How to Clean Your Garbage Disposal Easily

Discover the essential steps and effective tips on how to clean your garbage disposal, ensuring a fresh and odor-free kitchen. Say goodbye to lingering smells and grime as you follow our easy guide to maintain a clean and efficient garbage disposal system.

Garbage disposals, often relegated to the shadows of our kitchens, are integral yet frequently overlooked components that can accumulate unsavory residues over time, resulting in unpleasant odors. As these odors intensify with neglect, it becomes crucial to delve into the process of deep cleaning to not only eliminate foul smells but also to ensure optimal functionality.

Embarking on a comprehensive cleaning routine for your garbage disposal is a proactive measure to maintain a fresh and hygienic kitchen environment. Despite the appearance of numerous steps, the process is surprisingly straightforward and efficient, especially when performed regularly.

By dedicating a small amount of time to this maintenance task, you not only fend off persistent odors but also contribute to the prolonged efficiency and longevity of your garbage disposal unit. Dive into the detailed steps of this cleansing ritual to transform your often-underappreciated garbage disposal into an odor-free and smoothly operating kitchen companion.

How to Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Before we start to clean our garbage disposal it’s important to talk about garbage disposal maintenance. When we neglect the care of our garbage disposals, we unwittingly invite a host of issues that can compromise their functionality.

Lingering food particles create a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to unpleasant odors that can permeate throughout the kitchen. Additionally, neglected disposals are prone to blockages, hindering their ability to efficiently process waste. Addressing these concerns promptly not only ensures a more pleasant kitchen environment but also safeguards the longevity of the disposal unit.

There are some important things to remember and to do, and not do, when it comes to a garbage disposal.

• Don’t overload your garbage disposal. It’s best to scrap your plates into the trash and not just straight into the garbage disposal. And never grind more than about 1 cup of food waste at a time.
• Don’t put grease, coffee grounds, plastic, large bones, egg shells, or starchy foods down the garbage disposal. Avoid fibrous vegetables as well because they can clog the garbage disposal motor.
• Every month be sure to follow this cleaning routine.

Doing all of this will help you make sure your garbage disposal keeps working well and also smelling fresh. The best part is you don’t need anything fancy to do all of this.

While you can buy garbage disposal cleaners you likely have everything you need to clean your garbage disposal already on hand. It just takes a few simple items.

The things I use to clean the garbage disposal are: white vinegar, baking soda, citrus peels, dish soap, and an old toothbrush. All of these items are safe for your garbage disposal and work really well. 

Important safety note: If you will be putting anything into the garbage disposal you want to begin by disconnecting the power to your garbage disposal. This can typically be done by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker.

Step By Step Instructions for Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal

First you want to gather your supplies-

• White Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Citrus Peels
• Dish Soap
• Old Toothbrush

I like to buy the Mrs. Meyers dish soap from Grove Collaborative because it smells nice while using good ingredients. You can also get a free Mrs. Meyers set of cleaners when you order from Grove Collaborative for the first time. 

Cleaning the Garbage Disposal:

1. Clean the sink hole cover with hot soapy water. You may want to use an old toothbrush to get to all the parts. If you haven’t done this in a while, or ever, be prepared to be grossed out. When you are done, rinse well with hot water. Many of these easily pop out to make it easy to clean it. 
2. Next, pour some baking soda in the drain. I use around half a cup. Follow with vinegar, about twice as much as the baking soda. This is just breaking up clogs, the reaction doesn’t clean but it does help break things up.
3. Run some hot water again to finish breaking up all of the gunk.
4. Now is the part that will help get your garbage disposal smelling nice and clean. Cut up some citrus peels. I like to keep mine in the freezer for when I need them. Put the peels in the garbage disposal and run it. With water running, of course.

This should leave your garbage disposal clean and smelling fresh. It’s a great way to keep your kitchen smelling good and to use up leftover citrus peels.

You can also put them in ice cube trays with vinegar and freeze them. These cubes also help sharpen the garbage disposal blades.

By following these steps diligently, you not only eliminate immediate concerns but also contribute to the overall health and longevity of your garbage disposal. Remember, consistency is key, and incorporating this cleaning routine into your regular household chores will keep everything working well and smelling fresh.