A garbage disposal is a modern-day kitchen lifesaver. It streamlines kitchen cleanup by transforming everyday food scraps into a manageable slurry that effortlessly washes down the drain. The best thing about it is it is conveniently hidden under the sink, not messing with your aesthetics while combining form and function. Nevertheless, like anything in your house, your garbage disposal needs proper cleaning and maintenance so it doesn’t become a breeding ground for bacteria and unpleasant odors. This comprehensive guide on how to clean your garbage disposal offers tips from our expert house cleaners in Carmel, IN. Check it out!
Deep Cleaning Your Disposal
Cleaning your garbage disposal unit should be part of your regular kitchen cleaning routine. While it may look intimidating at first glance, it’s actually pretty straightforward and will take less than 15 minutes. In addition, you can do it with easy and eco-friendly cleaning techniques using cost-effective ingredients you already have in your pantry.
Step 1: Cut It from the Power
Safety first! Unplug the garbage disposal unit from the socket under your kitchen sink cabinet or cut the power from your breaker box to prevent freak accidents. Triple-check if the disposal is disconnected by running it three times before cleaning it.
Step 2: Clean the Disposal Flange
The flange, also known as the splash guard or baffle, is the rubber gasket around the disposal’s drain opening. It has tiny grooves that can accumulate and trap food particles, grease, and grime, and when neglected, it can get really gross, smelly, and slimy.
To clean your disposal’s flange, follow these steps:
- Take out the drain or sink stopper to access the flange.
- After pulling it out, use a sponge or an old toothbrush with dish soap to scrub every nook and cranny.
- Rinse thoroughly with hot water.
Step 3: Pick Out Trapped Food Bits
Before putting the flange back in, get a flashlight and check the insides of your disposal for visible food particles that may have been dislodged and missed the grinder. Never use your hands to pick them out directly from the disposal to prevent getting injured by the sharp blades. Instead, get a pair of tongs or pliers to reach and take the food debris out.
Step 4: Clean and Deodorize
Baking soda and vinegar are popular green cleaning combination that effectively sanitizes and deodorizes your garbage disposal. They are far better than using harsh chemicals that can be too abrasive and damage the metal parts inside.
- Pour about half a cup of baking soda straight into your disposal.
- Add a cup of white vinegar and let it fizz for several minutes. The foaming will melt away any grease and gunk in there.
- Flush with hot water from your tap.
Step 5: Clean Blades with Ice and Salt
This step will clean and sharpen the blades and remove any remaining stubborn grime or nasty food buildup. Here’s what to do:
- Put the flange or splashback into your disposal and plug it into power.
- Fill your disposal with a handful of ice cubes and a cup of rock salt.
- Turn on the cold tap water and the disposal. Let it run until all the ice is crushed.
- Then, continue running cold water for a few seconds to flush away any remaining debris.
Step 6: Freshen It Up With Citrus Peels
Grind citrus peels to leave a pleasant and lasting smell in your kitchen after cleaning your garbage disposal. While many typically use lemon peels for this, you can also use others, like grapefruit and oranges.
How Often Should You Clean Your Garbage Disposal?
To keep your garbage disposal running smoothly and odor-free, it’s recommended that you clean it at least once a week. However, the frequency might vary depending on how often you use it. If you have a large family or frequently cook meals at home, you should clean it more often. Regular cleaning can help prevent clogs and unpleasant smells and maintain the efficiency of your garbage disposal.
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