How To Clean Garbage Disposal

There’s no denying that having a garbage disposal can make life easier. However, these devices don’t see as much cleaning as they should for two reasons: The first is that we just kind of forget to maintain them. The second is that most of us have been conditioned to fear the disposal since childhood. There’s a good logic behind this, as the appliance can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Nonetheless, the end result of leaving this tool unwashed can be an awful stench permeating throughout your kitchen. Lack of cleaning could also lead to your disposal not working properly.

Fortunately, it is possible to keep these handy devices washed. You just need to make sure you’re extra cautious as you work. So, with that in mind, learn the best way to clean a garbage disposal, including how to clean the garbage disposal’s rubber flange.

Note: Garbage disposals have sharp blades that can be very dangerous. To avoid injury, it’s important to make sure your disposal is off and to be especially mindful of what you are doing when cleaning any part of this tool. It’s also a good idea to unplug the appliance when cleaning around the drain or flange with your hands.

How to Clean a Smelly Garbage Disposal

• 2 cups of ice
• 1 cup of rock salt
• A quartered lemon

1. Fill the drain with the ice.
2. Pour the rock salt down the drain and over the ice cubes.
3. Turn on the cold water and run the disposal until all the ice has been rinsed away.
4. Leave the disposal and cold water running.
5. Carefully drop the lemon quarters in one at a time.
6. Once the fruit is gone turn off the disposal.
7. Let the cold water run for about 30 seconds before shutting it off.

How to Clean Garbage Disposal Rubber Flange

• Dishwashing gloves
• An old toothbrush
• Dish soap
• A bowl or small bucket

1. Make a mixture of hot soapy water in your bowl or small bucket.
2. Put your gloves on.
3. Lift up one section of the splash guard at a time, and use the toothbrush and soapy water to scrub both the underside and top of the flaps.
4. Make sure you rinse the brush regularly so that you’re not just spreading slime around.
5. After you’ve cleaned the gunk off each section, rinse both sides of the splash guard well with hot water.

How to Maintain Your Garbage Disposal

• Dishwashing liquid

1. Squirt a few drops of dish soap in your disposal.
2. Turn on the appliance.
3. Run cold water through the disposal for about a minute.
4. Turn off your garbage disposal, but leave the cold water on for another 30 seconds or so.
5. Turn off the water, and you’re done for the day!
6. It’s also important to know that certain items should never be placed in the disposal because they can cause damage to the blades or — worse yet —get stuck in the pipes and lead to expensive plumbing repairs.

• Banana peels
• Bones or seafood shells
• Bread or biscuit dough
• Coffee grounds
• Cooking oils or grease
• Eggshells
• Fibrous vegetables like artichokes, asparagus, celery, chard, kale, lettuce or rhubarb
• Non-food items
• Fruit pits
• Rinds from melons or tough squashes (Think acorn, butternut or pumpkin.)
• Starchy foods like beans, pasta, rice or potatoes