Garbage disposals are great for saving time and effort but require periodic maintenance to keep them in top condition. It may be time for a cleaning if you notice a strange smell, weird noise, or a decrease in performance. Here are some of the easiest ways to clean your garbage disposal using only a few common household items. Here are some easy ways to clean your garbage disposal:
Method 1: Ice and Salt
Add a few handfuls of ice and a cup of sea salt to the garbage disposal. While the water is running, grind the ice-salt mixture. The ice not only helps to clean the grinder mechanisms but also makes the blades function better.
Method 2: Dish soap and hot water
Flushing the buildup from your disposal can help prevent bigger problems. Fill the sink with hot, soapy water and remove the drain plug. Run the disposal until all the water is drained.
Method 3: Peeling Citrus
This old-fashioned trick will help you eliminate odors from the disposal and clean its blades. Slice the peels into several pieces, and then feed them into the disposal while the cold water is running. Citrus peels contain an acid that kills bacteria and gives off a citrusy scent.
Method 4: Borax
Pour 1/2 cup of Borax into the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then flush with hot running water. Check out this video for more information.
Method 5: Vinegar & Baking Soda
Pour 1 cup white vinegar and 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain to remove leftover food. After 10-15 minutes, flush the drain with hot water.
Avoid serious problems with your garbage disposer by chopping food scraps smaller before grinding them, running cold tap water each time you use it, and never dumping grease down the drain. Call your plumber if you have serious mechanical or jamming issues.
Keep your home working well with these safety tips for appliances.
Salt and Ice
Add a few handfuls of ice and a cup of sea salt to the garbage disposal. While the water is running, grind the ice-salt mixture. The ice not only helps to clean the grinder mechanisms but also makes the blades function better.
Hot water and Dishwashing Soap
Flushing the buildup from your disposal can help prevent bigger problems. Fill the sink with hot, soapy water. Remove the drain plug, and then run the removal to ensure that all the water is drained.
Citrus Peels
This old-fashioned trick will help you eliminate odors from the disposal and clean its blades. Slice the peels into several pieces, and then feed them into the disposal while the cold water is running. Citrus peels contain an acid that kills bacteria and gives off a citrusy scent.
Borax
Pour 1/2 cup Borax into the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then flush with hot water.
Vinegar with Baking Soda
Pour 1 cup white vinegar and 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain to remove leftover food. After 10-15 minutes, flush the drain with hot water.
