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How to Clean Your Garbage Disposal

This is my go-to kitchen disposal recipe because it is easy, quick, and smells so fresh!

Feb 8, 2021 1 comment The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the full disclosure

Does your sink disposal smell? Then you will want to clean it in these three easy steps

Are you getting a funky smell from your sink? It’s possible this is coming from your sink disposal! Today I will show you a simple DIY to clean and disinfect your sink disposal from just a few household items.

Clean the Splash Guard

Your splash guard has food build up that you will want to clean. Here's how to do that.

It is likely that your sink is emitting smells because of food buildup from underneath the splash guard. That is the removable black rubber panel that sits atop your sink’s drain hole.

You can clean your splash guard by tossing it in the top rack of a dishwasher. If you can’t remove your splash guard, that is okay! I had a hard time removing mine. So instead I used my bristle brush to scrub underneath the rubber as it is easily folded inside-out with warm water and baking soda.

Clean the Walls of the Disposal

You only need 4 household ingredients to clean your garbage disposal

It is also possible that there is food buildup on the sides of your disposal, this clogs up the disposal and creates a gross smell. Luckily, cleaning the disposal is super easy. You will need:

12 ice cubes
1 tbsp baking soda
1 tsp bleach
1 lemon cut into slices

The ice cubes break up food residue that is stuck the disposal. The baking soda and bleach will kill germs and disinfect the disposal. And the lemon will freshen the disposal and produce much better smells.

If your sinks smells, then you will want to give it a deep clean with these 3 easy steps

How to Clean Your Disposal

Step 1: With the disposal and faucet turned off, put six ice cubes in the chamber followed by 1 tablespoon of baking soda, three thin lemon slices, and 1 teaspoon of bleach. Top it all off with six more ice cubes.

Step 2: Turn the disposal on without running water until you hear the grinding stop.

Step 3: With the motor still running, flush with cold water for 30 seconds.

Final Thoughts

If you use your kitchen disposal on a regular or daily basis, then you will want to clean and disinfect it weekly. This is my go-to kitchen disposal recipe because it is easy, quick, and smells so fresh! Sometimes I also like to use orange slices to create a different citrus smell. Feel free to experiment with this! I hope your kitchen starts smelling fresh and clean! Let me know how this goes for you in the comments below!

source: Consumer Reports

Ready to deep clean your sink? You will love these SIMPLE DIYs:

This easy DIY garbage cleaner will leave your sink disinfected and smelling good!