Let’s face it: most of us probably don’t think about cleaning our garbage disposals very often. We just toss our food scraps in there and expect it to magically disappear without any fuss. But like any appliance, garbage disposals need a little TLC now and then to keep them functioning smoothly and smelling fresh.
This guide will walk you through a few simple cleaning methods you can use to keep your garbage disposal happy and healthy. Remember, a clean disposal is a happy disposal!
The First Step Is Understanding the Type of Garbage Disposal You Have
In most homes, you’ll typically find one of two types of garbage disposals: continuous feed and batch feed. Both serve the function of grinding up kitchen waste to prevent clogs in the plumbing system, but they do operate differently. This can affect the type of maintenance you choose to do on them.
Continuous Feed Garbage Disposals
Continuous feed models are the most common type of garbage disposal found in homes. They are designed for convenience and efficiency, allowing you to keep adding food waste while the unit runs. To operate a continuous feed disposal, turn on the water faucet, switch on the disposal, and begin feeding it kitchen waste. The disposal will continue to run until you turn it off, making it easy to dispose of large amounts of waste quickly.
Batch Feed Garbage Disposals
Batch feed disposals offer a different approach, prioritizing safety over convenience. They are designed to grind up waste in batches rather than continuously. For batch feed disposal, you must place the food waste inside the disposal chamber and cover it with a stopper before the unit will operate. This stopper activates the disposal, allowing it to grind the waste in that batch. Once the grinding is complete, you can remove the stopper, add more waste, and repeat the process.
Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal With Baking Soda and Vinegar
This natural cleaning method is great for eliminating odors and clearing up minor build-ups. It’s gentle yet effective, making it a safe choice for most disposal types:
- Pour half a cup of baking soda directly into the disposal drain.
- Follow that with a cup of white vinegar, which will react with the baking soda to create a fizzy action. This reaction helps to loosen grime and food particles clinging to the disposal’s blades and interior walls.
- Allow this mixture to sit and work its magic for about 10 minutes. During this time, the natural acids and effervescence clean and deodorize the disposal.
- Finish by flushing the disposal with boiling water while running it, which helps to rinse away any remaining debris and mixture.
Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal With Salt and Ice
For a more abrasive cleaning method that tackles tougher grime and sharpens the disposal blades, salt and ice are your go-to materials:
- Load the disposal chamber with two cups of ice cubes, covering the blades.
- Sprinkle a cup of rock salt over the ice cubes. The coarseness of the rock salt combined with the hardness of the ice creates a scrubbing action against the blades and interior surfaces.
- Turn on the cold water faucet and then activate the disposal, letting it run until the ice is thoroughly crushed and the salt is dissolved. The grinding process sharpens the blades while the ice and salt together scrub away stubborn residues.
Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal With Frozen Cubes
Utilizing frozen cubes of vinegar or lemon juice offers the dual benefit of cleaning and sharpening the disposal blades, along with leaving a fresh scent behind:
- Pour white vinegar or lemon juice into an ice cube tray and allow it to freeze completely.
- Once frozen, place several cubes at your disposal.
- Run the disposal under cold water until the cubes are fully crushed. The acidic nature of vinegar or lemon juice helps to dissolve grime and deodorize the disposal, while the solid ice sharpens the blades.
Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal — Why It’s Important
Regular cleaning of your garbage disposal is important for countless reasons beyond just keeping unpleasant odors at bay. It prevents build-up that can lead to clogs and slow drainage, ensuring that your disposal operates efficiently. Over time, bits of food and grease can accumulate, causing wear and potentially leading to costly repairs or the need for a replacement sooner than expected.
A well-maintained disposal is also less likely to become a breeding ground for bacteria and pests, contributing to a healthier kitchen environment. Consistent cleaning can also prevent the rusting of components, extending the overall lifespan of your disposal. A clean garbage disposal is central to maintaining a smoothly running kitchen, preventing unnecessary disruptions, and avoiding emergencies that could arise from neglect.
Try Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal With Help From the Experts at Friend’s Plumbing
Cleaning your garbage disposal might seem like a small task, but it’s a big one for maintaining a happy, healthy home. If you’ve tried the above methods, or if you just want the experts to take a look, give Friend’s Plumbing a call! We’re here to help with all your disposal needs, including garbage disposal installations, garbage disposal repairs, and other services for your system. So give us a call today! We’re here to provide the plumbing services you need for true home comfort.
