How to Eliminate Odor from the Miren Food Waste Processor - Replacing the Microorganisms

Some time ago, a sour smell started coming from my Miren food waste processor.

It seemed the problem was that I had been putting in damp food waste several days in a row.

Since it’s been about five years since I bought the food waste processor, I decided to replace the microorganisms.

1. Where to Buy the Microorganisms

If you simply search for Miren microorganisms on Naver, you’ll find them.

It’s even the official company store.

The price is 44,000 won, which isn’t exactly cheap, but once you buy it and use it properly, you can use it indefinitely.

2. Replacing the Microorganisms

Buying the microorganisms is easy, but replacing them is not so simple.

First, you have to scoop everything out from the inside.

Then I took the opportunity to thoroughly wash the lid and filter, which I hadn’t cleaned in a long time.

I felt a bit guilty because it had been so long.

Next, put in the new microorganisms, which even look different in color and texture.

The new microorganisms had a slightly musty smell, like something fermenting.

Then add a certain amount of water.

They say if you add about 800 ml of water, you need about 24 hours for activation, and if you add about 200 ml, you need about 4 hours.

I figured we’d be using it right away, so I added about one small baby cup of water.

3. What I Learned About the Cause of the Odor While Scooping

For several days, even though I kept running the drying function without throwing away the food waste, the smell wouldn’t go away, so I had no idea what the cause was.

It turned out there was simply too much waste inside the food waste processor.

The model we bought has a processing capacity of 3 kg, but there was about 10.5 kg inside.

When I was scooping it out, I couldn’t even see the stirring rod.

So it seems that up to the height of the stirring rod everything mixed well, but the part above that didn’t get mixed, started to rot, and produced gas.

4. Afterthoughts

After replacing the microorganisms like this, the strong stench I had before is gone.

Instead, there’s a slight fermented, malt-like smell.

Still, the fact that I can dispose of food waste immediately is extremely convenient.

I hope it keeps working without breaking down so I can continue using it.