Out of sight, out of mind? Yeah, it happens to the best of us. But sometimes your nose can’t be as so oblivious. A clean kitchen isn’t complete without fresh-smelling, fully functional garbage disposal. While most Riverside residents regularly clean their counters, sinks, and floors, many forget the importance of maintaining the garbage disposal unit – until it starts to smell like something crawled in and never came back out.
So, what’s the best way to deep clean your garbage disposal without damaging it? And how often should you clean it to keep odors and gunk at bay? Let’s break it down.
Why Garbage Disposals Smell Bad
Your garbage disposal sits at the crossroads of convenience and chaos. It handles food waste, but over time, leftover bits of food can cling to the interior walls, blades, and splash guard. Combine that with moisture, and it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and foul odors. In Riverside’s warmer months, this problem can intensify quickly.
Warning Signs It Needs a Deep Clean
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Persistent foul smells, even after rinsing
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Slow drainage from the sink
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A visible grime build-up around the rubber splash guard
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Gnats or fruit flies hanging out near your sink
If you’ve noticed any of the above, it’s time to give your garbage disposal a little TLC.
Supplies You’ll Need
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Ice cubes
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Rock salt or coarse sea salt
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Baking soda
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White vinegar
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Dish soap
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An old toothbrush or bottle brush
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Lemon or citrus peels (optional for fresh scent)
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Tongs (for safety)
Step-by-Step: How to Deep Clean a Garbage Disposal
1. Safety First: Unplug or Turn Off the Circuit
Never put your hand down the garbage disposal unless the unit is unplugged or the breaker is turned off. Safety isn’t optional.
2. Scrub the Splash Guard
Lift up the rubber flaps of the splash guard and use a toothbrush with dish soap to scrub both sides. This is often the main source of smells.
3. Deodorize with Baking Soda & Vinegar
Pour about half a cup of baking soda into the disposal followed by a cup of white vinegar. It will bubble up and break down gunk. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then flush with hot water.
4. Grind Ice & Salt to Clean the Blades
Add a few handfuls of ice and half a cup of coarse salt into the disposal. Run cold water and turn it on. The combination will scour the blades and remove lodged debris.
5. Optional: Citrus Rinse for Freshness
Toss in a few lemon or orange peels to freshen the scent naturally. Run cold water and turn on the disposal.
6. Final Rinse with Soapy Water
Plug the sink, fill it halfway with hot water and a squirt of dish soap. Unplug and turn on the disposal to give it a soapy flush.
How Often Should You Deep Clean It?
In most Riverside homes, deep cleaning the garbage disposal every 2-4 weeks is enough to keep smells and buildup under control. But if you cook daily or host often, a weekly clean might be necessary.
What Not to Put in Your Garbage Disposal
Avoid these common disposal-clogging or damaging items:
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Grease and oil
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Coffee grounds
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Eggshells (the membrane can stick)
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Potato peels (they create a thick starchy paste)
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Bones or fruit pits
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Stringy vegetables (like celery or corn husks)
How Deep Cleaning Ties Into Whole-Home Hygiene
Many homeowners in Riverside overlook how one area of the home can affect the rest. A stinky garbage disposal isn’t just an isolated issue – it can signal poor airflow, invite pests, or even taint the general perception of cleanliness. Maintaining clean appliances is just as important as wiping down surfaces.
This attention to detail is exactly what separates a surface-level tidy home from one that genuinely feels clean and fresh.
If this sounds like more than you want to handle, don’t worry. A professional cleaning service in Riverside can include these deep details in your kitchen cleaning checklist, leaving no hidden corner untouched.
Want Help with More Than the Disposal?
At Marching Maids, we know that true cleanliness means no corner is left behind. Whether you need help with weekly kitchen upkeep, fridge cleaning, or you’re looking for a more thorough deep cleaning service, our Riverside house cleaning professionals are just a call or click away.
We offer specialized services to handle it all:
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Deep kitchen scrubs
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Sink and fixture polishing
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Cabinet and appliance wipe-downs
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Garbage disposal and sink maintenance
Final Thoughts
Your garbage disposal might be out of sight, but it should never be out of mind. Keeping it clean will not only eliminate nasty smells but also extend its life, improve drainage, and help your kitchen stay fresh and sanitary. In Riverside, where warm weather can amplify odors and bacteria, staying on top of this small task makes a big difference.
Don’t wait until the stench creeps into the rest of your home. A few simple ingredients and a little effort go a long way in keeping your garbage disposal clean — or better yet, hand it off to a team that can make your whole home sparkle.