How to Clean and Deodorize Your Garbage Disposal at Home
If your sink smells like last week's dinner, the disposal is almost always the culprit. Food residue builds up on the splash guard, grinding chamber, and blades. Here's how to clean it properly — without damaging the unit.
WEEKLY: THE ICE & SALT METHOD
Fill the disposal with 2 cups of ice cubes and 1 cup of rock salt (or coarse kosher salt). Run cold water and turn on the disposal until the ice is gone. The ice scrapes the blades; the salt scrubs the chamber walls.
MONTHLY: BAKING SODA & VINEGAR
Pour 1/2 cup baking soda into the disposal, then 1 cup white vinegar. Let it foam for 10 minutes — this breaks down grease and kills odor-causing bacteria. Rinse with hot water for 30 seconds.
FOR FRESH SCENT: CITRUS PEELS
Toss in lemon, lime, or orange peels and run with cold water. Citrus oils naturally deodorize and the peels gently clean the blades.
DON'T USE THESE
Never use bleach (damages seals), Drano (corrodes the unit), or commercial drain cleaners. They void warranties and shorten the disposal's life.
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