In just a few days it will be Halloween. Before you know it, Thanksgiving will arrive, quickly followed by Christmas and New Year’s. That means your Lubbock, Texas home is likely going to be the scene of parties, family gatherings, and big dinners. The whole house will be a beehive of activity, but nothing will get more use and abuse than the kitchen and the garbage disposal. The last thing you want is the embarrassment of a smelly disposal.
A TRUE DO-IT-YOURSELF PROJECT
Barring some sort of unusual situation, there is no need to call in the experts from Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric. Here are some ways you can prevent a stinky garbage disposal on your own:
GENERAL CLEANING
Let’s get this out of the way first: NEVER reach inside a garbage disposal without unplugging it. Using a sponge or scrubber and dish soap clean all the visible parts. This is the first step toward preventing a smelly disposal.
A GOOD VINEGAR FLUSH
Start by filling the sink about half full of water and add a generous (1-2 cups) dose of vinegar. Remove the drain plug and turn on the garbage disposal. This allows the water-vinegar mix to work its way through the disposal, cleaning the hard to get to areas without taking it apart.
ICE AND SALT
This method cleans the blades while also deodorizing the garbage disposal. Pour two cups of ice cubes into the garbage disposal and one cup of salt (rock salt is preferred but any type will work). Turn on the cold water and start the disposal. The crushed ice cleans the blades, and the salt gets rid of any stinky odors.
GO NATURAL WITH CITRUS
Cut a couple of lemons (or other citrus fruit) into chunks and put them in the disposal while running cold water. The acid removes greasy slime and leaves behind a pleasant smell.
TRIED AND TRUE BAKING SODA METHOD
You can’t write an article about cleaning and not mention baking soda. Start by pouring two cups of baking soda into the garbage disposal followed by a half cup of vinegar. The fizzy reaction will bring back memories of a high school chemistry class. Now be patient and let the solution sit for one hour. Then and only then turn on the garbage disposal and cold water and let it run for one minute.
DON’T TAKE CHANCES
Now, about those approaching holidays. Stinky and smelly concerns aside, the garbage disposal in your Lubbock, Texas house is going to get a lot of use over the next two plus months. If there’s any hint of a more serious problem, don’t procrastinate. Call Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric to make sure your disposal, and entire plumbing system for that matter, is up to the challenge.
