Clean Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals accumulate grease, food residue, and biofilm inside the grinding chamber and on the splash guard — the source of most kitchen sink odors. Clean every 2–3 months. With disposal OFF: use an old toothbrush or disposal cleaning brush to scrub the rubber splash guard, including the underside of the flaps where most of the gunk hides — this single step eliminates most odors. For the grinding chamber: add a cup of ice cubes and a half cup of coarse salt, turn on cold water, and run the disposal for 30 seconds — the ice and salt scour the grinding rings. Follow with a cut lemon or lime: run the citrus through to neutralize odors. For a deep clean, use a foaming disposal cleaner tablet or pour 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1/2 cup white vinegar down the drain, let it foam for 10 minutes, then flush with hot water. Never use bleach — it can damage seals. Never put fibrous foods (celery, artichokes), expandable starches (pasta, rice), or eggshells into the disposal — they cause most mechanical failures.