The disposal emits a persistent bad odor even after running with water.

Safety first: Turn off the disposal at the switch before cleaning, but power disconnection is not usually required for surface cleaning. Never insert hands into the chamber.

• Clean baffle: Remove the rubber splash baffle (if removable) and scrub both sides with hot soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.
• Deodorize chamber: With the baffle reinstalled, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar into the disposal, let it foam for 5–10 minutes, then flush with hot water.
• Ice and citrus: Run a batch of ice cubes with a few citrus peels to help scour the grinding surfaces and improve the smell.
• Drain line cleaning: If odors persist, the P-trap and horizontal drain may need cleaning to remove trapped organic material.