A garbage disposal can be the source of a lot of foul odors if not cleaned properly.
You’ll need to keep this device as clean as it can be, but safety takes priority too. Here are a few steps to help you deal with this simple chore.
Put safety first
Before you start working on your garbage disposal, always put safety first. Make sure that it’s turned off before cleaning it.
Unplug it from the power source or flip the circuit breaker before cleaning your disposal to prevent any accidents from happening.
You should also make sure that you’re also well-equipped for the chore at hand.
Be well-equipped
Having some necessary equipment on hand is also pretty handy when cleaning your garbage disposal.
Rubber gloves, a flashlight, a small brush or an old toothbrush, white vinegar, baking soda, ice cubes, and citrus peels make for great cleaning items.
Remove visible debris
Use a flashlight to inspect the inside of the disposal and start carefully removing visible debris.
Food particles, utensils, or foreign objects that might have accidentally fallen in should be a priority to remove from your disposal.
Never use your hands when removing these; instead, use tongs or pliers to safely extract any items stuck inside.
Use a natural cleaning solution
To deodorize your garbage disposal, you can create a natural cleaning solution using white vinegar and baking soda.
Pour about half a cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by a cup of white vinegar. The mixture will foam up, helping to dislodge any grime and eliminate odors.
Let it sit for a few minutes and once the baking soda and vinegar mixture has had time to work, turn on the cold water and run the disposal.
Scrub and rinse
Finally, all your disposal needs for a good cleaning is to give it a gentle scrub.
Use a small brush or an old toothbrush to clean the rubber baffle and the area around it. Be thorough but gentle to avoid damaging any parts.
Once you’ve finished scrubbing, turn on the cold water and let it run for a minute to thoroughly rinse away any remaining debris and cleaning solution.
Keeping your garbage disposal clean doesn’t have to be a daunting task. But safety should be your top priority as it can be dangerous to clean it without care.
If you want to keep the rest of your kitchen clean, perhaps you could consider hiring the services of a cleaning company. Book us at Clean House Services today!