Garbage Disposal Cleaning
When was the last time you cleaned your garbage disposal? Despite being one of the most frequently used appliances in the kitchen, it is often overlooked during routine cleaning. If you use your garbage disposal daily or several times a week, it’s recommended to deep clean it monthly. Regular cleaning products can be used weekly or occasionally for general maintenance, but they don’t remove the heavy buildup that causes unpleasant odors. Deep cleaning is especially important after major holidays or parties.
Why Deep Cleaning Matters: Deep cleaning your garbage disposal every month, or every three months if used less frequently, helps eliminate odors and keeps the appliance functioning properly. Here’s how to do it:
Simple Deep Cleaning Guide – Gather Your Supplies:
Long-handled scrubbing brush (a bendable brush works best)
Dish detergent
Baking soda
Distilled white vinegar
Citrus fruit rinds (orange, lemon, lime, or grapefruit)
Initial Rinse: Run hot water through the disposal for a minute to loosen any debris.
Scrub the Disposal: Use the long-handled brush and dish detergent to scrub the inside walls, blades, and the underside of the black rubber gasket. Be thorough to remove all buildup. **BE CAREFUL WHILE SCRUBBING AROUND THE BLADES TO AVOID DAMAGES.**
Deodorize: Sprinkle a half cup of baking soda into the disposal. Pour one cup of distilled white vinegar over the baking soda. Allow it to fizz and sit for a few minutes. Rinse with hot water. (If you have them) Drop citrus rinds into the disposal and run it with cold water. This helps freshen the disposal and leaves a pleasant scent.
Cleaning Alternatives: If you prefer, there are a multitude of garbage disposal products on the market. Please do your research when purchasing any product.
Professional Help:
If you use a cleaning service, ask them to include garbage disposal cleaning in their routine if they are knowledgeable and comfortable with the task. Otherwise, add this to your regular cleaning list to ensure your disposal stays fresh and functional.
By maintaining a regular deep cleaning schedule, you can avoid unpleasant odors and keep your garbage disposal in top condition.
Happy cleaning!
Do you know how frequently you should have your roof inspected? Do you know what signs to look for that indicate your roofing system needs attention and/or repair? Do not wait for a disaster to happen before you get your roof inspected. Each season, when you clean your gutters out, is typically a good time to have your roof inspected and after the winter season. One area that people tend to forget when it comes to roof inspection is the attic (if applicable). Checking the underside of your roof via the attic is a good way to catch issues before they become too big.