Here are some tips for cleaning your garbage disposal

Garbage disposals provide an easy way to get rid of food waste. Sometimes, flushing that leftover lasagna down the drain is better than dumping it in the trash can.

However, one drawback of using this household device is that bacteria and food particles can build up over time, which can cause unpleasant odors. With our tips for cleaning your garbage disposal, you can eliminate the stink.

For professional plumbing repair here in Oak Forest, Orland Park, and Joliet, contact King.

Running citrus fruits, like lemon and lime rinds, through your garbage disposal can help things smell a lot better.

#1. Get fruity with it

Citrus fruits are natural deodorizers. The best choices are lemons, grapefruits, oranges and limes. These items also double as cleansers. You can use them to remove debris and food waste from the disposal’s wall and blades.

Place a few slices or the whole fruit in the disposal and hit the switch. All it takes is a few seconds of grinding and your kitchen will smell like an orchard.

#2. Mix up some baking soda and vinegar

There’s nothing quite the dynamic cleaning duo of baking soda and vinegar. Vinegar kills bacteria while baking soda neutralizes foul odors. When combined, they’re like an all-purpose cleaner on steroids.

Chances are you already have these staples in your home, so you don’t have to go out and buy a chemical-based product. All you do is fill the drain with baking soda and then pour in half a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 60 minutes. Next, run cold water down the drain for 60 seconds.

#3. Give it a good wash

Can you handle a little elbow grease? If so, all you need for this tip is dishwashing liquid and a scrubbing brush or dish wand. Apply a generous amount of soap to the utensil and scrub all the visible parts of the garbage disposal.

This removes foodstuff, trappings and debris. Giving the unit a good wash down also prevents and removes mold growth, which can develop in the joint that connects the sink basin and disposal rim.

Call us if you’re having serious problems

These garbage disposal cleaning tips are a few common DIY options for keeping that area of your kitchen fresh and tidy.

If you still smell a foul odor after following any of these tips, the unit may need a repair or replacement. Let one of our plumbers check things out for you. Schedule a service call today by calling us now.