Over half of American homes have a garbage disposal in the kitchen sink. These handy mechanisms make cleaning up the kitchen a breeze. Have some stuck-on food bits? Just grind them up when you rinse. Downside? Ground up foot bits can eventually become a source of grime and stink.
Follow these 5 tips and tricks from MaidPro's cleaning experts to help you keep your garbage disposal clean -
1. Keep a Cleaning Schedule
Garbage disposals are typically self-cleaning. However, they need help as scum and slime build up, and the spinning blades can't get it off. The best solution is to have a weekly cleaning schedule. This limits the buildup time and makes it easier and faster to clean.
2. Always Disconnect the Power
Safety should always come first when cleaning a garbage disposal. There are multiple very sharp blades down there. Before you do anything, unplug the disposal from the outlet underneath the sink or turn off the breaker in your home's breaker box. This breaks the flow of electricity and prevents the disposal from accidentally turning on.
3. Scrub the Rubber Baffle
Before you get to work down below, start at the top by cleaning the baffle. This rubber piece shields the drain opening in the bottom of your sink. Slime and scum build up in the grooves and folds of this baffle. Not only does this create an unpleasant smell, but it also is unsanitary. Use dish soap and an abrasive sponge to clean the top and bottom of the baffle.
4. Clean the Grinding Chamber
The grinding chamber is the space below the baffle where the blades are located. Bits of food can get stuck in there and begin to rot. In addition, if you don't keep things clean, the blades could begin to rust. Two methods are commonly used because they are the most effective.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
The first cleaning method is to use the power of baking soda and vinegar. Pour a half cup of baking soda into the grinding chamber. Then slowly add one cup of vinegar. It will bubble and foam up. Put the stopper in your sink drain to keep the foam in the chamber. Let it sit for at least ten minutes, then rinse with hot water. Keep in mind that vinegar can begin to eat away at the rubber baffle, so you'll want to avoid contact or limit this cleaning method for maximum cleaning power.
Ice and Rock Salt
The second method for cleaning uses ice and rock salt. The ice and salt will scrape and clean the blades while rinsing away whatever gets cleaned. Start by filling the disposal with ice. Then pour in one cup of rock salt. Run cool water from the sink and turn on the disposal. You may need to repeat this process.
5. Don't Use Bleach or Chemicals
It can be tempting to use more aggressive chemicals. However, do not use bleach or any other caustic cleaning formulas. They can remain in the grinding chamber. The next time you turn on the disposal, the chemical can splash up and cause an injury.
Let the Professionals Do the Deep Cleaning
For some, the idea of cleaning a garbage disposal is daunting. Even with these tips, cleaning the grinding chamber with all those blades and poor visibility can be scary. Hire a professional cleaner to help you deep clean those pesky, hard-to-reach areas of your kitchen and home. The cleaning experts at MaidPro can take the stress out of maintaining a clean home.
Schedule an appointment with the MaidPro professionals and enjoy a clean kitchen and home.
