The garbage disposal in the kitchen is a wonderful thing, which sends the leftover food to the drain in the blink of an eye. But do you know that this useful companion of yours can become the cause of foul smell in a few days? Yes, often after use, a strong smell starts coming from it, which spoils the atmosphere of the entire kitchen. Sometimes the smell spreads so much that you do not understand what to do.
If you are also facing this problem and thinking that now you will have to call a plumber or use an expensive cleaner, then wait. Today, we are going to tell you a very easy, homemade, and completely safe method by which you can make your garbage disposal shine in minutes and say goodbye to the smell forever. The things used in this process are found in almost every house, and you can easily do it yourself. So let’s know what is this miraculous method.
Items Needed to Clean a Garbage Disposal
Cleaning a garbage disposal requires a few common items that you may already have in your home or can easily find.
Tweezers or pliers/tongs
Toothbrush or any small scrub brush
Torch or mobile flashlight
Baking soda
White vinegar
Ice cubes
Coarse salt
Dishwashing liquid
Lemon or orange peels
Hot water
Cleaning a Garbage Disposal
Follow these simple steps to deep clean your garbage disposal. The entire process is safe and effective.
Turn off the power supply first
Safety is the most important thing before any cleaning. Before starting cleaning the garbage disposal, make sure to turn off its power supply. Either remove it from the socket or turn off the breaker at the main switch. This is the most important safety measure. Never ignore it.
Clean the splash guard thoroughly
The disposal unit has a rubber guard called a splash guard or gasket. Remove it carefully and clean it thoroughly with the help of soap and a brush. Often sticky substances or food pieces get deposited on its inner surface, which causes bad odor.
Remove visible debris
Look inside the disposal with the help of a torch, and if you see any stuck objects, take them out with the help of pliers or tweezers. Take special care to never put your hands inside.
Clean the Blades with Ice and Salt
Now put ice cubes inside the disposal and add one cup of coarse salt on top of it. Then run cold water and turn on the disposal for 15 seconds. This process cleans the blades well and also removes the accumulated dirt.
Deep Cleaning with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal and then slowly add one cup of white vinegar. You will see that it will start to form foam. Leave it like this for 10 to 15 minutes. Then rinse it thoroughly with hot water. This mixture effectively removes bacteria and odor-causing elements.
Add Lemon or Orange Peels
For a nice and fresh scent, cut lemon or orange peels into small pieces and add them to the disposal one by one. Now turn the unit on while running cold water. This will remove odors from the inside and keep it fresh.
Finally, rinse with hot water once again
To remove everything and finalize the cleaning, run hot water for a minute to completely remove all the cleaning agents and debris.
How often should you clean a garbage disposal?
If you use your garbage disposal daily, do this kind of deep cleaning once a week. This will prevent odors and keep your machine working well for years. Regular cleaning will not only keep it clean but also maintain its efficiency.