As someone who’s had a tenuous relationship with my kitchen’s garbage disposal, I totally understand the dread that can come with tackling that sinkhole of doom. But you know what? It doesn’t have to be a nightmare – in fact, I’ve discovered some pretty nifty natural cleaning methods that have made the whole process a whole lot less terrifying.
Conquering the Garbage Disposal Gunk
Let’s start with the heart of the problem – that garbage disposal. According to the pros, a disposal full of lingering scraps and food residue can create all kinds of undesirable smells. And let’s be real, no one wants their kitchen to smell like a dumpster fire.
But the good news is, cleaning a garbage disposal is actually a lot simpler than it seems. Jennifer Rodriguez, the chief hygiene officer at Pro Housekeepers, says it’s important to keep it clean and working effectively. “A properly cleaned garbage disposal can last for years,” she explains.
So what’s the secret? Well, the experts I spoke with swear by a few easy home hacks that are gentler on your machine and your plumbing. Eric Schultz, the director of product management at InSinkErator, shared his go-to “Ice Cube Method”:
“Pack 2 cups ice cubes, 1 Tbsp baking soda, and 1 lemon slice into your garbage disposal and grind with cold running water until it’s all gone. The ice cubes help break up any stuck-on food, the baking soda provides some scrubbing power, and the citrus peels help deodorize everything.”
Another option is the “Lemon-Only Method” that Rodriguez prefers. “The acidity of lemon juice can cut through grease and grime, and it has antibacterial properties that fight odors,” she says. Just take a lemon, cut it into wedges (including the peels), and feed them into the disposal one by one.
And if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, the Moody Maids team has the “Vinegar Method” up their sleeve. “We use an apple cider vinegar and baking soda combo,” shares Aurielle Sayeh, the founder of Moody Maids. “Pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar into the disposal, let it sit for 10 minutes, then run hot water and turn on the disposal until the mixture and food particles have washed away.”
Whichever route you choose, Sayeh recommends cleaning your garbage disposal once a month to keep gunk and odor at bay. And Schultz suggests always running cold water while using the disposal to help fats stay congealed and get chopped up.
Beyond the Garbage Disposal: Tackling the Entire Kitchen
Of course, the garbage disposal is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to a deep clean. I recently tackled the daunting task of giving my entire kitchen a top-to-bottom scrub, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer.
I started with the pantry, which can easily become a black hole of expired spices and forgotten canned goods. Following a step-by-step guide from One Lovely Life, I purged expired items, wiped down the shelves, and reorganized everything to make my life so much easier.
Next, I moved on to the sink – a notorious hotspot for grime and gunk. According to the Reddit thread I stumbled upon, different types of sinks require different cleaning methods. For my stainless steel sink, a simple mix of baking soda and vinegar did the trick, followed by a good scrub and a thorough rinse.
And let’s not forget about the rest of the kitchen surfaces. I tackled the countertops, backsplash, and even the outside of my appliances using a combination of natural cleaners like castile soap, lemon juice, and essential oils. It was a bit of a process, but the end result was a kitchen that felt brand new.
The Importance of Staying on Top of Kitchen Cleaning
I have to admit, deep cleaning the kitchen used to fill me with dread. But after going through this process, I’ve realized that it doesn’t have to be a nightmare – in fact, it can be a game-changer for the overall vibe of my cooking space.
Not only does a sparkling clean kitchen feel more inviting and enjoyable to work in, but it also has some practical benefits. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help extend the life of your appliances, prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria, and even improve the air quality in your home.
Plus, let’s be real – when your kitchen is clean, it’s a lot easier to keep it that way. No more dreading the thought of cooking in a cluttered, grimy space. Instead, you can embrace the joy of whipping up your favorite meals in a fresh, organized environment.
So if you’re like me and have been neglecting that deep clean, I encourage you to give it a try. Start with the garbage disposal, then tackle the rest of the kitchen – trust me, your future self will thank you. And who knows, you might even find a new appreciation for the art of kitchen cleaning.
Adam’s Cleaning Services are here to help if you need a hand with your kitchen deep clean. Their team of experts can tackle even the toughest grime and grease, leaving your space sparkling and ready for all your culinary adventures.
