Be sure to label the remaining cubes or someone may get a surprise in their beverage! Place a couple of ice cubes in the disposal and process with cold water. Vinegar Ice – Fill an ice cube tray with vinegar and freeze.Baking Soda – Baking soda is well known for its odor absorbency and can be added to other items being processed through the disposal to aid in odor removal.The acid from the citrus will remove the odor and leave your disposal smelling much fresher. Lemon/Limes – Place a couple halves of lemons or limes in the garbage disposal and process them through.Here are a couple of the more popular fixes. Otherwise, you just have the smells from these remedies on top of the previous odors. These are most effective after you have cleaned the debris causing the odor from your disposal. Odors are such a common problem with garbage disposals that there are numerous methods to remove them. You can also place a few drops of scented oil in the disposal and let it set for a few hours before rinsing away. If you’d like a fresh smell in your kitchen, run a few citrus peels through the disposal.Return the splash guard to its original location.This is a key location for build-up that causes odor, so cleaning it well is essential. If you are unable to remove the splash guard, lift each flap and scrub underneath with the old toothbrush as good as you can.Use the old toothbrush to scrub off any build-up that tends to accumulate on the underside. Remove the splash guard (the black rubber cover) if possible and clean it thoroughly.Carefully pour the boiling water into the garbage disposal and turn it on to flush away the loosened debris.When the water is boiling, remove the covers to the sink and garbage disposal.While it is soaking, fill the large pot with water and bring it to a boil.Let this mixture set for about 10 minutes.(Remember those erupting volcano projects in grade school? – same idea) You will want to insert the cover of both your garbage disposal as well as the drain in the second sink if applicable. Be prepared for it to fizzle and bubble as it expands. Slowly add 1 cup of vinegar to the baking soda.Pour 1/2 cup baking soda into the garbage disposal.This is also believed to sharpen the blades.
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Next, run a couple of ice cubes through to loosen food that may be stuck to the blades or grinders.Begin by flushing away any food that may be in your garbage disposal.Typically, deep cleanings are needed every 1-3 weeks. The frequency of deep cleanings will depend on how heavily your disposal is used and how well it is cleaned each day. Remove the drain or screen and scrub away any dirt and grime using the small scrub brush.ĭeep cleanings offer a great chance to remove any build-up and sharpen the blades/grinders.The hot water and detergent should loosen and remove most debris left in the disposal. Turn on the garbage disposal and let the water flush through.Each day fill your sink and garbage disposal with hot water (as hot as you can stand) adding a small amount of dish detergent (enough to make some suds).Daily Cleaningĭaily maintenance will help keep your garbage disposal running well and reduce the need for frequent deep cleanings. To keep them running properly and lasting a long time, they require a daily care to stay clean and odor free. Garbage disposals are convenient and found in many of our kitchens.