definitely helped scrape off some of that mystery gunk. But honestly, I always cringe a bit when I hear that grinding noise—it just sounds like something's about to break in there, you know? A plumber friend once warned me that ice cubes are generally safe, but he cautioned against using anything harder (like pits or bones) because they can damage the blades or motor over time. Since then, I've mostly stuck to baking soda and vinegar, plus a lemon wedge now and then for freshness. Still, the ice cube thing is tempting because it really does seem to clear things up fast...

Has anyone ever tried those disposal cleaning pods they sell at the store? I've seen eco-friendly versions but haven't pulled the trigger yet—wondering if they're actually worth it or just another gimmick.

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amandaphillips227
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(@amandaphillips227)
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I've tried those disposal pods once or twice—got a pack on clearance because, you know, budget life. Honestly, they worked decently enough; disposal smelled fresh for a few days, but nothing magical. Baking soda and vinegar still seems just as effective (and way cheaper). If you're curious though, maybe grab a small pack when they're on sale and see how you like 'em...might be worth it occasionally for convenience.

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film881
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(@film881)
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- Tried those pods myself once—got sucked into a flashy sale display at the grocery store. They did smell nice at first, but honestly, the freshness faded pretty quick.
- Agree with you on baking soda and vinegar being just as effective. I've been doing that combo for years, and it always seems to neutralize odors pretty well.
- One thing I've wondered though: does anyone else toss citrus peels down there? I usually throw in lemon or orange peels after juicing or snacking, and it seems to freshen things up nicely. Not sure if it's actually cleaning anything or just masking the smell temporarily...
- Also, I've heard ice cubes can help sharpen disposal blades and clear out gunk. Tried it a few times, but couldn't really tell if it made a difference. Anyone have better luck with that?
- Honestly, I'm always skeptical about specialty cleaning products like those pods. Feels like they're mostly marketing hype, and the DIY methods usually work just as well (and cost way less). But hey, if they're on clearance again, I might grab another pack just for convenience sake.

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vlogger27
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(@vlogger27)
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I've tossed citrus peels down there too, and yeah, smells great at first but doesn't seem to last long. My only worry is if they're tough on the disposal motor...anyone ever had issues with that?

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jackg14
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(@jackg14)
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I've thrown citrus peels in plenty of times without any major trouble. They're generally soft enough that if your disposal is decent quality and you're running plenty of water, it's usually fine. But...the issue I've noticed is that the peels don't really clean the blades or the inner chamber, they just mask odors temporarily. If you're worried, toss in some ice cubes occasionally—sharpens blades, clears debris, and actually tackles the smell a bit better in my experience.

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