How to clean a garbage disposal
If you’ve ever experienced the smell of rotten food coming from your kitchen sink or an unresponsive drain it could be because of your garbage disposal. be the cause. It’s good to know that learning how to clean your garbage disposal is simple and fast, and requires only the use of a few household objects.
In this thorough guide, you’ll find the most efficient methods for cleaning as well as deodorizing your disposal for better hygiene and a cleaner kitchen.
Why Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal is Important
Many homeowners do not realize the necessity of scrubbing their garbage disposals, believing they can run water or the grinding of food suffices to keep it in good shape. But food particles are able to get caught in the crevices and nooks in the grinding chamber, as well as splash guard. In time, these trapped particles begin to decay, forming an ideal source of food for mold and bacteria.
This is not just the cause of unpleasant smells in your kitchen but could also result in the disposal becoming blocked or perform less efficient. Cleaning regularly not only gets rid of unpleasant odors and keeps your kitchen healthy It can also in avoiding expensive repairs or replacements by making sure your disposal is in good functioning condition.
What You’ll Need to Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Before you put on your sleeves, make sure you have all the supplies for cleaning. A majority of these items are found in your kitchen, or are available at the nearest grocery store:
- Pliers, or tongs: Use caution when removing large debris without putting your fingers at risk.
- Baking soda: Natural deodorizer, and gentle abrasive which helps remove dirt.
- White vinegar: It reacts with baking soda and causes it to dissolve leftovers and neutralize smells.
- Ice cubes: Help to remove stuck on debris, and also sharpen blades used to dispose of it.
- Salt from rocks or coarse salt: It acts as scrubber when mixed with Ice.
- Dish soap: Removes grease from the surface and cleans surfaces.
- Fruits of the citrus (lemons limes, lemons, or citrus fruits): Their peels help to freshen and eliminate odors from the disposal naturally.
- Old scrub brush or toothbrush: Perfect for scrubbing the splash guard as well as difficult to reach places.
- Gloves made of rubber: Keep your hands safe from sharp edges and grime.
What to Use to Clean a Garbage Disposal
Before you get your hands dirty, round up the cleaning materials you’ll require. And most of them you already have in your kitchen, or should be able to find at any grocery store:
- Baking soda: Works as a natural deodorizer and mild abrasive, helps to remove stains.
- White vinegar: When it reacts with baking soda, it fizzs up residue and neutralizes odors.
- Ice cubes: Can aid in cleaning and sharpen disposal blades by breaking loose debris that may have become stuck.
- Rock salt or coarse salt: Serves as a scrubbing agent mixed with ice.
- Dish soap: This cleaner cuts grease and cleans surfaces.
- Citrus fruits (lemons, limes or oranges): The skins will naturally refresh and deodorize the disposal.
- Old toothbrush or scrub brush: Ideal for scrubbing the splash guard and the nooks and crannies of your disposal.
- Rubber gloves: To keep your hands free from grime and sharp edges.
- Tongs or pliers: You can grab large pieces of debris without exposing your fingers.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Garbage Disposal
1. Safety First
As first rule, before anything else, safety should always come first. When cleaning never forget to turn off the power of your garbage disposal. Unplug your unit if it is plugged into an outlet. If it’s hardwired, turn off the circuit breaker for the disposal. This will eliminate accidents from turning on while you are cleaning, keeping you safe from potential harm. Never reach your hand inside the disposal, even if the power is turned off — use tools like tongs or pliers to grab any obstructions.
2. Remove Large Debris
Begin by looking into the disposal for any loose food debris or foreign objects that are visible. Occasionally, utensils or stubborn scraps can become wedged, jamming or blocking the unit. Shine a flashlight inside, and carefully remove any debris with tongs or pliers. Do not touch with your hands, as knives are often sharp and there can be bacteria. Getting the big stuff up adds to the effectiveness of cleaning.
3. Flush with Hot Water
Then, allow water to run down the disposal for about a minute or so. Hot water has the added benefit of helping to agitate and loosen grease, soap scum and whatever residual food particles are clinging to your blade or the sides of the containers. If you have a double sink, close the drain on one side and fill it with several inches of hot, soapy water. Then, turn it on and let the water rush through the disposal. This strong flush also helps to rid any loose particles that may be out of reach of the disposer.
4. Clean the Splash Guard
The rubber splash guard (baffle) is known to be a smelly component as remnants of food and grease collect under its flaps. Gently pull back or remove the splash guard, if you can, and scrub it well with dish soap and an old toothbrush or a scrub brush. Be extra thorough on the undercarriage, which tends to get gunky. Wash well, then put it back in again. Not only does a clean splash guard help prevent odors from coming out of your kitchen sink, it also helps your garbage disposal run more efficiently.
5. Clean the Grinding Chamber Thoroughly
Now you’re moving on to the grinding chamber — that party center of filth accumulation. Pick one of these top-notch cleaning methods:
- Ice and Salt Scrub: Place a handful of ice cubes and a cup of coarse salt (rock salt is a good choice) down the disposal. Run the disposal for a few seconds with cold water. The ice tends to knock debris off the blades, while the salt scours the grime and residue. This technique is particularly good for stubborn build-up and for sharpening the blades.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: When it’s foaming, you can rinse out the garbage with hot water for a little gunk-removal back up. Pour a half cup of baking soda in the disposal and follow with a cup of white vinegar as a small science experiment. There will be fizzing and bubbling as the mix breaks up grease and kills odors. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, then rinse the water down the drain. This is a great natural way you how to clean your mattress because it is safe, works and is environmentally-friendly.
- Dish Soap and Hot Water: Fill your sink with hot soapy water, give your disposer a run with cold water and pull the plug to let the water drain. The soapy water will assist in scrubbing out hard-to-reach patches and de-greasing any remaining residue.
- Borax: For a more thorough clean, toss a few tablespoons of Borax into the disposal, then leave it to sit a few minutes. Turn on the disposal, and run cold water for at least 30 seconds. Borax is a natural cleanser that can get rid of stains and odors.
6. Deodorize and Freshen
When you’re done, grind some citrus peels to freshen your garbage disposal. Slice a lemon, lime or orange into small pieces and put them down the disposal. Start the system with cold water turned on. Deodorizing disposal, the natural oils from the citrus peels will eliminate unpleasant smells and your kitchen will smell clean and welcoming. As a bonus, the peels can help clean the blades and chamber as they’re ground.
7. Final Rinse
Once cleaned and deodorized, turn hot water on and let it run through the disposal for 30 to 60 seconds. This last rinse will take away any remaining sludge, cleaning agents, and citrus oils leaving your garbage disposal fresh and ready for use.
Conclusion
Knowing how to clean a garbage disposal is a straightforward and impactful means of keeping your kitchen clean and safe. It only takes a handful of household supplies and a few minutes of time to banish odors, prevent clogs and get more use out of your appliance. Include garbage disposal cleaning in your regular kitchen cleaning routine and take the comfort of a clean, efficient, and odor-free home. Happy cleaning!
Further Reading:
5 effective steps to get rid of garbage disposal smell
Can You Put Drain Cleaner In A Garbage Disposal?
Can You Put Lettuce & Cabbage Down A Garbage Disposal?
Is Hot or Cold Water Best for Your Garbage Disposal? Find Out
