5 Ways of Deodorizing Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposal units are simply equipment installed in the kitchenette with the purpose of breaking down food waste so that it can be released into the plumbing system. These devices are of great importance since they help in the elimination of unwanted or decaying food from the house.

Due to the nature of wastes that they handle, the units may start emitting some odor. Frequently, these odors are caused by failing to flush out food particles that accumulate within the system. Regular cleaning of the unit can go a long way in eliminating any foul smell. This also keeps the entire kitchen germ-free. The following steps are the tips that homeowners ought to use to deodorize their garbage disposal systems.

1) Routine Maintenance Practices

These encompass regular activities that help in removing waste from within the waste disposal unit. It is recommended that these practices be carried out whenever waste is disposed to avoid clogging.

a)  Turning on the unit and running hot water through it for around one minute is one of the most significant routine cleaning practices. Hot water pushes out minute particles, which might have accumulated in the system.

Allowing the stream to run for a minute gives it enough time to push out the particles. This greatly helps in keeping the odors out. The practice should be done at least four times a week to maintain the disposal unit fresh.

b) Once grinding has is complete and the waste passes onto the plumbing system, the inlet point ought to be closed using a rubber stopper. This is helpful in preventing the entry of foreign non-biodegradable objects, which could cause clogging within the system.

Foreign objects can cause food particles to accumulate thus causing a foul smell. This highlights why the entry point has to always be closed when the machine is not is use.

c) Regular cleaning of the rubber flaps helps prevent stenches. In particular, homeowners need to ensure that the undersides of the flaps are meticulously cleaned. These parts can easily collect debris because they do not come into contact with water.

To avoid damaging them, the rubber flaps should only be cleaned using a nylon brush and soapy water. The rubber flaps must also be lifted so that the area between them and the grinders can be cleaned. These routine maintenance practices ought to be frequently repeated to rid the system of debris, which is the main cause of foul smell.

2) The Power of Citrus

The cleaning power of fruits in the citrus family is widely documented. Lemon and lime are especially useful after the garbage disposal unit is rid of debris.

These fruits help remove any odors that might persist long after the removal of debris. When using citrus products such as lemon and lime, the cleaner should first chop the lemons into equal halves.

These halves should then be placed into the disposal unit and after that, shredded. The acid, which results from the process will flow through the entire system and remove any persisting odor. This leaves the disposer with a fresher smell.

3) Avoidable Objects

These are basically food particles, which when shredded in the disposal unit can cause inefficiency. In most cases, their disposal in the unit is a condition that causes the occurrence of odors. Most units develop odors due to poor usage and disposal of waste.

Those who use these machines ought to be careful about the kind of food particles that they grind. Bones, egg shells, and scraps that contain fibrous material such as maize cobs must not be disposed of in the unit.

Egg shells cannot be totally shredded, which means that some particles are likely to remain in the unit and clog it. Bones are too hard to be chopped into small pieces for passage into the plumbing system of the house.

This means that once they are disposed into the unit, there is a high possibility of a clog up. Maize cobs, on the other hand, are fibrous in nature, which means that during shredding, these fibers will entangle themselves on the blades, thus limiting their efficiency.

4) Use of Natural Remedies

These are activities that are carried out to ensure that the unit is working at optimum levels. It includes essential maintenance practices such as ensuring that the power cords are well connected to the appliance. Ensuring that the correct current is supplied keeps the unit in good shape. It is also advisable to remove any large particles that are stuck inside the system using tongs.

While doing this, one should avoid using his or her bare hands. Besides this, the power connection must be disabled to prevent electrocution.

Use of products that are specifically meant for a particular appliance goes a long way in removing odors. Manufacturers often recommend the correct cleaning agent, which is compatible with different units.

Adhering to these guidelines greatly helps in eliminating odors. Before undertaking any deodorizing exercise, there is great significance in reading through the owner's manual. This prevents the use of cleaning agents that might damage the interior parts of the disposer. Such damages are a leading cause of stenches because they limit the machine’s effectiveness.

5) Use of Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Bleach

One of the causes of bad smells is the growth of molds in the disposer. These organisms can be killed using vinegar, baking soda and bleaches that are specified by manufacturers.

Vinegar is highly acidic and thus creates a condition that makes it hard for germs, molds and bacteria to thrive. The use of vinegar cubes in combination with ice not only kills the organisms but also leaves the system freshened.

Baking soda is quite effective when it comes to removing bad smell from the disposer. When using it, one should pour a tablespoon of baking soda into the unit. This should be followed by a gush of warm water. Once the product gets in contact with the insides, it deodorizes the parts.

The elimination of the bad smells from the disposal unit greatly helps enhance the general well-being of the household. Homeowners can do it by themselves without requiring professional assistance.

For further help, those in St. Michael, MN should contact B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C via (763) 497-2290.