Your garbage disposal can house more bacteria than an average toilet seat, which may present a health risk to you and your family. Continue reading to see how to clean your garbage disposal.

Tasks can be done by: Homeowner, cleaning company, appliance company, or handyman

Task Steps

Step 1 – Clean Garbage Disposal

• Grab a handful of ice cubes and put them in the garbage disposal with a 1/2 cup of salt (whichever you choose to use).
• Turn on the garbage disposal (be sure to have a stream of water going during this) and use a handle to push all the ice into the disposal.  Let that run for about 2 minutes.
• Turn off the water and the disposal. Add 1 cup of vinegar and 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain and sit for 15 minutes while the chemical reaction occurs.
• While waiting for that, you can get deeper down into the appliance using a garbage disposal brush. If you don’t own one, don’t worry about this step.
• Flush out the disposal with water. It should be clear of any foul odors and gunk. The blades should seem sharper as well.
  • Tool List: anything with a long handle ( wooden spoon or spatula ), garbage disposal brush (optional).
  • Supply List & Costs: Ice, salt (rock salt is more preferred, but normal salt works, too), baking soda, white vinegar.

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Also, check out the easy maintenance for other small appliances – How To Clean Your Small Appliances!