Request: Cleaning a Garbage Disposal
Archived on 02/23/2009
What is the best way to clean and sanitize a garbage disposal?
Debbie52 from IL
Answers:
Unclogging disposal w/ baking soda & vinegar
I found the baking soda/vinegar trick on this site while checking Google this morning for "how to clear plugged garbage disposal". I tried it this morning, and it worked!
I had dumped a large container of cooked pasta into it last night and plugged it up. I'm always careful about not putting grease and fibrous junk into it, but I'd never heard the warning about starch before. The blades would turn, but water wouldn't drain at all. When I turned it on, everything spewed out in a mess.
As directed, I put a half box of baking soda into the drain, right through the standing water, then 1 cup vinegar, then a 2nd cup of vinegar, and followed that up with a pot of boiling water. I could see a few little bubbles coming up, so then I used a plunger, and it opened right up.
Thank you for keeping me from using drain cleaner. My brother thanks you, too, since he's the one I would have called next. (03/16/2008)
By Sheryl
RE: Cleaning a Garbage Disposal
While buying cleaning supplies at WalMart I came across a product called Spring Again Garbage Disposal Cleaner. It was only about $3 for 12 uses so I figured it was worth a shot. I am happy to report that it worked marvelously and it was really easy to use. (08/12/2008)
By Paul
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Request: Cleaning a Garbage Disposal
Archived on 09/13/2006
I need to know how to clean a garbage disposal. I don't remember ever having one before, an easy homemade way. Thank you folks. You have always come to my rescue.
Jamish from Ransom, Kansas
Answers:
RE: Cleaning a Garbage Disposal
I put the rubber ring in the dishwasher on the top shelf to clean it. (08/14/2006)
By PICO
Vinegar and Baking Soda
I toss in a handful of baking soda followed by a cup or so of cheap white vinegar. This will foam and fizz. When the fizzing stops, add some more vinegar. Leave it for about 20 min, then flush with very hot water. Easy, homemade and cheap, also non-toxic. (08/14/2006)
By Linda
RE: Cleaning a Garbage Disposal
I use bar keepers friend to clean my sink. It does pretty well on the rubber piece also. Recently, I cut the old flaps away and inserted a new replacement rubber. You can buy these at any hardware store I brought mine at Home Depot under $3 I remember.
I fill my disposal up with ice cubes and turn on the water, hit the switch, and add lemon or lime juice about every four to six months. I don't really use my disposal for grinding food away. I throw most in the garbage. (08/14/2006)
By jjager
RE: Cleaning a Garbage Disposal
I use an old toothbrush to clean the rubber part - oh maybe every 4 weeks or when I notice the grunge building up. Works great. (08/14/2006)
By
Mint
I grow several kinds of mint in my backyard. Every week I will pick a large bunch of mint and grind in the garbage disposal. It removes any odors and residue and makes the kitchen smell great...plus the mint is free and is good for the environment. If you decide to grow mint, be sure to plant in an area that you don't care that it spreads...it will take over a flower bed... (08/15/2006)
By kathyElaine
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Request: Cleaning a Garbage Disposal
Archived on 05/17/2006
I put white vinegar, baking soda, hot water, ice cubes, etc. into my kitchen sink garbage disposal. The black rubber "fins" covering the unit get grungy with a greasy, dirty-looking film. I've tried cleaning with a vinegar soaked rag which helps some. Does anyone have an easier way to keep this area of the garbage disposal clean? Thanks for help and for a super website.
Mairmie from Alberta, Canada
Answers:
RE: Cleaning a Garbage Disposal
It sounds like you've tried just about everything. What works for me is good old "elbow grease!" I pull out the rubber fitting and scrub the grunge with a little bit of dish soap on an old toothbrush. The toothbrush gets down into the ridges quite well.
Hope this helps!! (05/17/2006)
By Proud mom of 4 girls
RE: Cleaning a Garbage Disposal
Try this: cut in half 2 large lemons, put into disposal unit along with half a cup of baking SODA, turn on briefly, just a couple of seconds, turn off and then pour lots of boiling water into the unit put the plug in and turn on for about 5 seconds. Works every time.
Good luck. (05/17/2006)
By Ang
RE: Cleaning a Garbage Disposal
I purchased a brush made to clean the garbage disposal from The Clean Team via the internet. They are based in California, I believe. Also, there is a new product on the market made especially for cleaning the garbage disposal... I'm sorry i cant remember the name, but it has a lemony smell.
Best wishes (05/17/2006)
By Carol in PA
RE: Cleaning a Garbage Disposal
If you can somehow submerge the piece of rubber you are referring to, use very hot water, a small amount of dish soap, and bleach. The bleach does a great job of soaking into the cracks, disinfecting, and cutting through the slimey grime. (05/18/2006)
By Elizabeth
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