Garbage disposals stink and clog up and host bacteria–without regular cleaning. It only takes a few minutes, costs next to nothing, and should be done about once a month. Regular cleaning eliminates smells and extends the disposal’s life expectancy.
Two Ways To Clean a Garbage Disposal
Garbage Disposals that have not been cleaned for a while may require a step-by-step approach. Disposals on a monthly or weekly schedule usually only need the all-in-one cleaning.
Regardless of which method is used, make sure the power is off before starting.
1. Rubber Splash Guard
Before cleaning the garbage disposal proper, clean the splash guard that fits into the top of the sink hole. Use a toothbrush and baking soda or dish detergent to remove any debris stuck to the bottom. If it is cleaned regularly, it may only need to be put in the dishwasher.
This takes a little longer than all-in-one cleaning.
- Use a flashlight to check anything that has not been ground up and pull it out or knock it loose so the blades can get it. Don’t use your fingers.
- Pour in about a half cup of baking soda. Let it sit for up to half an hour.
- Add about a cup of vinegar. Wait three minutes or until it is bubbling up into the sink.
- Rinse the combination down the drain without turning on the garbage disposal.
- Toss 6 to 12 ice cubes into the disposal. Add one cup of salt. Preferably course pickling salt.
- Turn on the cold water and the disposal. Let it run until the ice and salt is completely ground up and flushed down the drain. The combination should knock loose all of the scraps from both the disposal chamber and blades. Repeat if necessary.
- Put the peel of one lemon into the disposal. Turn on the cold water and the disposal for a fresh lemon scent.
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2. All-In-One Cleaning
This 5-minute cleaning should be used every week for disposals used daily.
- Toss 6 ice cubes into the disposal.
- Add one tablespoon of baking soda, three slices of lemon, and a teaspoon of bleach.
- Add another 6 ice cubes.
- Turn the disposal on and run it without water until all of the ice is gone.
- Run cold water for up to a minute with the machine still on.
- Done.
Maintenance Suggestions
To keep your garbage disposal cleaner and odor-free for longer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not try to grind bones, fruit pits, stringy or starchy food. Run cold water before and during operation. Let the water run for about a minute after the disposal is done to flush everything out of the pipes. Tossing in the occasional slice of lemon, orange, or lime helps with odors.
Most experts recommend not using commercial cleaners.
