How to Clean a Garbage Disposal and Get Rid of That Smell

Nobody likes a smelly kitchen, and one of the worst offenders is often the garbage disposal. If your disposal is starting to smell bad, don't worry - we have a solution! In this blog post, we will teach you how to clean your garbage disposal and get rid of that pesky odor once and for all.

Introduction

Why garbage disposals can start to smell?

Garbage disposals are an indispensable part of a kitchen, quickly and conveniently disposing of waste while preventing unpleasant odors.

However, over time it is possible for garbage disposals to start to smell themselves. This is usually caused by the buildup of grease and food particles in the disposal system that is not able to be disposed of via the grinding mechanism.

In addition, if food reaches the ground drain below and is only partially washed away by water running through the system, these residues can decompose and create an unpleasant scent.

Thankfully, this smell can be mitigated by thoroughly cleaning your garbage disposal regularly with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Occasional use of ice cubes or lemon rinds can also help keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh.

Benefits of cleaning your disposal regularly

Cleaning your garbage disposal regularly can prove beneficial in a number of ways. Not only does it help reduce foul odors and ensure your kitchen stays free from bacteria, but it also helps the mechanical parts of your disposal run more smoothly.

Regularly scheduled cleanings can help extend the life of your garbage disposal by keeping its parts free from build-up or corrosion, saving you time and money when it comes to maintenance or repairs.

The process itself only takes moments, so there's no excuse not to keep your disposal as clean as possible - it'll be worth the effort in the end!

Steps for Cleaning a Garbage Disposal

A. Safety precautions

Before attempting to clean your garbage disposal, be sure to take certain safety measures first. Make sure all power sources are turned off and disconnect the disposal from its power source (if possible).

Also, make sure to avoid any open-toed shoes or loose clothing - these can easily get caught in the blades of the disposal, which can be extremely dangerous.

B. Use a combination of vinegar and baking soda

Once the safety precautions have been taken, it's time to get to work! Start by pouring about 1/2 cup of baking soda into the opening at the top of your garbage disposal and then follow up with 1 cup of white distilled vinegar.

Allow this mixture to sit for a few minutes before turning on the disposal and allowing it to run until you hear a fizzing sound. The combination of baking soda and vinegar will help break down organic materials, while also helping to deodorize unpleasant smells in the process.

C. Use ice cubes or lemon rinds 

For an extra blast of freshness, try adding a handful of ice cubes to the disposal and running it for a few seconds. The cold temperature of the cubes will help break down residue while also getting rid of odors. Alternatively, you can add rinds from 2-3 lemons (or other citrus fruit) to your disposal for an even stronger deodorizing effect.

D. Rinse with hot water

Finally, turn on the disposal and pour a cup of hot water down the drain to help flush away any remaining residue or odors. Letting the water run for a few minutes can also ensure that all areas are properly cleaned.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cleaning your garbage disposal on a regular basis is essential for keeping it running smoothly and reducing unpleasant odors from your kitchen.

The process is simple and only takes moments - just remember to take safety precautions first! Baking soda and vinegar are excellent for breaking down residue and deodorizing the system, while ice cubes or lemon rinds can be added for an extra blast of freshness.

Finally, always rinse the disposal with hot water at the end to ensure all areas are properly cleaned.