Even the most diligent home cooks can’t escape the inevitable: a stinky garbage disposal. Despite running water and carefully disposing of food scraps, unpleasant odours can build up over time.
Fortunately, cleaning your garbage disposal doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a few simple steps and some natural cleaning materials, you can keep your disposal fresh and your kitchen smelling delightful.
What you’ll need
Equipment:
- Rubber gloves
- Old toothbrush
- Sponge
Materials:
- Cold water
- Ice
- Rock salt
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Dish soap
- Antibacterial cleaner
- Lemon
Instructions
Before you start
Before starting the cleaning process, always consult your garbage disposal manual. Many manufacturers, like On Tap, recommend grinding hard materials such as ice to help scour the chamber.
Step-by-step cleaning guide
Initial rinse
Turn on the cold water and run your disposal to clear any loose debris. If it sounds like something is stuck, turn off the disposal immediately. Wear rubber gloves and unplug the disposal before reaching in to remove any large debris by hand.
Clean with ice and salt
Fill the disposal chamber with a few cups of ice. Turn on the cold water and then the disposal, letting both run until the ice is gone. Add rock salt for extra friction to help remove grime. Note: While ice and cold water are effective, avoid using hot water, as it can solidify any grease buildup and worsen the problem.
Deodorise with baking soda and vinegar
Pour 1/4 cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for a few minutes, breaking down gunk and neutralising odours. After the fizzing stops, rinse thoroughly with cold water. Use vinegar sparingly, as its acidity can wear down rubber components if used too frequently.
Scrub the splash guard
The rubber flanges around the disposal drain, known as the splash guard, are often overlooked but can harbor a lot of gunk and odour. Apply grease-cutting dish soap to an old toothbrush and scrub under the splash guard. An antibacterial cleaner can be used for added protection against smelly bacteria buildup.
Freshen with lemon
To keep your disposal smelling fresh, grind lemon or lime peels in the disposal. The natural oils in citrus peels help eliminate odours and leave a fresh scent. You can experiment with fresh or frozen peels, as well as wedges or quarters, to find what works best for your disposal.
Clear the trap
If your disposal is draining slowly or clogged, it may be due to food particles stuck in the trap (the S- or P-pipe under the sink). Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your disposal. Instead, place a bucket under the sink, remove the trap, and clean it with a bottle brush and soapy water. Rinse thoroughly before reassembling.
Tips for keeping your disposal clean
To prevent excessive buildup, avoid overloading the disposal with scraps. Add waste gradually to allow the grinder to do its job efficiently. Avoid disposing of cooking grease, coffee grounds, large pits (like peach or olive pits), and chicken bones. Always run water while the disposal is in use to help flush debris through the system.
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Always in the kitchen? Here are 5 areas that need to be cleaned everyday
Feature image: Pixabay
