DIY Garbage Disposal Cleaning Tips

Sometimes there is no amount of lemon slices that can mask the putrid odor of a dirty garbage disposal. There are plenty of ways to put your lemons to better use for cleaning projects, and the experts at Mattioni are here to share some of our DIY garbage disposal cleaning tips. Read on for simple tricks that might clear up the smell in your sink!

Clean the Visible Part in Your Sink

An often-overlooked hot spot for food buildup and germs on a garbage disposal is the joint where the disposal rim meets the sink basin. Not only do small food particles and debris tend to get trapped in this area, but this joint is also prone to mold growth. Clean this part of your disposal by scrubbing the joint with a scrub brush and generous amount of dish washing soap.

Soak the Garbage Disposal Housing

Even if you are careful to run the faucet every time you operate your garbage disposal, food can still get trapped in the housing. To clean the housing, follow these steps:

1. Stop the sink drain and fill the basin halfway with water.
2. Add a bit of dish soap or vinegar.
3. Unplug the drain while activating the garbage disposal. Soapy water will be propelled through the housing, rinsing off the hard-to-reach areas.

DIY Vinegar & Citrus Cleaning Cubes

These are a refreshing and simple way to clean your garbage disposal.

1. Place five to six small pieces of citrus peels (lemons, oranges, limes, grapefruits, etc.) into an ice cube tray and fill it with vinegar. Freeze until solid.
2. To clean your disposal, place a couple of these ice cubes down the disposal with water running.
3. Activate the disposal until the ice cubes have been completely broken down. In cube form, the vinegar and citrus will not just disinfect and freshen your disposal but will also sharpen the blades.

Baking Soda, Vinegar & Salt

1. Sprinkle half a cup of baking soda down the disposal followed by one cup of white vinegar. Allow this mixture to work its magic while you boil a kettle of water.
2. Pour the hot water down the drain.
3. Next, fill the drain with 2 cups of ice and pour 1 cup of salt over the ice cubes.
4. Run cold water and activate the disposal until the cubes are completely ground up. This mixture will help loosen the grime and debris from the grinding elements. 

*Pro Tip: Put a final refreshing touch on things by grinding some fresh lemon slices in the disposal to freshen the scent and mask the odor of vinegar.

DIY Garbage Disposal Bombs

This is a great cleaning option and fun to make! Just follow these steps:

1. Mix 1.5 cups of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid, and 2 teaspoons of sea salt together in a bowl. You can select a favorite essential oil to mix in as desired.
2. Slowly add water until the mixture sticks together without being too wet. (The more essential oils you use, the less water you will need.)
3. Use your hands to form the mixture into balls (approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in size).
4. Place the balls on wax paper on a cookie sheet and allow them to dry overnight.
5. To clean your disposal, drop a couple of these down the disposal, run some cool water, and activate the disposal for 20 to 30 seconds.

*Pro Tip: This recipe yields 20 balls, so make sure to store them in an air-tight container until future use.

Contact Mattioni With Questions & Service Inquiries

Even with these DIY garbage disposal cleaning tips, you may still want a professional inspection. For any of your plumbing needs, the knowledgeable team of plumbers at Mattioni is here to help. Tackle your plumbing issues and contact us today at 610-400-8510!