Out of sight and out of mind, the garbage disposal is a frequently overlooked appliance in most people’s homes. While you may regularly clean ovens, dishwashers, washing machines and other appliances to keep them in good repair, few people take the time to clean their garbage disposal.
Luckily, cleaning a garbage disposal is incredibly cheap and fast. With just a few supplies you already have in your home, you can bring your garbage disposal back to pristine, like-new condition in no time!
Best Ways to Keep it Clean
While there are countless products and methods to clean the garbage disposal, we’re going to focus on the most tried-and-true methods.
Method 1: Ice & Rock Salt
Cleaning your disposal with ice and salt could not be easier. Simply pour two cups of ice and one cup of rock salt down the drain. Then, turn on the cold water and run the garbage disposal for 5-10 seconds, or until it sounds cleared. Voila! You have a garbage disposal which should be cleared of all food and debris.
Method 2: Ice & Vinegar
This is nearly identical to the ice and rock method mentioned above, except you will replace the salt with one cup of vinegar. When combined with the abrasiveness of the ice, the vinegar should help loosen any stuck-on debris.
Method 3: Fill & Drain
This method will help clean out oil and grease which is further down the pipes. Simply plug up your sink, then fill it with several inches of cold water. Then you can pull the plug and turn on the disposal, letting it run for several seconds or until the water has cleared. It is vital to use cold water when clearing a garbage disposal, as hot water will break up oil and grease only to have it congeal further down the pipe.
Can’t Clear the Drain? Call Smith’s Plumbing Services
Even the best maintenance and regular cleaning won’t guarantee you against clogged drains and broken garbage disposals. If the problem is beyond basic maintenance, our expert Bartlett plumbers at Smith’s Plumbing Services are here to help.
Call our expert plumbers today at (901) 290-1110!