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A complete guide to clearing and maintaining your garbage disposal
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Kitchen garbage disposals are nifty appliances, but when they get clogged or start smelling, they can be a bit of a bother. Luckily, cleaning and maintaining a garbage disposal is a piece of cake. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of cleaning, unclogging, and deodorizing your garbage disposal step-by-step. Plus, we’ll even share some general care tips that’ll help keep your disposal in tip-top shape.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal
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Turn off the fuse to the garbage disposal. Make sure the garbage disposal is turned off and the electrical fuse is switched off in the electrical panel. This is to ensure that it does not turn on during cleaning. [1] X Research source
- Alternatively, depending on the design of your disposal, you can unplug it from under the sink.
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Remove lodged objects with pliers or tongs. If a large object is stuck in your garbage disposal, remove it before cleaning. Use pliers or tongs to remove the trapped object, being careful to avoid damaging the grinder. Aim a flashlight down the drain to make things easier to see.
- Avoid putting your hands down the garbage disposal if possible.
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Scrub the top of the disposal with an old toothbrush or scrub brush. Clean the inside of your garbage disposal by removing the top of the drain (if possible) and wiping it with a scrub brush of your choice. Add a little dish soap to the brush for extra shine. [2] X Research source
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Flush the garbage disposal with hot water and dish soap. Running water down the sink helps remove any loose dirt or grime. Place a stopper or plug over the garbage disposal, add a squirt of dish soap, and run hot water until there’s 2 to 4 inches (5.1 to 10.2 cm) sitting in the sink. Pull out the plug and turn on the garbage disposal, allowing the water to flush through. [3] X Research source
- Make sure to use hot water rather than cold, as the hot water will liquefy any oil or grease in the drain, allowing it to be flushed away.
- Flushing your drain using this method is much more effective than simply running the tap, as it allows the entire garbage disposal to be rinsed out and purged of any built-up debris.
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Grind ice cubes and salt in the garbage disposal. Putting ice cubes and salt down your garbage disposal can help remove tougher sludge and debris attached to the grinding elements. Pour 2 cups (280 g) of ice into the disposal, followed by 1 cup (300 g) of rock salt. Then, turn on the garbage disposal, run some cold water, and allow the ice and salt to be crushed by the blades. [4] X Research source
- In addition to cleaning the garbage disposal, grinding ice can help sharpen the blades and remove any unwanted odors.
- For additional germ-fighting power, freeze some white vinegar into ice cubes and crush these in the garbage disposal.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do I remove glass from my garbage disposal?Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.If you have a vacuum with a narrow attachment that can fit down your disposal, such as a Shop-Vac, use that. If you don't, and think it is too dangerous to remove the glass with your hands, seek professional assistance.
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Warnings
- Avoid using bleach to unclog or clean your garbage disposal, as the chemical can harden grime, making it more difficult to remove. [11] X Research sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-garbage-disposal/
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-garbage-disposal/
- ↑ https://www.housedigest.com/595017/easiest-ways-to-clean-your-garbage-disposal/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-garbage-disposal/
- ↑ https://www.ahs.com/home-matters/quick-tips/garbage-disposal-cleaning-tips/
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-garbage-disposal/
- ↑ https://www.thespruce.com/uses-for-borax-1388126
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/garbage-disposals/foods-you-can-cant-put-down-a-garbage-disposal-a1074300549/
- ↑ https://todayshomeowner.com/cleaning/guides/top-5-tips-to-keep-your-garbage-disposal-running-right/
About This Article
Article Summary
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To clean your garbage disposal, first fill up a glass with ice cubes. Dump the ice cubes into the drain in your sink. Then, turn on the garbage disposal and run hot water from the faucet. The ice cubes will help clean out the disposal and sharpen the blades at the same time! To learn how to eliminate garbage disposal odors, scroll down!
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Reader Success Stories
- "Never used a waste disposal before, so it's pretty alien to me. This article helped me get an understanding of the machine and its operation, plus how to look after it. I found it clear and easy to understanding with the step-by-step instructions. Thanks!" ..." more
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"Never used a waste disposal before, so it's pretty alien to me. This article helped me get an understanding of the machine and its operation, plus how to look after it. I found it clear and easy to understanding with the step-by-step instructions. Thanks!"
..."
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"I learned so much more about maintaining our disposal unit. I thought I knew all I had to know until I read the article. Do the little things they suggest and your disposer should serve its purpose and last for a good period of time. Thank you."
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"The detailed explanation and the reasons for doing as instructed to do are always helpful (e.g., "...doing this [suggested step] will prevent this [unwanted outcome]...") and appreciated. Thanks."
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"I had use packaged cleaner, but was unable to buy it in any store. These articles were very helpful. Now I can clean the garbage disposal with the products I have in my kitchen."
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"This worked great. At first I thought it was not working, but as I poured the last of a kettle of boiling water, with the disposal running - voila! The stoppage broke loose!"
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