Did you know that your home’s garbage disposal should be cleaned regularly? During use, food particles and residue can be left behind and cause the unit to have an unpleasant odor. Here’s a few simple tips to try.

 

Please always remember to turn the unit off before anything else! Please remove any metal or sharp objects. Please share with anyone else in your household.

The good news is that you don’t have to go out and purchase expensive products to get the job done. Your disposal can be effectively cleaned with common items that you probably already have in your kitchen.

 

1. Ice and rock salt

Add a cup or so of rock salt with some ice cubes for some extra scrubbing power. Remember to run cold water when you turn the disposal on.

2. Ice cubes

One of the easiest ways to clean the disposal is with ice cubes from your freezer. Simply put a few handfuls of ice into the unit, then turn it on and run some cold water while the cubes grind. You’ll definitely hear the cubes doing there magic!

3. Baking soda and vinegar

A simple mixture of baking soda and vinegar is also a good cleaning method. Sprinkle about a half-cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by a cup of white or apple cider vinegar. Let the mixture start to bubble up and let it sit for five to ten minutes, then turn on the disposal and run cold water to distribute the mixture throughout the unit.

4. Citrus

Any type of citrus peel is a good disposal deodorizer. Lime, lemon, orange, tangerine, and grapefruit peels will all help freshen up your sink and garbage disposal system. Please be sure to cut the peels into small enough pieces for the unit to handle, then turn on the unit and run cold water while the peels grind.

5. Borax

You can also add a few tablespoons of borax into the disposal, followed by running water.

6. Hot water and dish soap

Another tried and true method of disposal cleaning requires only hot water and dish soap. This method can be particularly helpful if you have noticed an unpleasant odor coming from your unit. Using the sink stopper, plug the disposal drain and add a generous squirt of dish detergent to the sink. Run hot water into the sink until it is at least halfway full. As you release the sink stopper, turn on the disposal and let the entire sink contents drain into the unit while it runs. This method helps fill the disposal with soapy water to reach the upper portions of the unit, which often don’t get cleaned by other methods. It also helps clean the disposal drain line, which can harbor food residue and odors.

7. Boiling water

Pouring boiling water into the disposal, by itself or following some of these other methods, can help loosen stubborn food particles.

8. Liquid dish soap & baking soda

It’s also important to clean the drain crevices around the disposal as well as the rubber splash guard around the drain. You can use dish soap or baking soda to do this. Use a dish brush or toothbrush to scrub underneath the splash guard flaps. There could be all kinds of old debris just hiding underneath the splash guard.

Taking the time to clean your disposal will help keep your sink and kitchen smelling fresh and inviting for your family and guests. Remember to use caution when operating your disposal and when cleaning it with any of these methods. Never put your hand into the unit for any reason, even if the unit is off.

We Hope this was helpful-

Best,

McKee Bros

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