How to clean a garbage disposal

Garbage disposal cleaning

Did you know that the average homeowner will use their garbage disposal unit over 2,000 times each year? Considering this fact and the amount of food waste that passes through it, it’s no surprise that cleaning this appliance is a must. Keep reading our blog posts and we’ll tell you exactly how to clean and maintain your garbage disposal.

Why should you clean your garbage disposal?

Cleaning your garbage disposal is important for several reasons:

• Preventing bad odors: Over time, food particles can get trapped in your garbage disposal and start to emit bad odors. Regularly cleaning your disposal can help to prevent this problem and keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
• Improving performance: A buildup of food particles and grease can clog your garbage disposal, making it less effective at grinding up food waste. By cleaning your disposal, you can improve its performance and prevent blockages.
• Reducing the risk of damage: If you don’t clean your garbage disposal regularly, food particles and other debris can accumulate and cause damage to the blades and other parts. This can lead to costly repairs or even replacement of the unit.
• Keeping your kitchen hygienic: Food waste can attract pests like cockroaches and rodents, which can be a health hazard. Regularly cleaning your garbage disposal can help to prevent infestations and keep your kitchen hygienic.

Gather supplies & safety gear

To clean your garbage disposal, you will need the following supplies:

• Baking soda: Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and can help to remove any unpleasant odors from your garbage disposal.
• White vinegar: Vinegar is acidic and can help to break down any food particles and grease that may be stuck to the blades of your garbage disposal.
• Ice cubes: Ice cubes can be used to help sharpen the blades of your garbage disposal and remove any buildup that may be stuck to them.
• Lemon or citrus fruit: A lemon or citrus fruit can be used to help freshen the garbage disposal and leave a pleasant scent behind.
• Dish soap: Dish soap can be used to help clean the rubber flaps and other parts of your garbage disposal.
• A scrub brush or an old toothbrush: A scrub brush or an old toothbrush can be used to scrub away any remaining debris or buildup.
• Safety gloves: It’s a good idea to wear safety gloves to protect your hands while cleaning your garbage disposal.

Disconnect the garbage disposal unit

Shut off the power to the unit by flipping the switch on its base or unplugging it from an outlet.

Place a bucket underneath the sink to catch any water and debris that may come out during the process.

Unscrew the clamp that attaches the garbage disposal to the sink drain and remove it from its position.Carefully pull out any additional clogs in the drainpipe with pliers.

Clean the exterior of a garbage disposal

Wipe down the outside of the unit with warm water and soap.

Use an old toothbrush or scrub brush to remove any stuck-on food particles from the unit’s blades.

Rinse off all of the soap and wipe away any excess water with a dry cloth or paper towel.

“A bright person can always think of something better to do than housework.”Ruby Lou Barnhill

Clean the interior of a garbage disposal

First and foremost, make sure that the power to your garbage disposal is off. You don’t want any unfortunate accidents!

1. Remove any visible debris: Use a pair of tongs or pliers to remove any large food particles or debris that may be stuck in the garbage disposal. Be careful not to put your hand inside the unit.
2. Add baking soda and vinegar: Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into the garbage disposal, followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to fizz and break down any buildup.
3. Add ice cubes: Add a few ice cubes to the garbage disposal and turn it on for 10-15 seconds. The ice will help to sharpen the blades and dislodge any remaining debris.
4. Add lemon or citrus fruit: Cut a lemon or other citrus fruit into small pieces and add them to the garbage disposal. Run the unit for a few seconds to help freshen the unit and leave a pleasant scent behind.
5. Clean the rubber flaps: Use a scrub brush or an old toothbrush to clean the rubber flaps and other parts of the garbage disposal. Use dish soap and warm water to help loosen any remaining debris.
6. Rinse with cold water: Run cold water down the garbage disposal for a few seconds to help flush away any remaining debris and baking soda residue.
7. Turn the power back on: Once you’ve finished cleaning the garbage disposal, turn the power back on and test it to make sure it’s working properly.

Replace the garbage disposal unit

Well, if cleaning the inside of the garbage disposal didn’t do the trick, it might be time to replace it.

First off, make sure you have everything you need: a wrench and maybe some plumber’s tape or putty. Then disconnect the power source to the unit and unscrew the mounting screws from underneath with your wrench. Carefully lift out the old unit, being careful not to spill any water that may be in there.

Now it’s time for installation! Put in your new unit and screw on mounting screws from underneath with your wrench again. Connect the power source backup and then turn on the water and flip on the switch – voila! You’ve replaced your garbage disposal unit like a boss.

Run the garbage disposal unit

First and foremost, make sure you double-check that all screws and bolts are tightly secured before running the garbage disposal unit. After that, turn on the cold water tap nearest the sink and fill up the basin with water. Once you have enough water in the sink, turn on the garbage disposal switch and let it run for about 15 seconds. Be sure to stand back while it runs; this prevents any potential accidents or injuries from occurring.

How to maintain your garbage disposal unit

It’s important to keep your garbage disposal unit running in top condition with regular maintenance. While it’s a small appliance, it can have a big impact on how smoothly your kitchen runs. Here are four ways you can keep your disposal in tip-top shape:

1. Clean the blades: Make sure that no food particles or debris is stuck around the blades of the unit. You can use a plastic utensil to carefully remove anything that might be caught and causing problems.
2. Sharpen the blades: With time, the blades may lose their sharpness, which could cause clogs and jams. There are tools available specifically for sharpening the blades that you can easily find online or at home improvement stores.
3. Deodorize: Garbage disposals don’t always smell great when they’re in use – give it a boost with some deodorizing powder or citrus peels in order to freshen up the smell every so often.
4. Check for leaks: Finally, check for any water leaks coming from the garbage disposal unit – this could indicate worn gaskets or seals that need to be replaced and fixed.

Conclusion

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.