A fresh-smelling kitchen starts with a clean garbage disposal. If your disposal has been a bit whiffy lately, don’t worry. These simple steps will help you scrub away the grime and leave it smelling fresh in no time.
Ice and Salt Scour
One of the easiest ways to give your garbage disposal a quick scrub is with ice cubes and coarse salt. Just toss a handful of ice cubes and a couple of tablespoons of rock salt down the drain. Turn on the disposal and let the ice and salt combination help knock off any debris clinging to the blades. It’s a quick and effective mechanical scrub that can also help with odor.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
For a natural deodorizer, sprinkle half a cup of baking soda into the disposal, then pour in a cup of white vinegar. The mixture will fizz and bubble, breaking down gunk and neutralizing odors. Let it sit for a few minutes before running the water and turning on the disposal again.
Dish Soap, Ice, and Lemons
Another quick refresher involves squirting a bit of dish soap into the disposal, adding a handful of ice cubes, and dropping in a few lemon wedges. Run the disposal to let the ice and soap clean the blades while the lemons add a fresh citrus scent. It’s a triple-action method that leaves everything smelling great.
Enzyme Tablets
For ongoing maintenance, consider using enzyme tablets designed for disposals. These tablets help break down food residue and keep odors at bay. Just drop one in as directed and let it do the work for you.
Tips and Prevention
To keep your disposal fresh, always run plenty of cold water when it’s in use, avoid putting fibrous or greasy foods down the drain, and clean it regularly with one of these methods. A little preventative care goes a long way toward a sweet-smelling kitchen.
