Your garbage disposal works hard to grind up food scraps and flush them down the drain, but if you don’t follow proper maintenance practices—like running cold water during and after use—leftover food particles can build up and cause unpleasant odors. When that happens, don’t worry; we’ve got the tips you need to keep your kitchen sink smelling fresh and clean.
Garbage Disposal Safety Basics
Before diving into cleaning methods, it’s important to follow safety precautions to protect yourself and your garbage disposal.
Essential Tools for Cleaning:
Always avoid putting your hands near the blades. Use long-handled brushes or tools specifically designed for cleaning disposals.
Never insert metal objects into the disposal as they can damage the blades and cause injury.
Skip harsh chemicals like bleach and drain cleaners—they aren’t suitable for cleaning disposal grime.
Quick and Effective Cleaning Methods
Cleaning your garbage disposal is easy and can be done with everyday household items. Here are some simple methods to freshen up your sink:
Ice Cube Technique:
Grinding ice cubes in your garbage disposal not only cleans but also sharpens the blades. It helps dislodge stuck food particles and debris, leaving the blades clean and efficient.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution:
A natural and effective cleaning solution, baking soda and vinegar work wonders. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal and let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb odors. Then, add a cup of vinegar, allowing it to bubble and cleanse the area. Rinse with hot water afterward for a fresh, clean finish.
Citrus Peels for Freshness:
For a quick refresh, grind up lemon or orange peels in the disposal. The citrus oils naturally break down grease and leave a pleasant, fresh scent.
What to Avoid Putting in Your Garbage Disposal
To keep your disposal running smoothly, only dispose of biodegradable items like small food scraps. Avoid the following:
Non-biodegradable items: Plastic, metal, and glass should never go down the disposal.
Grease and oils: These can solidify and clog the pipes.
Hard-to-grind foods: Items like bones, large food scraps, fruit pits, and fibrous vegetables (such as celery or corn husks) can cause jams.
Starchy foods and fibrous materials: Things like potatoes, coffee grounds, and onion skins tend to stick to the sides and clog the disposal. Eggshells are also tricky as their membranes cling to the blades, while coffee grounds clump together, creating blockages.
When to Call in a Professional
Even with regular maintenance, some odors or clogs may persist. If you notice a consistent foul smell or a stubborn blockage, it may be time to call a plumber. Professionals have specialized tools and expertise to diagnose and fix these issues efficiently, ensuring your garbage disposal performs like new.
Tips for Maintaining a Fresh Garbage Disposal
Prevention is key to a well-functioning disposal. To keep it fresh and odor-free:
Run cold water during and after each use to flush out food particles.
Clean your sink and disposal regularly to prevent bacteria buildup and keep your kitchen smelling pleasant.
By incorporating these simple habits into your routine, you can maintain a clean, efficient garbage disposal and a fresh-smelling kitchen!
Regular maintenance, like keeping your sink area clean as part of your standard cleaning routine, can also help prevent buildup. If you’re ever looking for a deeper clean, a deep cleaning can give your kitchen the extra attention it needs.