How to Clean Garbage Disposal?
Trusted Tips for a Fresh and Safe Home
Today we are going to talk about something every household with a garbage disposal needs to know: how to clean garbage disposal units properly and safely. Keeping your disposal clean is not only about having a fresh smelling kitchen. It is also important for your family’s health and the long life of the disposal itself.
At Trusted Plumbing and Heating, we are here to help with all your plumbing needs, big or small. While we always recommend having a professional inspect your disposal if you run into big problems, there are some things you can do at home to help your disposal last longer and smell fresher. Let us dig in and talk about the best ways to care for your kitchen garbage disposal.
Why Does the Garbage Disposal Get Dirty?
Your garbage disposal works hard. It grinds up food scraps from your kitchen to keep your sink clean and your pipes from clogging. But as the disposal chops up food, small particles can stick to the inside of the unit. Over time, tiny pieces of garbage or food will get trapped under the rubber flap at the opening and down in the disposal grinder itself. With all that damp food, bacteria can grow and strong smells can develop. So, if your kitchen starts to smell and you know it is not the garbage can, the disposal might be the culprit.
How Often Should You Clean Your Garbage Disposal?
To keep your kitchen fresh, a good rule is to clean the garbage disposal every one to two weeks. If you use the disposal a lot, you might want to do it more often. Cleaning regularly will stop greasy build up and help avoid clogs before they start.
Safe and Simple Disposal Cleaning Steps
You do not need fancy products to keep your disposal tidy. In fact, some everyday things you already have at home work well as a disposal cleaner. Here are some safe and simple steps for disposal cleaning:
1. Always Put Safety First
Before you touch the garbage disposal, make sure it is turned off. Never put your hands into the unit when it is running or even plugged in. If you can, unplug it under the sink to stay extra safe.
2. Rinse with Hot Water
Hot water can wash away grease and small bits of food. Run hot tap water through the disposal for about one minute. This is the easiest way to flush out loose debris.
3. Baking Soda and Vinegar Magic
Baking soda and vinegar are natural cleaners that fight smell. Pour about half a cup of baking soda into the disposal opening. Next, gently pour one cup of vinegar over the baking soda. You will see bubbles and fizzing as it starts to work. Let it sit for five to ten minutes. After that, rinse it out with very hot water to clear away the loosened mess.
4. Ice and Salt Scrub
Ice is not just for drinks. You can use ice cubes to clean garbage that sticks to the blades inside the disposal. Put a handful of ice cubes and a tablespoon of coarse salt into the disposal. Turn your cold water on, then turn on the disposal for about fifteen seconds. The ice sharpens the grinder while the salt scrapes oily bits away. This helps to remove any stuck food and sharpens the blades too.
5. Freshen with Citrus
Citrus is famous for cleaning and for leaving things smelling bright and clean. Cut up a lemon or orange and send the pieces down the disposal with cool water. The juice and zest remove the last bits of food. This adds a fresh scent to your whole kitchen.
Other Handy Disposal Cleaning Tips
Never use bleach or harsh drain cleaners in your disposal. These products can damage the rubber parts and metal inside the unit. Try to avoid sending large bones, fruit pits, or stringy foods down your disposal because they can clog the grinder. Always run cold water while using the disposal and for a few seconds after to make sure everything is washed down fully.
When to Call Trusted Plumbing and Heating
Most regular cleaning tasks are safe to tackle at home, but there are times you should call a professional. If your garbage disposal is making loud noises, not working, or you keep fighting a stubborn clump of garbage, you may need help. Smelly water leaking under the kitchen sink or constant clogs is another sign it is time for professional disposal cleaning or repair.
Here at Trusted Plumbing and Heating, our expert team is ready to help get your kitchen and disposal back up and running safely. We can carefully check your entire system, clean any tricky clogs, and even show you a few more cleaning tips you can use to keep things fresh.
Why Trust Trusted Plumbing and Heating?
With over four decades serving our community, we have seen every disposal problem you can imagine. We know how to clean garbage disposal units the right way, and we use only safe and proven methods. Our team can help you avoid messy blockages and extend the life of your unit. If you are not sure what type of cleaning product or disposal cleaner is best, just ask us. We are here to keep your kitchen clean, safe, and worry free.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your garbage disposal clean is not hard if you follow a few simple steps and use safe household items like baking soda and vinegar. A little bit of regular care goes a long way to prevent disposal smell and costly repairs. Remember, if the job ever feels too big, the team at Trusted Plumbing and Heating is only a phone call away. Let us help you enjoy a fresh and clean home all year long.
If you have more questions about how to clean garbage disposal units or need expert service, reach out to Trusted Plumbing and Heating today. We are always happy to help you find the best solution for your home.