Garbage Disposal Basics
Before we jump into practical steps of saying goodbye to that sink stench, let’s cover some safety basics to help avoid injuries to you and prevent causing damage to your garbage disposal. With everything Molly Maid does, safety always comes first!
Proper Tools to Clean Your Garbage Disposal
When cleaning your garbage disposal, it is important to keep your hands away from the blades. Instead, opt for long-handled brushes or tools designed specifically for garbage disposal cleaning. Never put metal objects into the disposal! They damage the blades and–worse–can lead to injury. Also, avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or drain cleaners, as they aren’t designed to tackle garbage disposal grime.
Fast, Easy Methods for Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal
Cleaning your garbage disposal won’t take much effort. With a few common household items, you can get your kitchen sink smelling great again.
Ice Cube Technique
A simple yet effective technique for cleaning and sharpening the blades of your garbage disposal involves ice cubes. Grinding up ice cubes in the disposal helps dislodge any food buildup and other debris clinging to the blades, keeping them sharp and clean.
The Power of Baking Soda and Vinegar
A baking soda and vinegar solution is one of the best natural cleaning solutions for a clean garbage disposal. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal and let it sit for 30 minutes. The properties of baking soda will tackle the odors. Next, pour a cup of vinegar into the disposal. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes, then rinse with hot water.
Citrus Peels for Freshness
Citrus fruits are naturally aromatic. Grinding up slices of lemon or orange peel in your garbage disposal helps clear buildup and break down grease and grime.
What Not To Put Down Your Garbage Disposal
One rule of thumb is to only dispose of biodegradable items in your garbage disposal. Limiting what you put down the disposal to food scraps like fruits, some vegetables, and small amounts of leftover cooked food in your garbage disposal will help prevent malfunctions, jams, or breakdowns. Non-biodegradable items like plastic, metal, and glass should never be put down the disposal. Oils, grease, paint, starchy foods, onions, corn husks, and celery are also not recommended items – it’s best to throw them in the trash or your compost bin rather than risk damaging your garbage disposal. Also avoid putting hard-to-grind items like eggshells, coffee grounds, or stringy items down the drain. These materials and textures tend to stick to the sides of the disposal and create blockages over time (which means more work for you!). Eggshells, in particular, have membranes that can cling to disposal blades and those fragile shell pieces are hard to flush out. Coffee grounds clump together in water, leading to clogs in sink drains. Also, avoid putting large amounts of food, fibrous, and hard objects like bones and fruit pits into the disposal, which can cause clogs and damage the disposal.
Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal
We know that prevention is key! Cleaning your sink and garbage disposal on a regular basis is not just about keeping your kitchen smelling fresh; it’s also about your sink and garbage disposal working properly and keeping bacteria and other health hazards at bay. One key practice to maintain a fresh garbage disposal is to run cold water during and after each use. This simple, yet effective step, will help clear out any remaining bits of food and prevent scraps from building up and foul odors from developing in the first place.
Molly Maid: Cleaning Help When You Need It
If you need help cleaning in your home, look to the housekeeping professionals at Molly Maid. We can provide one-time deep-cleaning, occasional help around the house, or routine assistance with household chores. Call the experts today to schedule an appointment at 615-794-0200 or 615-603-3766,today https://www.mollymaid.com/s-davidson-williamson-maury-counties/about-us/contact-us/ We’re Maid for This!
A Clean You Can Trust®
Daron and Maricela Farrar, Owners – Molly Maid of South Davidson, Williamson, and Maury Counties
Ms. Molly Foundation
Molly Maid is proud to fund and support the Ms. Molly Foundation, which supports domestic violence agencies and shelters in local communities. We’re proud to have raised over $3 million dollars since 1996. Make a tax-deductible donation to the Ms. Molly Foundation.
