As a mom, the kitchen is where I spend a lot of time. Between cooking meals, cleaning up after the kids, and doing dishes, keeping everything running smoothly can feel like a full-time job. One of the things I’ve learned over the years is how important it is to keep my garbage disposal clean. A clean disposal means fewer odors, better drainage, and no unexpected breakdowns—something I can definitely appreciate!
In this post, I’ll walk you through the simple steps I take to keep my garbage disposal in tip-top shape. Plus, I’ll share some great products that help make cleaning even easier, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time doing what matters.
Why Clean Your Garbage Disposal?
You might not think about it much, but your garbage disposal works hard every day. It breaks down food scraps and keeps things flowing smoothly in your kitchen. However, over time, food debris, grease, and gunk can build up inside, causing unpleasant odors, slower drainage, or even clogs. Regular cleaning will keep everything fresh and prevent problems down the road.
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What You’ll Need:
Before you start, here’s a list of items I use to clean my garbage disposal:
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Lemon or lemon peels (optional)
- Ice cubes (optional)
- A sponge or cloth
- Tongs or pliers (for removing any visible debris)
- Rubber gloves (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal
Step 1: Remove Any Visible Debris
Start by checking inside the disposal for any large food scraps or debris. I use tongs or pliers to carefully grab anything that’s stuck. It’s important not to use your hands since the blades are sharp! This simple step can prevent clogs and make the rest of the cleaning process easier.
Step 2: Clean the Blades
Next, it’s time to clean the blades. Run cold water through the disposal and turn it on. Let the water run for about 20-30 seconds. This helps flush out any grease and food particles that may be stuck to the blades. The cold water helps solidify any grease, making it easier to wash away.
For an extra boost, I love using Lemi Shine Disposer Care. I drop a tablet into the disposal, run the water, and turn the disposal on. It helps break down grease, clean the blades, and leaves the disposal smelling fresh.
Step 3: Deodorize with Baking Soda and Vinegar
One of my favorite tricks for deodorizing the disposal is using baking soda and vinegar. These two ingredients work wonders at neutralizing odors and cleaning the disposal. Here’s how I do it:
- Pour 1/4 cup of baking soda down the disposal.
- Follow with 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
- Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes. During this time, the fizzing action will break down grease and grime.
- Once the time is up, turn on the disposal while running cold water to flush everything out.
This simple step makes a big difference in keeping your disposal fresh and free of bad smells.
Step 4: Freshen It Up with Lemon
I love a fresh scent in the kitchen, so I always finish by adding lemon. I toss a few lemon peels into the disposal and turn it on for a few seconds. The lemon oils help clean the blades and neutralize odors, leaving my disposal smelling citrus-fresh. If I don’t have peels, I’ll use a little bottled lemon juice instead.
Step 5: Clean the Rubber Flaps
Don’t forget to clean the rubber flaps around the disposal opening. These can trap food particles and develop mold or odors. I take a sponge or an old toothbrush and scrub the flaps with some dish soap to keep them clean.
Step 6: Ice Cube Cleaning
If you want to really freshen up the disposal and sharpen the blades, you can grind ice cubes in the disposal. Just toss a handful of ice cubes into the disposal, run cold water, and turn it on. The ice helps clear any leftover food particles and sharpens the blades. Plus, it’s a satisfying little trick!
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Must-Have Products for Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal
While DIY methods like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon work great, I’ve found a few commercial products that make the process even quicker and easier. Here are a few that I use and recommend:
1. Lemi Shine Disposer Care
- Price: $21.99 for 9 pouches (Amazon)
- Features:
- Effectively removes odors and buildup.
- Biodegradable and non-toxic formula.
- Fresh lemon scent that leaves your kitchen smelling clean.
- How It Works: Just drop a tablet into the disposal, run the water, and let it do the work. It’s fast, easy, and gets the job done.
Link: Lemi Shine Disposer Care on Amazon
2. Glisten Disposer Care
- Price: $16.94 for 16 packets
- Features:
- Removes grease and odors.
- Safe for septic systems.
- Pleasant citrus fragrance.
- How It Works: Drop a tablet into the disposal, turn on the water, and let the disposal clean itself. It’s a no-fuss solution that works well.
Link: Glisten Disposer Care on Amazon
3. True Fresh Garbage Disposal Cleaner
- Price: $14.97 for 24 Pack
- Features:
- Tablets create a foaming garbage disposal cleaner.
- Eliminates grease and neutralizes odors.
- Leaves a fresh scent after each use.
- How It Works: Simply drop a tablet into your disposal, run water, and turn on the machine to enjoy a hassle-free sink cleaner and deodorizer solution in minutes.
Link: True Fresh Garbage Disposal Cleaner at Amazon
Final Thoughts
As a mom, I know how important it is to keep the kitchen running smoothly without spending hours cleaning. Cleaning the garbage disposal is a small but important task that makes a big difference. With just a few simple steps and the right products, I can keep my disposal fresh, clean, and odor-free. Whether you opt for a DIY method or a commercial cleaner like Lemi Shine Disposer Care or Glisten, taking a few minutes each month to clean your disposal will make your kitchen a much more pleasant place to be.
Happy cleaning, moms! Let me know how these tips work for you, and if you have any other favorite products or tricks for keeping your garbage disposal in tip-top shape!
