Just like other machines you use at home, your garbage disposal also needs to be cleaned regularly. If you don’t clean it, it might become a place where harmful germs or mold can grow. This guide will show you a simple way to clean your garbage disposal.

how to clean garbage disposal

A garbage disposal is an amazing tool that helps you quickly take care of food waste and helps the environment by reducing the amount of leftovers thrown in the trash.

Tucked out of sight under your sink, garbage disposals blend in so well that it’s easy to forget about them. However, just like any other appliance, they require regular cleaning. If neglected, they can become a haven for dangerous germs or mold.

Why Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal Regularly Is Essential

Most of the food you put in your garbage disposal gets chopped up and goes away forever. But, tiny bits can get caught in the splash guard and inside the part where it grinds, and over time, these can start to rot.

Also, grease and fibrous vegetables can create a sticky residue that the disposal can’t break down. This leftover gunk can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal

Luckily, deep cleaning your garbage disposal is simple, and you likely have everything you need at home. Just gather baking soda, vinegar, ice, table salt, and lemon peels. Using these natural ingredients is the safest way to clean your disposal because chemical cleaners can damage its metal parts.

Step 1: Turn Off the Power

The first and most important step in cleaning your garbage disposal is to turn off the power. This prevents accidents that could be very dangerous.

To cut the power, you can either unplug it from the outlet under the sink or switch off the electricity at the breaker box. Make sure you’ve turned off the correct circuit by trying to run the garbage disposal before you begin cleaning.

Step 2: Wash the Splash Guard

The rubber splash guard, also called a gasket or baffle, has many grooves and crevices where small food particles and grease can get stuck. Remove it from the drain and clean it well using an old toothbrush or a scrub brush along with plenty of dish soap. Make sure to scrub hard, especially on the underside, to get rid of any debris or buildup.

Step 3: Clear Out Visible Food Scraps

While the splash guard is off, use a flashlight to look inside the disposal for any food pieces that the grinder missed. Use tongs or pliers to take out these food bits. Remember, never use your fingers; the blades are extremely sharp even when they’re not moving.

Step 4: Add Baking Soda and Vinegar

Measure out half a cup of baking soda and dump it into the disposal. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to deodorize. After that, pour in one cup of vinegar, which will create a foamy mixture that bubbles up into the sink. Allow this mixture to work on the gunk for about three minutes. Finally, flush it away with hot tap water or pour in some boiling water from a pot.

Step 5: Crush Ice and Salt in the Disposal

To clean the blades and remove any buildup, put the splash guard back and turn the power on. Then, add two cups of ice followed by a cup of salt. Turn on the cold water and switch on the disposal. Keep it running until all the ice is crushed. The combination of salt and ice acts as a scrubber to clean effectively.

Step 6: Chop Up Lemon Peels

The final step in cleaning your garbage disposal is to give it a fresh citrus scent. You can use lemon peels or any other citrus fruit peel.

Simply place the peel of one citrus fruit into the disposal, turn on the cold water, and activate the disposal. The citrus peel will release a refreshing, fruity aroma that freshens up the entire sink area.