For those that spend a good amount of time in the kitchen, garbage disposals are a vital part of ensuring that it stays as clean as possible. They make the cleanup process infinitely faster when it comes to getting rid of excess food waste.

However, they are not infallible. Every now and again, you’ll need to clean them out and give them something of a tune-up so that they are running in tip-top shape.

In this article, we will be breaking down some easy and effective ways to keep your garbage disposal smelling great and running effectively.

One thing to note: For your safety, you should always unplug the garbage disposal (plug often found under the sink) before ever touching or placing your hand inside of it. Whenever performing any of these methods, first unplug the garbage disposal, perform the action, ensure your hand or any other non-essential material is removed from the sink before turning it on or operating it.

1. Clean out the removable baffle

Found especially for those with the InSinkErator series in their homes, many garbage disposals will have a small circular rubber item known as a baffle that can be removed from the garbage disposal. These items can often track grime and food remains. And while they will rarely result in an inoperable garbage disposal, they can often lead to one smelling really bad.

Simply pull it out and wash away any residue using soap and water. While you can just rinse it off, using proper soap and water ensures that any potential bacteria growth has been effectively removed from the baffle, ensuring that it remains cleaner for longer.

2. Citrus Fruit

While it may seem a bit counterproductive, placing various citrus fruits, like oranges or lemons, can actually help to neutralize smells and dislodge any food remains caught between the blades. What makes it even better is that it does this while also leaving a great scent.

To do this, make sure that the fruit is cut into wedges and placed in one at a time along with a stream of cold water. This gets rid of any odors and replaces them with the sweet smell of the fruit.

For those that are more interested in ensuring that any remains are effectively removed, consider using a peach. By cutting the peach in half and throwing in the pit, you can dislodge any food pieces while having your kitchen smell just peachy!

 

For more information, contact Vinny’s Jersey Plumbing, located in Wayne, New Jersey.  We also service other towns in New Jersey, such as Montclair, Livingston and West Orange.