Your garbage disposal works hard every day, grinding up leftover food and washing it away. However, if you’re not careful, food bits can build up, causing bad smells. Running cold water during and after use is a good habit, but when foul odors still linger, Wink Cleaning is here to help. This guide will show you easy ways to clean your garbage disposal and keep your kitchen smelling fresh.

Stay Safe Before You Start

Before diving into cleaning methods, let’s go over some safety tips to avoid injuries and prevent damaging your garbage disposal. Safety is always the priority when tackling any cleaning task.

Use the Right Tools

Never use your hands to clean your garbage disposal, even if it’s turned off. Instead, use long handled brushes or special tools designed for garbage disposals. Avoid putting metal objects into the disposal, as they can damage the blades or even cause injuries.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Don’t pour bleach or drain cleaners into your garbage disposal. These chemicals aren’t designed to remove grime in disposals and can damage the system over time.

Easy and Effective Cleaning Methods

You don’t need fancy tools or expensive products to clean your garbage disposal. With simple household items, you can eliminate odors and make your disposal work like new.

Ice Cube Cleaning Trick

Using ice cubes is an easy way to clean and sharpen the blades of your garbage disposal. Just grind up a handful of ice cubes in the disposal. The ice helps break up any food stuck to the blades and removes debris that causes bad smells.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution

Baking soda and vinegar make a powerful natural cleaner. Follow these steps:

  1. Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the disposal. Let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb odors.
  2. Add 1 cup of vinegar. You’ll see some fizzing – this is normal and helps clean the inside.
  3. After a few minutes, rinse with hot water to flush everything away.

Freshen with Citrus Peels

Citrus peels, like lemon or orange, are great for adding a pleasant scent while cleaning your disposal. Grind a few slices of citrus peel in the disposal to break down grease and leave behind a fresh, zesty aroma.

What You Should Never Put Down Your Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal isn’t designed to handle everything. To keep it working well and avoid clogs or damage, be careful about what you put in it.

Skip Non Biodegradable Items

Never put plastic, glass, or metal down your disposal. These materials can break the blades and cause costly repairs.

Avoid Oils, Grease, and Starchy Foods

Oils and grease can solidify in your disposal, causing blockages. Starchy foods like rice and pasta expand in water, which can clog the drain. It’s better to throw these in the trash or compost bin.

Be Careful with Fibrous Foods

Stringy foods like celery, onion skins, and corn husks can wrap around the blades and jam the motor.

Watch Out for Hard to Grind Items

Eggshells, coffee grounds, bones, and fruit pits are tough on your disposal. Eggshell membranes can stick to the blades, coffee grounds clump in water, and bones or pits can break the motor.

When to Call a Professional

Even with regular cleaning, your garbage disposal may sometimes need professional help. If you notice a persistent bad smell or a stubborn clog, it’s time to contact a plumber. Professionals have the right tools and expertise to handle these issues quickly and restore your disposal to full function.

Maintenance Tips for a Fresh Garbage Disposal

Keeping your garbage disposal clean isn’t just about a fresh smelling kitchen. Regular maintenance ensures it works properly and prevents health hazards like bacteria buildup.

Run Cold Water Regularly

Always run cold water during and after each use. This clears out food particles and prevents buildup.

Clean the Disposal Weekly

Make it a habit to clean your disposal once a week using one of the methods above. This prevents odors and keeps everything running smoothly.

Avoid Overloading the Disposal

Dispose of small amounts of food at a time. Overloading the disposal can lead to clogs and wear down the motor faster.

Use Natural Deodorizers

Once a month, grind up citrus peels or use baking soda to keep your disposal smelling fresh naturally.

Conclusion

Your garbage disposal is an essential part of your kitchen, and keeping it clean doesn’t have to be hard. By following these easy cleaning methods and maintenance tips, you can enjoy a fresh smelling, fully functional disposal. And if problems arise, don’t hesitate to call a professional for help.

Wink Cleaning is here to make your home sparkle, one step at a time. Keep your garbage disposal clean and your kitchen fresh with these simple tips.