How to Clean & Deodorize Garbage Disposals

Don't use your garbage disposal for large amounts of food.

Cleaning your garbage disposal should be a routine task to keep it from smelling foul. Mold can grow quickly and old food particles -- especially meat bits -- are the perfect home for bacteria. No need to buy expensive commercial disposal deodorizers. Every week or two, clean it yourself -- safely and naturally -- with a couple of ordinary items you likely already have in your kitchen.

Things You'll Need

• Ice cubes
• Baking soda

Instructions

1. Run cold water into the drain and turn on the disposal. Let it run for about 1 minute to be sure larger chunks of food are gone.

2. Turn the disposal off and fill the disposal with ice cubes.

3. Pour about 2 or 3 cups of baking soda into the disposal. This is the deodorizer.

4. Turn on the cold water and the disposal at the same time. The ice bits fly around the disposal, acting like little scrubbers, as the baking soda neutralizes the foul odors.

5. After the ice is gone, allow the water to run for about a minute longer.

Tips & Warnings

• Throwing your egg-shells in the garbage disposal is also a great way to clean it.

• Never put meat in your disposal. Rotted meat particles can contain dangerous bacteria hazardous to your health.

• Always run the water when the disposal is on. Running the disposal dry can damage the motor.

References

• Dummies.com: How to Keep the Garbage Disposal in Top Shape