Keeping a garbage disposal clean can help prevent the disposal from growing mold and bacteria. As food is processed in the machine, small food particles can become trapped in the small nooks, even if water is run through the garbage disposal as it is being used.
Weekly Cleanings Go a Long Way
Cleaning a garbage disposal at least once a week can ensure that bacteria and mold do not grow in the machine and contribute to odors or dangerous spores.
Some ways to clean a garbage disposal include:
- Baking soda and vinegar. Pour one-half cup of baking soda down the drain and carefully pour one cup of vinegar afterward. Use a stopper to plug the top of the drain. Leave to settle while a medium pot of water boils. Pour the boiling water down the drain.
- Water and bleach. Mix a gallon of water with a tablespoon of liquid bleach. Slowly pour down the drain and let sit. Flush the mixture with hot water for a few minutes.
- Ice and citrus peels. Grinding ice through the garbage disposal can help encourage cleanliness. Combine the ice with rinds from citrus fruit and grind through, cleaning the blades and dispersing a fresh scent from the disposal.
Following these tips can help ensure a clean garbage disposal free from mold and bacteria. Be sure to always disconnect the garbage disposal from a power source if putting hands near the blades!
If you are concerned about your home’s garbage disposal system, contacting an experienced plumber can ease your mind. Give A-1 Septic & Sewer a call for your garbage disposal needs!
