Do you enjoy the perks of doing dishes with a garbage disposal? If yes, you must know how to make it clean. Recently I have tried garbage disposal cleaning with vinegar and baking soda. The results amazed me, and I want to share them with you.
Baking Soda and Vinegar are combinations of salt and acid used to kill bacteria. What matters is the proper ratio of the formula, and you are good to go cleaning disposals. So, mix ½ cup of baking soda into 1 cup of vinegar and pour it into the drains for a few minutes. Lastly, rinse it with warm water.
How far are baking soda and vinegar beneficial in keeping the garbage disposal in good health? Read the article to know their worth. In addition, you must learn how to clean stinky drain with vinegar and baking soda.
How Do you Clean Garbage Disposal with Baking Soda and Vinegar?
Besides dealing with significant problems like overheating or clogging, garbage disposal allows quick maintenance. Concerning its regular maintenance, you do not need to buy expensive products when household agents are handy as a DIY garbage disposal cleaner.
1. Turn off the Power Supply
You must start by disconnecting every connection that supplies energy to the garbage disposal. The initial step is for your safety to treat the disposal unit without meeting mishaps.
2. Unclog the Disposal
You gear up cleaning the garbage disposal after a week. Look for the items that form clogs inside, such as remaining food particles, fruit peels, or celery. Remember, never use your hands; grab tongs or pliers to do the task.
3. Prepare the Mixture
Since excess of everything is terrible, you can only pour acid into the drains if you know the exact ratio. While the same goes for baking soda. So, what is the ratio of baking soda to vinegar to clean a drain?
If you have the motive to clean the garbage disposal and not damage it, you must prepare a mixture of ½ cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar.
4. Let the Mixture Rest
The next step is to pour the mixture into the disposal and allow it to settle for five to ten minutes. The reaction between the two does wonders in breaking down the clog or dislodging the stuck particles inside the disposal.
5. Wash Away with Warm Water
While you patiently wait for the cleaning process to be completed. It’s time to turn on the disposal and run warm/hot water. The result is a fresh and clean garbage disposal.
Pro tip: you can also use lemon scraps for a pleasant odor.
How to Clean Garbage Disposal with Baking Soda and Ice?
Your main aim is to clean the garbage disposal and make it smell fresh. While baking soda and vinegar are good at both, why not experiment with basic home staples and fulfill the purpose?
- Turn the disposal off and pour ice cubes into the chamber
- Layer it with one tablespoon of baking soda and three lemon slices
- Switch on the disposal for 30 seconds
- Disposal breaks the ice cubes into pieces and cleans the remaining food waste.
Will Baking Soda and Vinegar Damage a Garbage Disposal?
You must consider using baking soda and vinegar as the best cleaner, but they are not. The phenomenon behind the cleaning disposals is the reaction between the two that cause blocking and damage to the rubber parts more often than before.
Carbon dioxide is the product formed when baking soda and vinegar react, which is unsuitable for removing grease and food debris, causing the drains to clog. In addition, when you use these products, they react abrasively and increase the chances of rusting the disposal materials.
How often can you put baking soda and vinegar down the drain?
Baking soda and vinegar effectively clean the drains temporarily, but these are unsuitable for unclogging. You must put two products once a week for cleaning purposes. Also, if you notice the drains getting blocked, stop using the mixture.
What happens if you put too much baking soda down the drain?
Baking soda does not clean your drains alone. It must be in the drains with vinegar or ice cubes. However, if you accidentally put too much baking soda, it will become cement-like and harmful to garbage disposal drains by forming clogs.
Summing Up
The only advantage of enjoying the perks of garbage disposal is its quick cleaning methods. But cleaning garbage disposal with vinegar and baking soda must be something other than your habit; otherwise, you will end up with a damaged kitchen disposal. In this article, I have mentioned the correct way to use baking soda and vinegar. Additionally, you must know when to use it and in what proportions.
Asad is a garbage disposal enthusiast, mechanical engineer by education, and the visionary founder of Best Pro Product. Asad’s journey has seamlessly blended his engineering acumen with his passion for kitchen gadgets, leading to the creation of a go-to online platform for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts seeking expert guidance on garbage disposals. His meticulous research, hands-on testing, and insightful reviews have established him as a trusted authority, while his commitment to sustainability resonates through his advocacy for proper waste disposal and reduced food waste. Asad’s interactive engagement with his community and his penchant for experimenting with new recipes make him not just an online resource but a friendly companion for those navigating the world of kitchen appliances and eco-friendly living.