How to Clean Your Garbage Disposal and Get Rid of Bad Smells
A garbage disposal makes cooking convenient, but over time, it can get filled with grime, food particles, and bacteria, causing bad smells. A dirty, smelly garbage disposal can make your entire kitchen feel less clean. Fortunately, with regular maintenance and a few simple cleaning techniques, you can keep your garbage disposal clean and stink-free.
How to Clean a Garbage Disposal
1. Turn Off the Power
Before cleaning, always turn off the power to the garbage disposal. You can either unplug it or turn off the circuit breaker that powers it.
2. Remove Any Large Debris
If you notice visible food particles or debris stuck in the disposal, use tongs to remove them. Never use your hands, as you can get hurt by the sharp blades in your garbage disposal.
3. Scrub the Splash Guard
The black rubber splash guard at the top of the disposal often gets covered in grease and food particles, leading to odors. To clean the splash guard, remove it (if possible) and scrub it with warm, soapy water and a brush. If the splash guard isn’t removeable, use a small brush or sponge to clean around and underneath it.
4. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar can help break down grime and neutralize odors. To clean with baking soda and vinegar, pour ½ cup of baking soda into the disposal and follow with 1 cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz for 5–10 minutes. Then, flush the disposal with warm water to rinse away any remaining grime.
5. Scrub the Blades with Ice and Salt
Ice cubes and coarse salt can help to remove stuck-on debris and sharpen the disposal blades. To clean with ice and salt, toss a few handfuls of ice cubes into your disposal and add 1/2 cup of coarse salt. Turn on the disposal and run cold water to grind the mixture, scrubbing the blades.
6. Freshen Up with Citrus Peels
Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and limes can naturally deodorize your garbage disposal. Cut citrus peels into small pieces and drop them into the disposal. Run the disposal with cold water to break down the peels and enjoy the delicious smell!
Preventing Future Odors
Avoid putting grease, coffee grounds, eggshells, and fibrous foods (like celery and potato peels) down the disposal. Not only can these things clog your garbage disposal, but they can also get stuck in the blades, leading to a foul smell.
Run cold water before and after using the disposal to flush out debris.
Clean your disposal weekly using the above steps.
By following these tips, you can keep your garbage disposal clean, odor-free, and working efficiently for years to come!
Need help with a broken garbage disposal? Aspen Plumbing is here to help.
We offer garbage disposal repair and replacement for people in Fort Collins, Colorado, and surrounding areas. Don’t stress about fixing your garbage disposal yourself! Our team can get the job done in no time. Reach out today to schedule your appointment.
