How to Clean Your Garbage Disposal in 4 Easy Steps

Having a garbage disposal is extremely convenient. You probably use it every day!

But with so much food and other grime flowing through the drain, it’s important to clean it out every once in a while so you avoid unsettling odors. All Warrenton plumbers recommend regular cleaning to prevent garbage disposal smell along with much more serious malfunctions.

Follow these four easy steps to banish garbage disposal smell for good.

Step 1: Prep and inspect the garbage disposal.

First, cut the power to the garbage disposal either by the electrical outlet or from the circuit breaker. You’ll also need to remove the splash guard and remove any lingering substances inside or caught in the blade with a fork or tongs. You might even need to shine a light to be sure you’ve collected it all. Remember, never put your hands in or around the grinding chamber, even with the power off.

Step 2: Salt the garbage disposal.

Bear with us here — this may sound like we’ve veered into “how to cook a chicken” territory, but you’ll be amazed what a little rock salt can do.

First, turn the garbage disposal power back on. Next, pour a half-cup of rock salt down the drain along with 8-12 homemade ice cubes. Finally, let the water run along with the disposal for approximately sixty seconds to eliminate any remaining particles in the drain. Double check after to ensure the blades are clean.

Step 3: Add white vinegar and baking soda.

Unfortunately, you have to cut the power again. Once you do that, pour a cup of white vinegar and a half cup of baking soda and watch the fizz fly for 15 minutes.

The acidity of this solution will kill the bacteria that is causing the odor, as well as e.coli and salmonella. To go the extra mile, you can make a baking soda and vinegar paste to scrub the rubber splash guard and drain stopper. Just don’t forget to replace it when you’re done cleaning.

Step 4: Rinse everything clean.

Lastly, fill your sink with water and a teaspoon of dish soap. Then remove the plug, turn on the disposal and let it run until the sink is empty.

Of course,this isn’t the only way to clean your garbage disposal. There are plenty of other tricks and natural remedies out there to keep every area of your home sparkling clean. And you certainly don’t have to do such heavy cleaning every single time. Just try to remember to do some light maintenance once a month.

Other helpful garbage disposal cleaning tips from Warrenton plumbers:

• Run citrus fruit peels through your garbage disposal to kill bacteria and leave a fresh scent
• Avoid putting meat, bones, fibrous veggies, coffee grounds, cigarette butts, potato peels, pasta, rice or anything that’s not biodegradable into your garbage disposal
• Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach or drain chemicals
• Never pour grease down the drain

Warrenton plumbers can help you.

If a deep cleaning isn’t successful or if you encounter more serious garbage disposal issues, make sure you call the CroppMetcalfe plumbers near Warrenton at (540) 347-3024. Our certified,trained and highly qualified technicians will be in your Warrenton home as soon as possible to get your garbage disposal back in working order.

---