How to Clean a Garbage Disposal: Tips for Refreshing a Sink

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How to Clean A Garbage Disposal: Everything to Know Before You Begin

It’s easy to forget about your garbage disposal since it’s under the sink and out of sight. However, it needs to be cleaned like any other appliance. A clean garbage disposal can remove or prevent unpleasant smells and some cleaning methods even keep the sink’s drain clean. While there are times when you will need professional plumbing services, you should know how to clean a garbage disposal on your own.   

Why Should You Have a Clean Garbage Disposal?

Your garbage will more or less clean itself. Most of the food that enters it gets ground up and flushed through the pipes. However, some small particles can get stuck in the splash guard and grinding chamber and they’ll quickly begin to decay. Grease and fibrous vegetable matter can also leave a slimy residue behind and this can contribute to the growth of bacteria.

Ready to Clean a Garbage Disposal? Follow These Steps and Tips

Once you learn how to clean a garbage disposal, you’ll realize how easy it is. You just need things you probably already have in the home such as baking soda, vinegar, ice, salt, lemon peel. If you use harsh chemicals, you could damage the garbage disposal so it’s best to avoid them. Here’s what you need to do.

Disconnect the Power

Cutting the power to the garbage disposal is an important first step. You can either unplug the cord from under the sink or turn off the electricity from the breaker panel. To ensure that you’ve turned off the correct circuit, you should try to turn on the garbage disposal before you start to clean it. Once you’re sure it’s off, you can proceed.

Clean the Splash Guard

The rubber splash guard (also called a gasket or baffle) has lots of crevices that can trap grease and small food particles. When you clean the garbage disposal, pull it out of the drain and scrub it vigorously with dish soap and an old toothbrush or a sponge. Make sure the underside is free of debris.

Remove Food 

While you have the splash guard out, wipe around the top of the grinder with a sponge and rinse it frequently to get rid of any bits of food. Then, get a flashlight and look into the disposal to see if there are any food particles that aren't getting into the grinder. If you notice any debris, pull them out with tongs or pliers. You should never put your fingers near the blades.

Use Baking Soda or Vinegar

Pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal and leave it for half an hour. Then, pour in a cup of vinegar. You’ll notice a foamy liquid bubbling in the sink. Let this happen for about three minutes and then pour hot water down the sink.

Use Salt and Ice to Clean Blades

The next step is to clean the blades of the garbage disposal. Reinstall the splash guard, turn back on the power, and then pour in two cups of ice. Add a cup of salt, turn on the cold water, and then turn on the disposal. Run the appliance until all the ice is ground up.

Use Lemon

When the hard work is done, the final thing you need to do is deodorize the system. You’ll need the peel of a lemon or another citrus fruit. Simply stuff it into the garbage disposal, turn on the cold water, and turn on the power. This will give the sink a refreshing smell. How often to clean a garbage disposal? Once a week should be enough.

Use Bleach If Necessary

If your garbage disposal is really smelly, you need to know how to deep clean garbage disposal. For deep cleaning, use a solution of one part bleach and two parts of warm water. Be sure to wear gloves and use less than one-third of a cup of bleach. Pour the solution down the drain and run the warm water for several seconds. This should get rid of any lingering odors.

Contact a Local Residential Plumbing Company If Necessary

A clean garbage disposal will function better and keep your kitchen smelling fresh and clean. If you notice any problems with your home’s garbage disposal or your sink drain as you clean, you may need a professional repair job. Reach out to the local contractors at Indigo Home & Facility Services so that a plumber can come out and inspect your plumbing.