The Reason You Should Put Fruit Scraps In Your Garbage Disposal

There is no denying that garbage disposals can be one of the most useful kitchen tools in any home. They quickly and easily get rid of food that's gone bad, prevent old food waste from stinking up the garbage can, and may even be beneficial for the environment by reducing the amount of food waste that ends up in landfills, according to Cleanweb. But did you know they can even help make your house smell fresher than a warm summer's day?

While we already know that they improve your home's scent by eliminating smelly food waste so it doesn't linger in the trash can until garbage day, garbage disposals can also deodorize your kitchen by dispersing the aroma of certain fruits in the air (via HuffPost). It is definitely satisfying to put icky food scraps down the drain, and most of us are probably glad to have the smell of expired food gone from the room, but putting specific foods in the disposal can actually leave behind a lingering pleasant scent.

The rinds of a fresh citrus fruit, such as a lemon, orange, or grapefruit, can work even better than an air freshener when it comes to making a room smell pleasant, with no chemicals or sprays required. Simply putting the peel of the fruits down the garbage disposal and running it with cold water can help clean and deodorize your sink and disseminate a fresh and fruity fragrance throughout your home. "Turn the rind inside out and rub the pulp over the sink. Then put small pieces in the disposal while running some water down the drain. This cleans the sink and creates a nice fresh smell," Taste of Home reader Mildred Everett recommended. The result is a clean, citrusy smell that can freshen up the room instantly.

On the other hand, it is important to note that there are some foods that should never be put in the garbage disposal under any circumstances. According to The Spruce, certain food items like eggshells, coffee grounds, and starchy foods like pasta, beans, and rice, as well as grease and cooking oil, can lead to waste build-up that can clog up your drain. So be sure to steer clear of these items to keep your garbage disposal in tip-top shape and your home smelling fresh.