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By leah jones

Effective Garbage Disposal Cleaning Hacks

The garbage disposal is super handy - until it’s out of commission because of backed up food that leads to a foul stench. 

Here are two of the best garbage disposal cleaning hacks that should rid your kitchen of any odor.

Ice cubes Salt Lemon or orange peels (cut into small pieces) Vinegar (optional)

Method 1 Ingredients

Ice cubes sharpen the blades and knock off debris, while vinegar helps disinfect and deodorize.

Citrus Ice Cube Method

Additionally, citrus peels leave a fresh scent and cut through grease. Salt's coarse texture scrubs away grime and buildup inside the disposal and pipes.

Citrus Ice Cube Method

Fill an ice cube tray with vinegar (for extra cleaning power) and freeze until solid or use regular ice. Sprinkle 1-2 tbsp of coarse salt (like kosher or sea salt) directly into the garbage disposal.

Citrus Ice Cube Method

Drop small pieces of citrus peels and ice cubes into the garbage disposal on top of the salt. Turn on the disposal while running cold water.

Citrus Ice Cube Method

The combination of salt, ice and citrus thoroughly cleans, scrubs and deodorizes your garbage disposal, leaving it fresh and free of grime.

Citrus Ice Cube Method

1/2 cup baking soda 1/2 cup white vinegar 2-3 cups of water

Method 2 Ingredients

Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the disposal. Slowly pour 1/2 cup of white vinegar into the disposal.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

Allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes. This will help loosen grime and kill odor-causing bacteria.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

Boil 2-3 cups of water then pour it down the disposal to rinse away the baking soda, vinegar and loosened debris.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

Repeat the hack(s) weekly or as needed to keep your garbage disposal clean and smelling fresh. Also, remember to never put your hand in the disposal to try to clean it out.

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