Garbage disposals can get really stinky and gross if you do not clean them often. If your sink is starting to smell bad, do not worry! There is an easy and natural way to clean it using baking soda. No need for harsh chemicals! In this guide, I will show you how to freshen up your garbage disposal with just a few simple steps. You will also learn why baking soda works so well. Let's get started!
Why Baking Soda is the Best Cleaner for Your Garbage Disposal
Baking soda is not just for baking cookies—it is also a powerful cleaning tool! If your garbage disposal smells bad or has food stuck inside, baking soda can help. It works because it is a natural deodorizer, which means it gets rid of bad smells instead of just covering them up. It is also mildly abrasive, so it scrubs away stuck-on food without damaging your pipes.
Another reason why baking soda is great is that it is non-toxic and safe to use in your kitchen. Unlike chemical drain cleaners, which can be dangerous if they splash or create fumes, baking soda is completely safe. You do not have to worry about harming your skin, your pets, or the environment.
When mixed with vinegar or hot water, baking soda creates a bubbling reaction that loosens grime, grease, and food particles stuck inside your garbage disposal. This makes it much easier to rinse everything away and leave your sink smelling fresh.
One more great thing about baking soda is that it helps prevent clogs. Since it breaks down grease and food bits, it keeps your garbage disposal running smoothly. Regular cleaning with baking soda can save you from expensive plumber visits in the future!
If you are wondering how often you should clean your garbage disposal, a good rule is at least once a week. This keeps bad smells and food buildup under control. If you use your sink a lot or cook often, you might need to clean it more frequently.
Many people ask if they can just pour soap or bleach into the disposal instead of using baking soda. The answer is no! Soap can help a little, but it does not clean as deeply as baking soda. Bleach is way too harsh and can damage the rubber parts inside your disposal. Baking soda is the safest and most effective option.
Now that you know why baking soda is so great, let's move on to the best method to clean your garbage disposal!
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal with Baking Soda
Cleaning your garbage disposal with baking soda is easy, but there are a few important steps to follow. Doing it the right way will make sure your sink stays fresh and clog-free. Here is exactly what you need to do.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
You do not need fancy cleaning products to clean your garbage disposal. Just grab these simple household items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Hot water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon or orange peels (optional)
- A scrub brush or an old toothbrush
- Dish soap
Once you have everything ready, you are set to start cleaning!
Step 1: Turn Off the Garbage Disposal
Before you do anything, make sure the garbage disposal is completely turned off. You do not want it running while you are cleaning. For extra safety, unplug it if possible.
Step 2: Sprinkle Baking Soda into the Disposal
Take about half a cup of baking soda and pour it straight into the garbage disposal. Try to spread it around so it covers the inside walls. Let it sit for a few minutes. This gives the baking soda time to absorb odors and loosen any stuck food.
Step 3: Add White Vinegar and Let It Bubble
Now, slowly pour one cup of white vinegar into the disposal. As soon as it touches the baking soda, you will see it start to fizz and bubble. This reaction helps break down grime and grease. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Rinse with Hot Water
After the bubbling stops, boil some water. Carefully pour the hot water down the drain. This washes away loosened debris and helps clear out the pipes. If you do not want to use boiling water, you can also run hot tap water for a minute.
Step 5: Scrub the Rubber Splash Guard
The rubber splash guard (the black rubber part at the top of the drain) can trap food and grease. Pull back the flaps and use a brush or old toothbrush to scrub it with dish soap. You will be surprised how much gunk comes off!
Step 6: Freshen with Ice and Citrus Peels
To finish off, toss a handful of ice cubes into the disposal and turn it on. The ice helps knock off any leftover bits of food stuck on the blades. For a fresh scent, throw in some lemon or orange peels while the disposal runs.
That's it! Your garbage disposal is now clean and fresh. If you do this once a week, you will never have to worry about bad smells or clogs again!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use baking soda and vinegar in my garbage disposal?
Yes! Baking soda and vinegar are completely safe for your garbage disposal. They clean without damaging the parts and do not create harmful fumes like chemical cleaners.
Can I clean my garbage disposal with just baking soda?
Baking soda alone helps absorb odors, but for a deep clean, it works best when combined with vinegar and hot water. The bubbling reaction loosens grime and grease.
Do I need to clean my garbage disposal if it does not smell bad?
Yes! Even if there is no smell, food particles can build up inside. Regular cleaning prevents clogs and keeps the disposal working properly.
Is it okay to put citrus peels in the garbage disposal?
Yes! Citrus peels help freshen up your disposal and make your kitchen smell great. Just do not put in too many at once to avoid clogging.
Can I use baking soda to unclog my garbage disposal?
Baking soda can help break down grease and small clogs, but for major blockages, you might need a plumber or a plunger to clear the pipes.
Do I need to turn off the power before cleaning my disposal?
Yes! Always make sure the garbage disposal is off before cleaning. If possible, unplug it to be extra safe.
Is it bad to use bleach in my garbage disposal?
Yes! Bleach is too harsh and can damage the rubber and metal parts inside your disposal. Baking soda is a much safer alternative.
Can I use dish soap to clean my garbage disposal?
Dish soap helps remove grease, but it does not clean as deeply as baking soda and vinegar. It is best to use them together for the best results.
I hope this article helped you learn how to clean your garbage disposal the easy way! Keeping it fresh with baking soda will save you from nasty smells and clogs. If you found this guide useful, share it with a friend who might need it!