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Help Your Garbage Disposal Clean up Its Act
Just like us, garbage disposals need regular hygiene to avoid smelling bad. And with all of the things we put down there, it’s not surprising that our garbage disposals would occasionally develop a bad case of halitosis. The good news is, with only a few minutes and some items already found in your kitchen, you can be sure to have a fresh-smelling garbage disposal in no time!
Start from the Top
Start from the Top
Thoroughly scrub the outside of your garbage disposal with some dishwashing soap and a small detail cleaning brush, such as an old toothbrush. Start with the disposal flange (usually a black rubber part covering the drain) and focus on the seam area where the rubber flange meets the sink’s basin. This is where food particles and mold often like to hang out.
Super-soak It
Even though we often run the tap when we operate the garbage disposal, this doesn’t allow for the disposal housing to be thoroughly rinsed with water. This can possibly leave hiding places for discarded food to accumulate, causing unpleasant odors over time.
To give your garbage disposal a full rinse, plug the sink drain and fill it halfway with warm soapy water. Then unplug the drain and turn on the disposal. This will force the soapy water through the system and hopefully purge any smelly offenders.
Super-soak It
Add Some Garnish
Over time, garbage disposals can accumulate a slimy residue that becomes resistant to regular flushes. This is when you’ll want to reach for the ice and salt. Pour one cup of ice cubes into your disposal, turn it on and immediately follow with a half cup of kosher salt. This will create an abrasive solution that is great for eliminating any foul-smelling slime. You can also toss in some eggshells to give the blades a good cleaning or a few lemon peels to add a fresh citrus smell.
Cleaning your garbage disposal regularly can prevent foul odors from returning and will keep your kitchen smelling good as new!
