No matter how much you clean the food scraps and run water through your garbage disposal, you can still have smelly food particles over time. It comes as no surprise since there is a lot of “food” for the bacteria down there.
Cleaning the garbage disposal does not end with scraping away the food buildup, you also need to deodorise it. It should also be part of your regular house cleaning routines.
Luckily, we have 3 easy ways to help in your garbage disposal cleaning.
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Garbage Disposal Cleaning Hacks
When the heady aroma of your garbage disposal wafts through your kitchen, it is time to bring out the big guns. And we are not talking about harmful chemicals here but a few kitchen staples that you already have.
These three methods can clean and freshen your garbage disposal naturally and in no time.
Citrus Peels
We know how invigorating citrus smells are and so we can expect that it is an effective deodorizer for your garbage disposal too. If you are looking for instant help for your garbage disposal cleaning that goes beyond cleaning, then better start looking for lemon, orange, or lime.
Here is how you can remove the foul smell from your garbage disposal:
- Get a cup of lemon or other citrus peels and stuff them down the hole of your garbage disposal.
- Turn on the cold water and the garbage disposal. Let both your tap and device run until you can no longer hear the sound of grinding peel.
- Turn off the garbage disposal and let the water run for another ten minutes.
Ice Cubes and Salt
You probably have seen or read about ice cubes being effective in garbage disposal cleaning. Does it work? Of course, it does. The stubborn dirt particles stuck at your disposal are no match for these powerful combinations. They work as an odour-fighting scrub that cleans and freshens the garbage disposal.
- Pour about two cups of ice into the garbage disposal.
- Add one cup of salt.
- Turn on the tap for cold water and turn on the garbage disposal. Let it run until all the ice is pulverised.
- Turn off the disposal and let the water run for another 10 seconds to rinse the disposal.
Bonus: For a cleaner and fresher garbage disposal, add one cup of citrus peels to your salt and ice. It is the ultimate combination of gunk cleaner and odour-buster that will leave your garbage disposal with a fresh, clean scent.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
What else can baking soda and vinegar not do? This combo’s magical cleaning powers are unending. When combined they produce powerful scrubbing, odour-fighting bubbles that can remove the yucky gunk inside the garbage disposal.
Here is how to use your baking soda and vinegar.
- Sprinkle half a cup of baking soda into your garbage disposal and leave it for 30 minutes. It will absorb the odour and remove the stuck-on debris.
- Add a cup of vinegar and leave the bubbling action to work its way into the gunk.
- Turn on the disposal and leave the water running for 10 seconds.
- Turn off the garbage disposal and let the water run for another 10 seconds.
Bonus: Cleaning the Garbage Disposal Trap
The garbage disposal trap can trap many food scraps and debris which can lead to clogs. No amount of cleaning can freshen your garbage disposal unless you remove them. We strongly advised against using traditional drain cleaning products here.
Instead, follow these steps:
- Place a bucket under the sink.
- Remove the S-trap or P-trap.
- Clean the debris with a bottle brush and soapy water.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Reassemble the disposal trap.
Final Words
There you have it, three easy garbage disposal cleaning tips that will leave your kitchen equipment clean and smelling fresh in no time. Keeping the garbage disposal clean is a part of your kitchen cleaning routine.
If garbage disposal cleaning is not for you, try adding it to the cleaning checklist. Premium Clean offers bespoke cleaning services. You can add this task when you book a kitchen cleaning.
