Your garbage disposal makes quick work of leftover fruits, veggies, and table scraps. For most homeowners, it’s an indispensable part of their kitchen setup. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most neglected parts of the house. A regular cleaning can help remove any foul odors coming from your kitchen sink. Because who wants a funky garbage smell when you’re prepping dinner?
How to Get a Clean Garbage Disposal
Maintaining a clean and stink-free garbage disposal isn’t hard when you follow a few rules. The first two steps are non-negotiable. The final cleaning step can be used on an as-needed basis.
- Keep the bad stuff out– Although your garbage disposal is a whizz at chopping up untouched salad greens and those last few bites of your mashed potatoes and peas, you can’t put just anything down the drain. Knowing which foods are off-limits can help keep your unit in good working order.
- Fibrous foods (like celery or potato skins)
- Coffee grounds
- Liquid grease
- Egg shells
- Fruit pits
If you’ve been running any of these items through your garbage disposal, kick the habit! These items just make it harder for your equipment to work properly. Either send these items to the trash or add them to your compost pile. They definitely don’t belong in the kitchen sink.
- Run a rinse cycle often– Flushing your disposal with water helps keep loose food waste from clogging up the device. If you don’t normally turn on your faucet when your garbage disposal is running, now is the time to start. This is also the first step for doing a deep clean of your unit. Hot water tends to work best because it helps dissolve any crud faster than cold water. Run water while the disposal blades are spinning, and you’ll have a better chance at removing any icky smells.
- Do a quick deep clean– For the really stubborn problems—or if it’s just been a couple months—you should do a deep clean. The best items for this task are baking soda and white vinegar. Sprinkle about a half cup of baking soda down the disposal and pour one cup of white vinegar in after. Wait a few minutes as the mixture bubbles, then run some hot water down the drain to rinse it all away. You can also try to clean with regular dish soap and an old toothbrush. Scrub the blades as best as you can with the toothbrush bristles, then run another rinse cycle. The result should be a clean and odorless sink!
Garbage Disposal Acting Funny?
A little maintenance will help your garbage disposal work at its best, but every appliance can use some help now and again. When you start to notice any new noises from your disposal (aside from the regular grind), it might be time for a check-up. And if your garbage disposal isn’t working at all, then you really know it’s time for some plumbing help. Some problems can be fixed by a plumber, but others might require a full system replacement.
If you aren’t happy with how your disposal is working, call Fite Plumbing at (317) 271-5400. We’ll help you get a new unit installed now, before the holidays hit. Our team of professional plumbers will work with you to source the best product for your home and install it lickety-split. Don’t let your kitchen go without these handy tools!
