What to Use When Cleaning the Kitchen Sink and Garbage Disposal

Based on the amount of soap you go through every day washing dishes, you’re probably thinking your sink is pretty sanitary. While soap may be getting your dishes clean, it usually dissolves before it really hits the sink and garbage disposal.

A dirty garbage disposal can not only leave you with a smelly kitchen, but it’s also an indicator that food is breaking down in your plumbing – which can lead to clogs and other damages. If you’re trying to get your sink and garbage disposal sparkling clean, we have a step-by-step guide and recipe that will do the trick.

What You’ll Need

  • Liquid dishwashing soap
  • Distilled white vinegar
  • Baking Soda
  • Sea Salt
  • Lemon (or lime)
  • Ice
  • An old toothbrush
  • A soft sponge

To Clean the Sink:

Step 1: Rinse out your sink using warm water. Salt and other acidic food residue can damage the finish of a stainless steel sink, so it’s important to rinse them away before you start cleaning.

Step 2: Sprinkle baking soda on the surface and work it into a thick paste using an old toothbrush. After 10 minutes, rinse again with warm water.

Step 3: Soak a few paper towels in white vinegar and place them in your sink (the paper towels will keep the vinegar in place and prevent it from running down the drain right away). Let them sit for about 20 minutes then throw them away.

Step 4: Add just a drop of soap to the sink and rinse it out one last time with warm water.

To Clean the Garbage Disposal:

Step 1: Slowly pour half a cup of baking soda down the garbage disposal and then add 1 cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, then pour warm water down the drain.

Step 2: Fill the disposal with two cups of ice and a cup of rock salt (or any coarse salt you have, like sea salt). Run cold water down the drain and turn on the disposal.

Step 3: Throw both halves of a lemon or lime down the disposal while it and the water are running. The fruit will help sanitize your disposal and leave it smelling fresh.

To prevent clogs and blockages before they even happen, call your local plumber to scope out your home’s plumbing. At Mitch Wright Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we are here for all of your drain cleaning and heating needs, which is why we offer 24/7 emergency services.

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