How to Clean Your Kitchen’s Garbage Disposal

The unsung hero of the kitchen, the garbage disposal, can be overlooked and over time can develop quite the smell. From left over food to grease, your garbage disposal can accumulate food particles and rancid smells if left uncleaned. Luckily with a few minutes a week you can remedy this bad smell and keep your kitchen’s disposal smelling clean!

Remove The Clogs

The first thing you’ll want to do is check to see if there is any lodged food or objects stuck in your disposal. Unplug the garbage disposal and use a small flashlight to look into the drain. Remove any large objects that may be obstructing the disposal blades. Remember to use needle-nose pliers or a similar tool to remove anything from your disposal. Do NOTuse your hand!

Add The Ice

Once your disposal is cleared of any large debris, dump 2 cups of ice cubes down the disposal. Yes, ice cubes. This helps to break up any remaining food particles that can create all those smelly odors and is an excellent way of cleaning the blades within the disposal. Run cold water into the disposal and listen for the ice to be completely chewed up, then turn off the disposal.

Sink Volcano Anyone?

Removing leftover food and debris is the first step, but you’ll want to clean out any remaining bacteria to keep the smell down. Pour a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar down your disposal. Let foam and sit for roughly 10 to 15 minutes and rinse away.

Soapy Water

With warm or hot water running, plug your sink’s drain and put in a few drops of dish detergent. Let the sink fill, then pull the plug. Let the soapy water drain through your disposal while letting it run. This flush should remove any stubborn gunk from the disposal blades.

Fresh Lemon Scent

The last step is adding a fresh scent. With water and disposal running, toss in peels and slices of your favorite citrus fruit. Lemon, lime, orange or grapefruit all work great! This will give your disposal a great clean smell. Use these tips to keep your kitchen’s disposal running smooth and odors at bay.

Have anything to add, tips of your own? Let me know on Twitter @DiaryofaDIYer or Visit my blog at www.diaryofadiyer.com