Anyone with a garbage disposal has experienced unpleasant odors from time to time, and these odors can be quite strong and overpowering. Odor causing bacteria builds up on the flange, rubber splash guard, stopper, and on the inside the of the garbage disposal. Bad odors can overtake a kitchen and make an otherwise clean home smell anything but fresh and clean. Try the following easy methods to get rid of and prevent garbage disposal odors. Store bought cleaners formulated especially for garbage disposals are not required. With a few simple garbage disposal cleaning and maintenance tips, your disposal will continue running smooth and remain odor free for months on end.
Cleaning Removable Parts to Prevent Bad Odors
Using scented products will not completely get rid of bad odors in a garbage disposal. Deodorizing products will simply cover up the odors. Instead of simply pouring scented commercial products down the drain along with hard earned money, remove the splash guard and the stopper, and soak the parts in a solution of liquid bleach and water. Use approximately ten percent bleach mixed with very warm water. Scrub away the slimy odor causing build up with a rag or a soft bristle brush. Get rid of the source of odors and the odors will be gone, but they will not be gone for good. A garbage disposal is a harbinger of bacteria and bad odors. Complete the easy cleaning process on a weekly basis to help keep the disposal clean and continually smelling fresh.
Vinegar Cleaning Cubes
Ordinary cubes of ice can be crushed in disposals on a weekly basis to help clean and sharpen the blades, but cubes of ice made with vinegar will deodorize and deeply clean crevices and other areas where odors typically develop. Clearly label ice trays for garbage disposal use, and fill them with ordinary white vinegar. After cleaning removable parts once each week using a weak bleach solution, run several cubes of frozen vinegar through the disposal along with cold water to help clean the interior. Use cubes of frozen vinegar more often when particularly strong smelling foods such as onions and garlic are disposed of. After using the disposal and noticing particularly bad lingering odors, drop a few cubes of frozen vinegar into the disposal and grind away the unpleasant odors.
Citrus Peelings
Whenever oranges or other citrus fruits are enjoyed, do not throw the peelings away. Instead, grind them in the disposal. They will excrete natural oils that will leave a lingering fresh scent, and the peels will help remove stuck on foods. Grind lemon, lime, and orange peels on a regular basis instead of buying commercial deodorizing products especially for garbage disposals. Natural citrus peels are just as effective as and far cheaper in price than unnecessary store bought cleaners.
Peppermint Extract
If the smell of citrus is not considered a favorable scent in your home, partially fill the sink with hot water once a week, and add several drops of peppermint extract. Run the garbage disposal as the peppermint scented water goes down the drain. The hot water will help loosen any stuck on food and gunk that will ultimately cause odor, and the peppermint extract will add a clean fresh scent that will emanate through the entire room. It is a cheap and effective way to deodorize the garbage disposal, and along with the other methods of cleaning and deodorizing, it will continue smelling fresh and bad odors will never be a problem again.
Author Resource:-
Jessica Ackerman is a freelance writer and works for http://WallDecorandHomeAccents.com. She shares her wealth of knowledge on trees wall art and metal wall crosses.
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