Cleaning a garbage disposal is relatively simple and can help keep your kitchen smelling fresh and ensure the disposal works efficiently. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Materials Needed:
- Ice cubes
- Rock salt or coarse salt
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Lemon or lime
- Dish soap
- Old toothbrush or scrub brush
- Tongs or pliers
Steps:
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Turn Off the Power:
- Ensure the garbage disposal is turned off to prevent accidents. Unplug it or switch off the circuit breaker.
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Remove Any Obstructions:
- Use tongs or pliers to remove any visible debris or food particles stuck in the disposal.
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Clean the Splash Guard:
- The rubber splash guard (or baffle) can accumulate a lot of gunk. Pull it out if it's removable and scrub it with dish soap and a brush. If it's not removable, scrub it while it's in place.
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Deodorize with Baking Soda and Vinegar:
- Pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal.
- Follow it with one cup of vinegar. Let the mixture fizz and sit for about 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse with hot water.
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Clean with Ice and Salt:
- Put a few handfuls of ice cubes and one cup of rock salt or coarse salt into the disposal.
- Turn on the cold water and run the disposal for a minute. The ice and salt help to scrape off and dislodge debris from the grinding elements.
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Freshen with Citrus:
- Cut a lemon or lime into small pieces.
- Turn on the cold water and the disposal, then feed the citrus pieces into the disposal. This helps to clean and deodorize it.
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Final Rinse:
- Run hot water for a few minutes to flush out any remaining debris and thoroughly rinse the disposal.
Maintenance Tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your disposal at least once a month.
- Avoid Grease: Don’t pour grease or oil down the disposal; it can solidify and cause clogs.
- Small Food Scraps: Only put small food scraps down the disposal. Avoid fibrous or starchy foods like celery, potato peels, or pasta.
- Run Cold Water: Always run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal to help solidify any fats or grease so they can be chopped up and washed away.
By following these steps and maintenance tips, your garbage disposal should remain clean and functional.