Why Cleaning Matters
- Over time, food debris builds up on the splash guard and inside the disposal, causing unpleasant odors.
- Regular cleaning keeps your garbage disposal fresh and extends its lifespan.
1 Steps to Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Gather Ingredients: Ice cubes, baking soda, lemon slices, and bleach.
Step-by-Step Cleaning:
- Step 1: Turn off the disposal and add 6 ice cubes, 1 tbsp baking soda, 3 lemon slices, 1 tsp bleach, and 6 more ice cubes.
- Step 2: Turn on the disposal (no water) until grinding stops.
- Step 3: With the motor still running, flush with cold water for 30 seconds.
Clean the Splash Guard: Scrub it with warm water and baking soda, or place it on the top rack of the dishwasher.
2 What Not to Do
- Avoid commercial garbage disposal cleaners: Many are ineffective and may damage metal parts.
- Never use chemical drain cleaners or lye: These can corrode the disposal.
- Do not reach into the disposal: Even though it lacks sharp blades, impellers can still cause injury.
3 Tips for Everyday Use
- Always run cold water:
- Before turning on the disposal.
- During food grinding.
- For 7 seconds after grinding stops to flush particles completely.
- Proper water flow ensures that food debris clears the disposal and pipes, reducing clogs and odors.
4 Prolong Your Disposal’s Life
- Be mindful of what goes in: Avoid fibrous foods (e.g., celery) and grease.
- Flush thoroughly: A final water flush after turning off the disposal helps remove food particles from the P-trap (drainpipe).
- With proper care, disposals can last 8–10 years or more.
Final Takeaway: A clean and well-maintained garbage disposal ensures a fresh-smelling kitchen and prevents costly repairs or replacements.
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