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Tips to Clean Your Garbage Disposal


If your garbage disposal is starting to smell a bit funky, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Mr. Plumber knows a smelly garbage disposal is a common problem, but it’s easy to fix!

We share some tips to help you clean a garbage disposal and eliminate odors caused by food residue and stuck on debris. Grease cutting dish soap, citrus peels, vinegar and baking soda, ice cubes, and warm water are just some of the common items you can use to maintain a clean garbage disposal, drain opening, splash guard, grinder blades, and grinding chamber.

Important Parts of the Garbage Disposal

Most people know that kitchen garbage disposals are extremely convenient for getting rid of food waste quickly and easily. But did you know that these handy appliances have been around for over 75 years? And while they may seem fairly simple, there are actually several different parts that work together to make your garbage disposal function properly.

For starters, there’s the grinding blades, which are what actually grinds up the food waste. Then there’s the impeller, which is a small blade that helps to push the food waste down into the grind ring. There’s also a motor that turns the blades when the garbage disposal is in use. And finally, there’s the stopper, which is used to cover the disposal when it’s not in use. So next time you start up your garbage disposal, take a moment to think about all of the different parts that work together to make it run smoothly.

If you’ve ever looked into your kitchen sink, you may have noticed a small, rubber part sitting in the drain. These rubber parts are called the baffle, and its purpose is to help keep food waste inside the garbage disposal and minimize noise during operation. The baffle works by creating a seal between the sink and the garbage disposal. When the garbage disposal is turned on, the blades spin quickly and can create a lot of noise. The baffle helps to absorb some of that noise and prevents food waste from being expelled from the disposal. Over time, the baffle can become worn or damaged and will need to be replaced. If you notice that your garbage disposal is making more noise than usual or that food waste is being expelled from the unit, it’s a good idea to check the baffle for damage and replace it if necessary.

Garbage Disposal Cleaning Tips

A garbage disposal is a handy kitchen appliance that can make cleanup a breeze. However, over time, your disposal can become clogged with food scraps and other debris. When this happens, it’s important to clean it out to prevent bad odors and ensure that it continues to run smoothly.

Use Ice and Cold Water

Ice and cold water are an effective way to clean your garbage disposal. First, fill your sink with cold water and add a few ice cubes. Then, turn on the disposal and let the ice and water run through for about 30 seconds. The ice will help sharpen the blades and remove any lingering debris. Finally, run hot water through the disposal for another 30 seconds to flush away any remaining residue. By following these simple steps, you can keep your garbage disposal clean and working properly.

Use Ice and Salt

You can use ice and rock salt to scrub away any build-up of food or grime. Just add a cup of salt to some ice cubes, then turn on the disposal and let the ice do its work. The salt will help to break up any tough stains, while the ice will help to remove any lingering odors. Keep the cold water on whenever you use or clean the garbage disposal, as this will help to prevent the blades from rusting and keep the appliance working properly. With a little care and attention, you can keep your garbage disposal clean and fresh all year round.

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

If your garbage disposal smells, it’s time to give it a good cleaning with natural ingredients, not harsh chemicals. Baking soda and vinegar are two household staples that can do the job quickly and easily. Just follow these simple steps:

  1. First, pour a cup of baking soda down the disposal.
  2. Then, add 1/2 cup of vinegar. The mixture will fizz and foam, so be careful not to splash it on your countertop or yourself!
  3. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then turn on the disposal and let it run for a minute or two.
  4. Finally, rinse everything down with hot water. Your garbage disposal should now be clean and odor-free!

Use Citrus Peels

Many of us have experienced the unpleasant smell of a garbage disposal. The good news is that there is an easy and natural way to deodorize it using citrus peel. Simply cut a piece of orange, lemon, or grapefruit peel into small pieces and drop them down the disposal. Turn on the cold water and the disposal, then let it run for a few seconds to chop up the peel. Then, let the cold water and the disposal run for another minute to flush away any lingering bits of peel. The citrus oils will help to freshen the disposal and leave your kitchen smelling pleasant and clean. Plus, you’ll be able to avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage your disposal.

Use Borax

You can clean your garbage disposal using a variety of household items, but one of the most effective is borax. Just sprinkle a generous amount of borax into the disposal and let it sit for a few hours. Then, run the disposal with hot water to flush away the grime. For an extra-stinky disposal, you may need to repeat this process a few times. With regular cleanings, your garbage disposal will stay smelling fresh and running smoothly.

Use Hot Water and Dish Soap

A garbage disposal is a handy appliance to have in your kitchen, but it does require some maintenance to keep it running smoothly. One important part of cleaning your garbage disposal is getting rid of any build-up of food particles or grease. A simple way to do this is to mix hot water and dish soap in your sink.

Fill the sink halfway with hot water and mix in dish soap while the drain is covered with the stopper. Pull out the stopper and turn the garbage disposal on while the hot water mixture runs into the appliance. Let the disposal run for a few minutes, then turn off the water and let the blades cool before running them again under cold water. This simple cleaning method will help keep your garbage disposal running smoothly.

Use Boiling Water

Even the most dependable appliance needs a little TLC from time to time. Fortunately, cleaning a garbage disposal is easy and only takes a few minutes. A good method to clean your garbage disposal is to pour boiling water into it on a regular basis. This will help to loosen tough food particles and keep your disposal smelling fresh. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to remove stubborn buildup. By following these simple tips, you can keep your garbage disposal clean and clutter-free.

Use Dish Soap and Baking Soda

First, disconnect the power to the garbage disposal. Next, mix together baking soda and dish soap to form a scrubbing paste. Use an old toothbrush or small cleaning brush to scrub the paste into the garbage disposal splash guard, blades, and canister. Once you’ve scrubbed away any dirt or buildup, reconnect power to the garbage disposal and run hot water through it for several minutes to rinse away any residue. With regular cleanings, your garbage disposal will stay fresh and free-flowing for years to come.

Tips on Using the Garbage Disposal Properly

A garbage disposal is a handy kitchen appliance that can make cleanup a breeze. However, it’s important to use your disposal properly to avoid damaging it or causing a clog. Here are a few tips:

  • Never put hard objects, such as bones or fruit seeds, into the disposal. These can damage the blades or cause a clog.
  • Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain. This can solidify and cause a clog further down the line.
  • Cut up larger pieces of food before putting them in the disposal. This will help prevent clogs and ensure that the food is properly pulverized.
  • Slowly run cold water through the disposal while it’s in use. This will help keep things moving and prevent clogs.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your garbage disposal working like new for years to come.

Garbage Disposal Repair Help

If you’re like most people, you may dread cleaning your garbage disposal. It’s a dirty job, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult one. With just a few simple tips, you can clean your garbage disposal in no time and be on your way to enjoying a cleaner kitchen. Are you ready to get started? Contact us today to make an appointment for garbage disposal repair services. We can take care of the dirty work so you don’t have to!

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