Have you just moved into an apartment and you’re wondering how to clean a garbage disposal? You’re not alone! This is one area of the kitchen that often gets overlooked. It is super easy to clean so you have no excuse! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you decide to make a purchase using one of my links, I make a small profit at no additional cost you you. Thank you in advance.
I did not grow up with a garbage disposal, so I had no idea I should be cleaning it. Not to mention cleaning it weekly! Sure I would wash my sink regularly and throw citrus peels periodically down the garbage disposal, but that was essentially it. I have now learned that you should give it a thorough cleaning weekly to keep it from smelling and leading to buildup, which can cause pests! Also, you should do this upon moving into and moving out of a rental.
Now, I personally barely use my disposal. Therefore, I clean it biweekly or monthly and freshen it up as needed. It all depends how much you use it. If you use it often, then clean it weekly.
In this post I will give you 3 great options for cleaning your garbage disposal. There will be a few options for those of you who prefer DIY methods and chemical free options. I wanted to be sure everyone can find a great option for their lifestyle. Thank you so much for being here! Happy reading…and cleaning 🙂
This is post is all about how to clean a garbage disposal.
How To Clean a Garbage Disposal…
Start by cleaning the rubber baffle. It is wise to disconnect the disposal to avoid it turning on while your cleaning this part.
Use an abrasive sponge (a toothbrush can be helpful too) and dish soap to clean underneath this rubber baffle and the underside of the rim. You may find a slimy gunk. Keep scrubbing until you no longer wipe up anymore grime. Then clean around the outside of the baffle as well. This will do a lot to help with yucky odors. However, that grime is on the floor of the disposal as well. The following options will help to get rid of that buildup:
Using Store Bought Cleaners
This is my most used method of cleaning my garbage disposal, although it is controversial. I would use the ice method if I had an ice dispenser. For this method I use the Glisten Garbage Disposer Cleaner. You could also use Lemi Shine Disposal Cleaner. I found this one to smell like old people or something, not pleasant. I prefer the Glisten, smell wise. Both work in the same way which I’ll describe below: 1. Make sure the sink and disposal are empty. Run a full stream of hot water into the sink, but not directly into the disposal drain. Run this hot water for 1 minute.
2. Reduce hot water to a pencil width trickle still not directly into the drain.
3. With the disposal still off and hot water trickle running, place one cleaning packet (unopened) into the disposal. 4. Turn on disposer. 5. You will see a blue foam (with Glisten) or a white foam (with Lemi Shine) rise into the sink and likely into both sides of the sink if you have a double sink. After 1-2 minutes the foam will disappear from the disposal. Once this happens, cleaning is complete. Shut off disposal and rinse any remaining foam from the sink.
I like to give my sink a good wash after this to make sure there are no residual chemicals left behind.
Using Baking Soda and Vinegar
This is likely the most well known method as we have all been playing with baking soda and vinegar since elementary school. 1. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the garbage disposal. Let is sit for one hour (for deep cleaning) if you have the time. Otherwise, it will still work without letting it sit, but I do recommend letting it brew for at least 15 minutes.
2. Now pour 1 cup of vinegar into the drain and let it fizz. For deep cleaning, you could let this sit for 15 mins or so. Otherwise, once it stops fizzing so much turn on a steady stream of water and run the disposal for 30 seconds or so.
3. Optional: Follow with a few citrus peels to help freshen the smell. Allow water and the disposal to run until the citrus peels are gone.
Using Ice, Salt, Lemon and Baking Soda
This method works because the ice will break up build up on the propellers and the salt will break up the buildup on the sides and bottom of the disposal. The lemon and baking soda will act as a deodorizer. If you have an ice dispenser, I think this is your best option, personally. 1. Toss 4 cups of ice into the disposal and sink. 2. Add a handful of salt into the disposal.
3. Turn on a steady stream of cool water and the disposal. Use a large utensil spoon to feed all the ice into the disposal. (not your hands, obviously) Once the ice is crushed you’re done with this part. Shut off the water and disposal. 4. Now put a few tablespoons-1/4 cup of baking soda into the disposal followed by half of a lemon, lime or other citrus fruit. 5. Turn on a steady stream of cool water and run the disposal again until the lemon is completely gone.
Tip: If you have lemons and Limes that are on their last leg, dice them up and throw them into an ice cube tray. fill with water and Freeze. Then you can use these ice cubes for this method and you’ll clean and deodorize the disposal at the same time. you could also use vinegar instead of water and throw a few cubes through the disposal for a quick refresh as needed.
There you have it, 3 ways to clean your garbage disposal.
As I stated before, I wanted to give you a few options so that you can find one that works best for you and your family. Mix and match and make your own routine as well. I think regardless of which method I use, I would follow it with a few tablespoons of baking soda and half of a lemon or lime because this left the most pleasant smell behind. The point is, make sure you clean your garbage disposal regularly to avoid a stinky kitchen sink! Leave a comment below if you try any of these methods out, or if you have another method, I’d love to hear it. Thank you again for reading! Happy garbage disposal cleaning!
This post was all about how to clean a garbage disposal.
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