How to Clean Garbage Disposal with Ice and Baking Soda in 2023

Your garbage disposal has a remarkable ability to make your leftover food vanish down the drain like magic. However, with repeated use, food particles accumulate and eventually cause your sink to emit unpleasant odors. The great news is that you can easily solve this problem using common ingredients like ice and baking soda.

“Most odors that come out of the garbage disposal are coming from food buildup on the splash guard,” says Alyssa Wiegand, product manager at Moen.

According to Eric Schultz, the Director of Product Management at InSinkErator,
“Ice cubes help break up any food stuck to the disposal while baking soda and bleach kill germs, and lemon provides a bit of freshness,”

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your garbage disposal with ice and baking soda when odors arise, along with some useful tips for everyday use to prevent unpleasant smells from lingering.

How to Clean Garbage Disposal with Ice and Baking Soda

Ingredients

• 1 cup of ice cubes
• 1/2 cup of baking soda
• 1 cup of vinegar
• A spray bottle
• A funnel

Instructions:

1. Turn off the power to your garbage disposal.
2. Fill a spray bottle with vinegar.
3. Pour the ice cubes into the garbage disposal.
4. Sprinkle the baking soda over the ice cubes.
5. Spray the vinegar over the baking soda.
6. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes.
7. Turn on the disposal and run it for a few seconds.
8. Now flush the disposal with cold water until the vinegar smell is gone.

This method is safe and effective for cleaning your garbage disposal. The ice cubes will help to break up any food particles that are stuck to the blades, and the baking soda and vinegar will work together to kill any bacteria or odor-causing germs.

Alternative methods for cleaning a garbage disposal

01. Ice and cold water

Drop a few ice cubes into the garbage disposal and run it with cold water for 30-60 seconds. The ice cubes will help to sharpen the blades and dislodge any stuck-on food particles.

02. Salt and ice

Sprinkle a handful of salt into the garbage disposal and then follow with a few ice cubes. Run the disposal for 30-60 seconds to clean and sharpen the blades.

03. Citrus

Citrus peels are a natural way to freshen up and clean a garbage disposal. Put a handful of lemon, lime, or orange peels into the disposal and run it with cold water for 30-60 seconds.

04. Warm water and dish soap

If your garbage disposal is lightly soiled, clean it with warm water and dish soap. Pour a cup of warm water into the disposal and add a few squirts of dish soap. Run the disposal for 30-60 seconds to clean and deodorize.

Extra tips and tricks for maintaining a clean and odor-free disposal

01. Avoid putting certain foods down the disposal

Some foods, such as grease, oil, fat, and fibrous vegetables, can clog the disposal and cause odors. It is best to avoid putting these foods down the disposal whenever possible.

02. Run the disposal with cold water.

Cold water helps to solidify grease and oil, which prevents them from clogging the disposal. It is also a good idea to run the disposal for a few seconds after each use to flush out any remaining food particles.

03. Use a garbage disposal freshener.

Garbage disposal fresheners can help to eliminate odors and keep the disposal smelling fresh. There are many different types of fresheners available, including pods, gels, and sprays.

How to Prevent Future Issues With Garbage Disposal?

The best way to prevent future issues with your garbage disposal is to follow the tips above for cleaning and maintenance. You should also avoid putting certain foods at your disposal, such as grease, oil, fat, and fibrous vegetables.

In addition, it is a good idea to have your garbage disposal inspected and serviced by professional plumbers regularly.

They will help to identify any potential problems before they cause significant damage.

Regular Cleaning Schedules And Habits

It is a good idea to clean your garbage disposal at least once a week. If you use it frequently, you may need to clean it more often.

Here are some tips for developing a regular garbage disposal cleaning schedule:

1. Set aside a specific time each week to clean the disposal.
2. Mark the day on your calendar or set a reminder on your phone.
3. Keep the cleaning supplies you need handy, such as baking soda, vinegar, ice, salt, and citrus peels.
4. Make cleaning the disposal part of your regular cleaning routine.

Common issues that might arise with garbage disposal

Clogs

Clogs are one of the most common problems with garbage disposal. They can be caused by various factors, such as putting too much food down the disposal at once, putting down fibrous vegetables, or putting down grease, oil, or fat.

Solution: If your garbage disposal is clogged, you can clear it by running it with ice and cold water. Also, pour a cup of baking soda down the disposal, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes before running the disposal with cold water.

Jams

Jams can occur when something gets stuck in the garbage disposal, such as a spoon, fork, or knife.

Solution: If your garbage disposal is jammed, you can try to clear it by turning off the power to the disposal and then using a long-handled object, such as a broom handle, to dislodge the stuck object.

Leaks

Leaks can occur if the garbage disposal is not installed correctly or the seals are worn out.

Solution: If your garbage disposal leaks, you should contact a plumber to repair the problem.

Foul odors

Foul odors can be caused by various factors, such as food particles rotting in the disposal or grease and oil building up.
Solutions for problems like clogs or foul odors

Solution: To eliminate foul odors from your garbage disposal, try cleaning it with baking soda and vinegar, citrus peels, or a garbage disposal freshener.

Final Verdict

By utilizing a natural and cost-effective solution involving ice and baking soda, you can easily eliminate stubborn residue, grime, and unpleasant odors from your garbage disposal. The step-by-step process outlined in this article provides a safe and effective method for cleaning your disposal.