Garbage Disposal Tips for Your Home
Are funky and unusual odors lingering in your kitchen? Is the smell coming from your sink area? Your garbage disposal might need a thorough cleaning. While they’re are great for grinding up unwanted food scraps, they require regular cleaning to remove built-up debris and bacteria. In this guide, we’ll show you three effective ways to get rid of bad odors in your disposal’s interior and provide valuable tips for cleaning both the inside and outside of your unit.
What is a Garbage Disposal Used For?
Understanding the importance of cleaning the disposal starts with knowing its purpose. It’s crucial to differentiate between acceptable and unacceptable food waste to keep your disposal running smoothly.
What Items Can Go Down It?
It’s essential to know which food scraps are safe for your disposal. Generally, biodegradable items like citrus rinds, fruit scraps, cooked meat scraps, and most vegetable scraps are safe. These not only help eliminate odors but can also leave a refreshing scent in your kitchen.
What Items Cannot Go Down It?
Just as important as knowing what can go down your disposal is knowing what cannot. Items like celery and glass should be disposed of in the trash to avoid frequent clogs and keep your pipes clear.
How Long Does a Garbage Disposal Last?
A garbage disposal can last anywhere from eight to fifteen years, with newer models potentially lasting even longer. The key to extending its life lies in being mindful of what you put down it. Following the do’s and don’ts mentioned above will significantly contribute to its longevity.
Effective Garbage Disposal Tips for Cleaning
To combat bad odors and keep your garbage disposal in top shape, try these cleaning techniques using simple ingredients you likely already have at home:
- Crush Odors with Ice: Pour two cups of ice into the disposal and turn it on. The ice helps clean the disposal, eliminate odors, and sharpen the blades.
- Get Citrusy: Cut citrus fruit into wedges and put them in the disposal. Run cool water as you turn it on. The citrus rinds clean the grinders and leave a fresh citrus scent.
- Bleach It: Use a mild or diluted bleach solution to kill bacteria and odors.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: Create a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, sprinkle it into the disposal, let it bubble and sit for a few minutes, then turn on the disposal and run water to distribute the mixture.
- Citrus Peels: Cut citrus peels into small pieces and put them in the disposal as a natural deodorizer.
These simple yet effective tips will help you keep your garbage disposal odor-free and extend its life, ensuring it continues to serve your kitchen needs for years to come.
