Disposals are an essential part of our kitchens, helping us keep our homes clean by grinding up food scraps and preventing clogs. Yet, while they are incredibly helpful, if you aren’t performing regular garbage disposal cleanings, it will become a source of foul odors and unpleasant smells if not correctly maintained. If you are experiencing garbage disposal issues or notice that your kitchen has been smelling less than ideal lately, worry not! You can keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh and clean with simple tips and tricks from North Peachtree Plumbing of Suwanee, GA.
Bye-bye Bad Smells: Quick Fixes for Your Garbage Disposal Cleaning
- Ice and Salt
- Citrus or Vinegar
- Keep Certain Foods Out
- Keep it Dry
- Maintain Your Disposal Regularly
Cleanse With Ice and Salt
One of the easiest ways to keep your garbage disposal clean and odor-free is to use ice and rock salt. Simply fill your sink with ice cubes and pour two cups of rock salt over it. Then, turn your garbage disposal on and let it run until all the ice has been ground up. Doing this will help clean the blades and remove any stuck debris.
The Natural Products – Use Citrus or Vinegar
Citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges are natural deodorizers, and using them to clean your garbage disposal can help keep it smelling fresh. Simply cut the fruit into small pieces, drop them into the disposal, turn it on, and let it run for a few seconds. The acids in the fruit will break down any food particles and kill bacteria that may have been causing unpleasant odors.
Alternatively, you can also use vinegar, which has similar properties. Mix a cup of vinegar with a cup of hot water and pour it down the disposal, running it for a few seconds afterward. The vinegar will help kill bacteria and neutralize any bad smells.
Consider adding baking soda to the vinegar if you want more fizz with your cleaning. Pour ¼ cup of baking soda into the garbage disposal, then add a cup of white vinegar. The bubbling reaction naturally kills odor-causing bacteria and germs. After the bubbling stops, run warm water through the disposal.
Borax is another natural product for garbage disposal cleaning. This powerful mineral cleans and destroys odor. As a preventative measure, homeowners can use a half cup of borax in their garbage disposal once a week to ensure a fresh and clean-smelling sink.
Keep Certain Foods Out of the Disposal
Some foods can cause more issues for garbage disposals than others. Avoid putting fibrous foods like celery or onion skins into the garbage disposal. Also, don’t put starchy or dense foods such as potato peels and bones in the garbage disposal. These items can jam the disposal, dulling or breaking the blades, and cause clogs. Dispose of these items in the trash or recycling.
Keep it Dry
To prevent smelly bacteria from forming in the disposal, keep it as dry as possible. Don’t pour excessive amounts of water down the disposal after it has been used to grind up food scraps.
Mold or mildew can grow in moist environments, and your garbage disposal is no exception. Running the disposal dry can also help clean the blades and prevent stuck-on particles from building up.
If you rinse off your plates to remove food scraps, run your disposal to remove the water and scraps. Do not let food sit in the disposal or sink. Sitting food and water is a source of quick bacterial growth.
Regular Maintenance and Garbage Disposal Cleaning Keeps it Running.
Like any other appliance in your house, your garbage disposal must undergo maintenance if it is expected to run smoothly. To keep it working its best, run it daily and perform some method of garbage disposal cleaning once a week to ensure no food has gotten into the system and jammed it. You can also maintain your garbage disposal with a unique cleaning solution – follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the products do not void the manufacturer’s warranty.
The True Benefits of Garbage Disposal Cleaning
Keeping your garbage disposal smelling clean and fresh can be simple with these tips from North Peachtree Plumbing. With proper maintenance, you don’t have to worry about nasty smells and clogs, but if smells are lingering even with DIY cleaning methods, know that North Peachtree Plumbing’s team of professionals is only a call away.
Don’t let the garbage disposal be a burden any longer. Keep your garbage disposal cleaning schedule consistent, which keeps your disposal running smoothly, smelling fresh, and doing its job effectively. Have questions about installing a new garbage disposal or servicing an existing unit? End your smelly disposal struggles by working with North Peachtree Plumbing today!
North Peachtree Plumbing Co. at Your Service
North Peachtree Plumbing team offers top-notch garbage disposal installation and repair in Suwanee, GA, and the surrounding areas. We are happy to inspect your current unit if you feel it isn’t working correctly. Garbage disposals have become a crucial part of most homes, making taking care of lingering smells, draining problems, or clogs essential.
If you need to upgrade or update your garbage disposal unit or feel you may be missing out by not having a garbage disposal installed in your home, schedule a free consultation with our team today by calling (678) 234-8385 or contacting us via our website. To learn more about North Peachtree Plumbing, connect with us on Facebook!
