It is very important to maintain your garbage disposal to ensure that it is working efficiently and does not have an unpleasant odor.

This often-overlooked kitchen tool works hard to dispose of food scraps, but over time, it gets clogged with food particles, grease, and other debris.

This not only hampers the efficiency of the disposal but also results in bad odor and, at times, blockage.

In this guide, you will learn why it is crucial to clean your garbage disposal and how to do it properly.

Why Should You Clean Your Garbage Disposal?

Garbage disposals, while highly useful for efficiently disposing of food waste, need regular cleaning and maintenance. Here are a few reasons why cleaning your garbage disposal is essential:

Prevent Unpleasant Odors: It is due to the fact that when the particles of food are decomposed they give out an unpleasant smell. Removing the buildup from the disposal will also help eliminate these odors.

Enhance Performance: Debris buildup can also affect the efficiency of the disposal’s motor or cause it to get jammed, causing hinders the disposal’s functionality.

Reduce Risk of Clogs: Small bits of food, grease, and other materials may get trapped in the disposal’s pipes and lead to clogging. These clogs are prevented by the regular cleaning that is done on the pipes.

Extend the Lifespan: This helps check wear and tear, and thus, the disposal can be used for a longer time without the need for replacement and, at the same time, reducing the replacement cost.

Step-by-Step Guide on Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal

Cleaning your garbage disposal is a rather simple task that doesn’t require you to spend much money on special tools and chemicals. All you need is some household appliances and some time. Here is a step-by-step guide that will help you in the process of cleaning your disposal.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

To clean your garbage disposal effectively, you’ll need:

Ice cubes
Baking soda
Vinegar
Lemon or lime
Dish soap
Old toothbrush or small scrub brush
Soft cloth

Step 2: Turn Off the Power

Safety first!

First of all, you should unplug your garbage disposal or switch off the switch under the sink. In case of a directly wired disposal, the circuit breaker should be off to ensure you are safe.

Step 3: Clean the Rubber Flange

The rubber splash guard, or flange that is found at the mouth of the disposal, has a way of holding food particles and bacteria.

Lift the rubber flap and scrub it with an old toothbrush and a little dish soap.

Be sure to clean the undersurface of the spoon because that is where most of the dirt is collected. When you are done with the cleaning process, rinse with warm water.

Step 4: Deodorize Using Baking Soda and Vinegar

Now, you must put half a cup of baking soda down the sink disposal first and then add one cup of vinegar afterward. This will make it foam and bubble to break down dirt and get rid of any bad smells effectively. Wait for 5-10 minutes for the best result.

After waiting, switch on the hot water before running the disposal for a few seconds to clear out the baking soda and vinegar mixture.

Step 5: Use Ice and Salt to Sharpen the Blades

For a deeper clean that also sharpens the blades of your disposal, pour a handful of ice cubes and then a tablespoon of coarse salt, also known as rock salt, into the disposal.

Then, turn the cold water then switch on the disposal. The ice and salt will help clean the blades and sharpen them by removing any debris that could be stuck on the blades.

Step 6: Freshen with Citrus

Cut a lemon or lime into quarters and then throw the pieces into the disposal.

Switch on the disposal and let the citrus pieces grind. The oil from the fruit can be used to eliminate the odor from the disposal, leaving the house with a fresh smell.

Step 7: Wipe Down the Disposal and Sink

Once you are done with the above steps, you should use a soft cloth and a little dish soap to wipe the outside of the disposal and the sink area.

The last step is to wipe down any remaining spots, and your sink area will definitely look as good as new.

Additional Tips for Garbage Disposal Maintenance

In order to maintain your garbage disposal and make it last longer, try to follow these tips:

Use Cold Water When Running the Disposal

You should always run cold water when using the disposal because the grease or fat solidifies, making it easier for the disposal to chop the food.

On the other hand, hot water can make the grease become liquid and may cause an accumulation at the disposal.

Avoid Fibrous and Hard Foods

Celery, potato peels, and corn husks are some examples of fibrous foods that can get caught around the blades and lead to clogs.

Also, refrain from disposing of hard objects like bones, fruit pits, or coffee grounds in the disposal, as this could potentially dull or damage the blades.

Run the Disposal Regularly

If your disposal is not being used very often, then it is still essential that you run it from time to time to prevent it from rusting.

All you need to do is turn it on with cold water for a few seconds to help its functioning.

Grind Small Food Amounts at a Time

Overloading your garbage disposal also causes it to block or jam.

Instead, when disposing of food scraps into the disposal, ensure that it is in small amounts, and after the food has been ground, add more. This will also ensure that your disposal is in good shape so that it can continue working efficiently.

Clean Monthly for Optimal Performance

Garbage disposal cleaning is recommended at least once a month to ensure that it remains fresh and odor-free.

Preventing the buildup of grime ensures that your kitchen remains fresh at all times.

Why Hire a Professional?

It is pretty simple to clean your garbage disposal on your own; however, if you want to deep clean your kitchen as well as the entire house, why not hire a cleaning service?

Thus, you will be able to enjoy the clean kitchen and much more while not even sweating. No matter if you require a one-time clean or regular cleaning service we will be able to find a team of professional cleaners for you.

Conclusion

Garbage disposal is one of the most important kitchen utensils used to dispose of food remains; thus, it is essential to keep it clean to ensure its efficiency and avoid bad odor.

The following are the simple steps that have been discussed in this article, which can help maintain garbage disposal and thus avoid the costs of repairs or even replacement.

Therefore, disposal should be cleaned frequently and properly to enhance efficiency and avoid damage.

Need Help with Kitchen Cleaning?

And, if you need a reputed house cleaning service to clean your house and make it sparkling, then NW Maids is the ideal choice – your kitchen and the rest of your house will be grateful to you.

It is, therefore, crucial to clean the garbage disposal from time to time and follow the steps outlined above to ensure efficient disposal.

How to Wash and Revive Your Sheepskin Rug →