The Dreaded Disposal Dilemma
I walked into the kitchen the other day, and my nose was immediately assaulted by an unpleasant odor. Ugh, not again! I thought to myself. First, I checked to see if our mischievous Weimaraner puppy, Scarlet, had left any “presents” when my back was turned. Nope, all clear there. Next, I scanned the trash and pantry for any rotten fruits or veggies, but everything seemed in order.
As I approached the sink, the stench grew stronger. Aha, the garbage disposal! I realized with a mix of relief and dread. Of course, it only made sense that things would get gunked up in there over time, and that the disposal would eventually need some extra TLC to keep it smelling fresh and clean.
Thankfully, I had a secret weapon up my sleeve – a batch of homemade DIY garbage disposal cleaner tabs that I whipped up a while back. These little wonder-workers are a cinch to make and will keep your disposal running smoothly and smelling like a dream. Let me show you how it’s done!
Mixing Up the Magic
The base of these garbage disposal cleaning tabs is a simple mixture of baking soda and salt. I start by stirring these two ingredients together in a large bowl to eliminate any pesky clumps.
Next, I add the zest of two fresh lemons. The bright, citrusy aroma is a natural deodorizer, and it pairs perfectly with the clean scent of the baking soda. I also stir in about 2 tablespoons of my favorite unscented dish soap – you don’t want to overpower the lovely lemon notes.
For an extra olfactory boost, I like to add 20 drops of lemon essential oil. This is an optional step, but I highly recommend it if you have some on hand. It really takes the lemony freshness to the next level.
Finally, I cut the zested lemons in half and squeeze the juice directly into the baking soda mixture. I keep stirring and squeezing until I achieve a nice, slushy consistency – it takes about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of juice.
Molding the Mighty Tabs
Now comes the fun part – shaping the mixture into those handy little disposal-cleaning tabs. I use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out each one, but you could also just use a regular tablespoon measuring spoon.
I scoop the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them dry for a full 24 hours before using. This ensures they harden into the perfect little cleaning blocks.
Putting the Tabs to Work
When it’s time to freshen up my disposal, I start by tossing a handful of ice cubes down the drain and turning it on. Supposedly, the ice helps to sharpen the blades and clear out any gunk. Then, I simply toss one of my homemade cleaning tabs down the drain and let it sit for a few minutes.
I run the disposal again, and voila – a fresh, clean-smelling kitchen! If the odor is still lingering or it’s your first time deep-cleaning the disposal, you may need to put in a little extra elbow grease.
First, I pull out the rubber flange and give it a good scrub with an old toothbrush. Then, I replace the flange and repeat the ice and cleaning tab process. In a pinch, I’ve even thrown the flange in the dishwasher with a load of dirty dishes – works like a charm!
A Practical, Homemade Gift
These DIY garbage disposal cleaner tabs would make an awesome practical gift for housewarming parties, Mother’s Day, or any occasion. Just package them up in a cute jar or container, and you’ve got a thoughtful, useful present that’s sure to impress.
So, the next time your disposal starts to get a little funky, don’t panic! Whip up a batch of these easy-peasy cleaning tabs, and say goodbye to stinky, gunk-filled drains forever. Your nose (and the team at Adam Cleaning) will thank you!
