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A stinky garbage disposal is something that haunts a household. The smell seems to float through the air and cause stomachs to turn all through the house. However, a few simple methods can keep the disposal running clean and odor free. It doesn't have to be costly, nor does it have to take a lot of your time.

About once a month the disposal should be cleaned well to keep it smelling fresh and to keep it in tip top shape. This is easy to do and can even be done a little at a time. Other things can be done now and then to guarantee freshness as well.

Clean the entrance.

To start cleaning your disposal it is important that you clean the flaps that lead to it. This is usually a rubber piece and most of them are easily pulled out. If yours is removable simply pull it out and scrub it down good. You can even throw it in the dishwasher for a quick and easy clean. If it doesn't come out then you can use an old toothbrush to get under the flaps and in the grooves.

Sharpen the Blades and Loosen Gunk.

If you have ever looked into your garbage disposal you have probably seen a lot of nasty looking gunk. This is the materials that stick to the bottom as you use it. It isn't something that is a hard thing to clean out though. You can fill the disposal with ice cubes or 1 cup of rock salt. Run cold water and your disposal. The ice or salt will loosen up the gunk and allow it to flow down the drain while sharpening up the blades.

Clear away debris, remove mineral deposits, and kill bacteria.

It may sound like a lot of work to do all three things at one time, but it is really easy. Put two to three cups of baking soda down the disposal, you can even use an old box from the fridge. Top that with one bottle of lemon juice or one gallon of distilled white vinegar. This will cause a lot of bubbling action as the acid mixes with the soda. It will also clear the drain of all sorts of things and kill bacteria (something that is important in the garbage disposal). The young kids may like to watch you do this or even do it themselves because of the chemical reaction.

Flush the Line.

Whenever you use the disposal a lot it is a good idea to flush the line. To do this plug up the sink and fill it. Let the water go. The force of the water will help push materials through the drain. You can also do this with your mop water when you are finished (as long as there isn't a lot of debris in your water) for an easy all in one fix.

Keeping it Fresh.

Whenever you want to freshen it you can do it by cutting up a piece of citrus fruit (including the peel) and placing the pieces in the disposal. Turn on the cold water and run the disposal for a fresh scent. You can also toss your citrus peels down the drain (after you peel your fruit for eating) for a good scent that is fresh and enjoyable.

There are a few store bought products that are supposed to be used for a clear and clean disposal, however these products are mild acids that do the job of clearing debris, removing mineral deposits, and killing bacteria. They can be safely replaced with baking soda, lemon juice, or vinegar. It is also cheaper to use "home remedies" verses store bought prepackaged options.

Having a clean and fresh garbage disposal doesn't have to be difficult. In fact it is possible to have a great smell coming from the drain that freshens the whole kitchen and makes for a very pleasant experience. You can have it today for a few dollars a month and a few minutes of your time.

Learn more about this author, Danelle Karth.
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