Let’s be honest—when was the last time you gave your sink’s garbage disposal a thorough cleaning? While this appliance works hard every day, it often gets overlooked in terms of maintenance. If you’re noticing unpleasant odors or buildup, your disposal might be to blame. Here’s how to give it the fresh start it deserves:
- Clean the Rubber Flaps: Use a scrub brush or old toothbrush with warm water and dish soap to clean under the rubber flaps. Many disposals have flaps that pop out for easy cleaning. If there’s stubborn gunk, let them soak in vinegar for a deeper clean.
- Sharpen and Clean the Blades: Running ice cubes made from vinegar through your disposal is an efficient way to both clean and sharpen the blades. Simply freeze some vinegar in an ice cube tray, drop a few cubes into the disposal with a handful of coarse salt, and run the motor with a small amount of water for about a minute.
- Tackle Odors: Pour baking soda into the disposal and let it sit for 10 minutes to neutralize odors. For a burst of fresh scent, follow up with citrus peels or a store-bought deodorizer, and run the motor for 30 seconds.
- Prevention is Key: Regular cleaning is essential for smooth operation and preventing unpleasant smells. To keep your disposal in top shape, avoid dumping non-food items, coffee grounds, fibrous vegetables, large chunks of food, meat, grease, fat, bones, pits, seeds, and starchy foods like pasta, rice, and beans. These can cause clogs and odors.
By taking a few simple steps, you’ll keep your garbage disposal running efficiently, your kitchen smelling fresh, and your appliance lasting longer. Happy cleaning!
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