To clean a garbage disposal effectively, follow these natural and safe steps:
- Disconnect the power to ensure safety.
- Remove and clean the rubber splash guard under the drain with dish detergent and a brush.
- Remove any visible food debris using tongs or pliers, avoiding fingers.
- Pour half a cup of baking soda into the disposal, let it sit for 30 minutes, then add 1 cup of vinegar for foaming action. After 3 minutes, rinse with hot water.
- Put 2 cups of ice and 1 cup of salt into the disposal, run cold water and turn on the disposal until all ice is ground, scrubbing the blades.
- Finish by grinding lemon or other citrus peels with cold water running to deodorize.
These steps clean out trapped particles, grease, and odors, keeping the disposal fresh and efficient without harsh chemicals.