A clean garbage disposal helps your kitchen smell great and works better.
Regular cleaning can prevent odors and clogs, making meal prep easier.
This guide will share five simple tips to keep your disposal fresh and running smoothly.
Key Takeaways
- Cleaning your garbage disposal regularly helps it work better and smell fresh.
- Ice cubes and salt can deep clean the blades and remove stuck food.
- Baking soda and vinegar create a fizzing reaction that cleans and purifies.
- Cleaning the rubber flaps with a toothbrush removes hidden food particles.
- Citrus peels are natural cleansers that freshen up your disposal.
- Always run cold water while using the disposal to prevent grease clogs.
- Know when to call a professional if you notice strange smells and unusual noises.
5 Easy Ways To Clean Your Garbage Disposal And Keep It Fresh
Cleaning your garbage disposal regularly helps it work better and smell great.
These simple tips will help remove grime and odors without much effort.
Explore these five easy methods to keep your kitchen clean and fresh.
1. Use Ice Cubes And Salt For A Deep Clean
Ice cubes and salt are excellent for deep cleaning your garbage disposal.
The ice helps loose food particles stuck on the blades.
Meanwhile, the salt is a scrubber, cleaning away any built-up grime.
To do this, first, ensure the disposal is turned off for safety.
Then, add a handful of ice cubes and about 1/2 cup of coarse salt (kosher salt works well).
Next, turn on the cold water and switch on the disposal.
The ice will break apart as it grinds, cleaning the blades while the salt scrubs them.
This method not only cleans but can also help sharpen the blades.
Plus, it ensures your disposal runs efficiently.
2. Rinse With Baking Soda And Vinegar
Baking soda is a natural purifier that helps get rid of bad smells.
Vinegar is a strong cleaner that can break down grease and leftover.
Both of them create a powerful combination for cleaning garbage disposal.
Start by pouring about 1/4 cup of baking soda into the disposal.
Next, add 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
You will notice a fizzing reaction, which helps lift dirt and grime from the insides.
Let this mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the ingredients to work their magic.
Afterward, flush the disposal with hot water to remove any loosened debris.
This will help leave your disposal smelling fresh.
3. Clean The Rubber Flaps With A Toothbrush
The rubber flaps, or splash guards, can hold food particles, causing bad smells and grime to build up.
It’s essential to clean these regularly.
To clean them, use a soft or old toothbrush you no longer need.
Gently scrub the rubber flaps, focusing on any visible buildup or stuck particles.
Make sure to reach into any gaps where food might hide.
After scrubbing, rinse the flaps with warm water to remove loosened debris.
This simple step will help keep your disposal clean and odor-free.
4. Use Citrus Peels To Freshen It Up
Citrus peels, like those from lemons or oranges, are natural cleansers.
They can make your garbage disposal smell fresh and clean.
The oils in the peels smell great and help purify the disposal.
Cut citrus peels into smaller pieces to make them easier to grind.
While running cold water, drop the citrus peels into the disposal.
Turn on the disposal and let it chop up the peels.
The salty aroma will fill your kitchen, and the natural oils will help to clean and freshen the disposal.
5. Regularly Run Cold Water While Using The Disposal
One key habit for keeping your garbage disposal in good shape is using cold water while running.
Cold water hardens grease and fat, preventing them from sticking in the disposal and causing clogs.
Always turn on the cold water before adding food waste.
Keep it running for at least 15 seconds after you turn off the disposal.
This way, all debris gets washed away properly.
Making this easy habit part of your routine can help your garbage disposal last longer and work better.
When To Call A Professional
Knowing when to call a professional for your garbage disposal is important.
If you still notice a strange smell that won’t disappear, it’s a sign that something is wrong.
Also, if the disposal is making unusual noises or not working, you should get help.
Don’t wait too long, as these issues can lead to bigger problems.
A professional can quickly find the cause and help get your disposal back in good shape.
Contact us at OP Plumbing Hub for high-quality services.
Conclusion
This article discusses five easy ways to keep garbage disposal clean and fresh.
Following these simple tips, you can enjoy a fresh-smelling kitchen and a well-functioning disposal.
When to call a professional has also been discussed. Contact us at OP Plumbing Hub for expert advice and help.