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Disposer - Odors
Many new appliances give off a distinct odor when brand new. Your new GE Disposall ® unit is no different.
Oily film on the motor components may cause a metallic or burning odor when the disposer is used the first few times.

Run hot water through the disposer for three to five uses and this odor should go away.

If odor persists, GE recommends to contact service. If you would like to schedule a service appointment, please contact GE Consumer Service at 1-800-432-2737 or schedule a service appointment on-line.
  • Food waste left in unit - whenever any food waste is put into the disposer grind it immediately to avoid the formation of odors. After large pieces of food have been ground, rotate the fly wheel impeller back and fourth 45 degrees with a broom handle.


  • Grease put in disposer in liquid form - to prevent grease from accumulating on grinding chamber walls always put grease in unit after it has congealed. Always run plenty of water while grinding which will help carry the grease away and prevent it from accumulating inside disposer and inside the drain pipes.


  • Build-up of waste residue over time - food waste residue will build up on grinding chamber walls over a long period of time. This can be prevented by running the unit frequently using a good flow of cold water.


To clean the disposer for any of the conditions described above proceed as follows:
  • Fill the disposer with ice cubes sprinkled with a generous amount of scouring powder and run the unit until the ice has been completely ground up. Repeat if chamber walls are not clean.


  • Cut a lemon into four quarters and grind it using an ample amount of water to flush. This process will normally clean the unit and leave it with a nice, fresh lemon scent.


  • GE also makes a disposer cleaner available through parts wx10x18. Purchase a GE part or accessory on-line.


Note: Chemical drain cleaners should not be used in a garbage disposer for any reason. The caustic chemicals in this type of cleaner can damage the internal components of the disposer.