Having a garbage disposal makes clean-up a lot easier. Instead of having to scrape food off your plates over the trash, you can do it in the sink. If anything, it makes cleaning up after cooking much faster.
You won’t have to worry about crumbs falling onto the ground either as you carry the plate to and from the garbage can.
Once the leftover food is in the sink, just turn on the garbage disposal and it’ll grind the debris into tiny particles, which will then be washed away through the pipes.; you won’t have to worry about there being any blockages.
They’re not that pricey either and if you’re handy at all, you can probably install it yourself.
Why You Need to Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Like all kitchen appliances, however, they do require regular maintenance. For example, it’s not uncommon for food debris to linger. These particles will then decay and develop an odor.
Not only will it stink up the kitchen, but it’ll also create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Where do these germs come from? From the food that goes into the sink. For instance, raw foods chicken, and eggs can harbor Salmonella, which is a common cause of foodborne illnesses.
Fungi such as mold and mildew can also grow inside the garbage disposal given the wet, moist environment.
Over time, the spores can easily be released into the kitchen, which is the last thing that you want when you’re dealing with food. Not to mention they can cause respiratory symptoms if breathed in.
And since the garbage disposal is located inside the sink, you won’t be able to see the filth. Because of this, many people don’t think of cleaning it until they notice a foul odor.
But why deal with the problem when you can prevent it from happening entirely? The key is to get into the habit of cleaning the appliance regularly. That way, you won’t have to worry about bacteria and fungi building up behind the scenes without you knowing.
Different Ways to Clean Your Garbage Disposal
There are a few options when it comes to cleaning your garbage disposal, which we’ll be going over below.
Using Specially Formuated Disposal Cleaners
Just like the name would have you think, Garbage Disposal Cleaner Tablets are specifically designed for cleaning and deodorizing garbage disposals. Not only will they get rid of residue and grime but they’ll also remove any odors. Our top pick for garbage disposal cleaners were the ACTIVE brand however there are a variety of solid choices out there. The foaming tablets also feature a natural citrus scent, which will leave your sink smelling fresh and clean.
ACTIVE Disposal Cleaner Tablets feature a powerful foaming formula that will remove food residue, grime, dirt, and odors. They are also compatible with all disposal models including those by Moen, Kitchenaid, Waste King, GE, Farberware, and Kohler, and are septic-safe.
They're also cost-effective as one pack comes with 24 tablets, which is a year's supply. If anything, it's the best option for those who are looking for something effective that won't break the bank in the long run.