Oof, that funky smell from the kitchen sink – we’ve all been there, haven’t we? Just yesterday, I walked into my kitchen and immediately my nose was assaulted by a truly unpleasant odor. At first, I thought maybe my Weimaraner pup had left a little “present” while I wasn’t looking. But a quick check of the trash and pantry revealed no rotten fruits or veggies as the culprit.
No, the stench was definitely coming from the garbage disposal. Ugh, why do those things get so smelly and gunked up over time? I mean, it’s only natural that all sorts of food scraps and grime get trapped in there, slowly building up until the whole thing reeks. But the good news is that keeping your garbage disposal fresh and clean is actually really easy – especially when you have a batch of these homemade DIY garbage disposal cleaner tabs on hand.
Whip Up a Batch in 5 Minutes
These garbage disposal cleaner tabs are a cinch to make with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. All you need is some baking soda, salt, lemon zest and juice, a bit of dish soap, and some optional lemon essential oil. Mix it all together, mold it into little tabs, and let them dry for 24 hours. That’s it!
I like to keep a little jar of these tabs on the counter next to my sink so they’re always within reach whenever I need to give my disposal a quick refresh. Just toss one down the drain, let it sit for a few minutes, then run the disposal with some cold water. The baking soda and salt help scrub away any gunk or residue, while the lemon adds a wonderful, fresh scent.
If your disposal is really bad and not responding to the basic cleaning tab treatment, you may need to do a more thorough cleaning. Start by removing the rubber splash guard and giving it a good scrub with an old toothbrush. Then repeat the ice cubes and cleaning tab process a few times until that funky smell is gone for good.
An Easy, Natural Solution
I love that these DIY garbage disposal fresheners are all-natural and eco-friendly – no harsh chemicals or sketchy ingredients. Plus, they’re super cheap and easy to make. Way better than spending a ton on those pre-packaged disposal cleaning products, am I right?
And hey, these homemade tabs also make a really thoughtful and practical gift for new homeowners, mom on Mother’s Day, or anyone who struggles with a smelly sink. Just package them up in a cute little jar or tin, maybe with a cute tag or ribbon, and you’ve got a super useful and thoughtful housewarming or holiday gift.
Go-To Scent Combos
When it comes to the essential oil scents, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. My personal favorite is a combo of Thieves, Lemon, and Rosemary. But here are a few other great scent ideas to try:
- 20 drops Lemon, 10 drops Grapefruit, 10 drops Peppermint
- 20 drops Purification blend, 10 drops Eucalyptus Radiata, 10 drops Spearmint
- 20 drops of your favorite citrus oil (like Wild Orange or Tangerine)
Of course, you can always just stick with straight Lemon essential oil if you want a fresh, clean scent. The lemon zest and juice in the tabs will give you that lemony freshness, and the essential oil just takes it to the next level.
Say Goodbye to Stinky Sinks
Whether you’re dealing with a really stubborn, stinky garbage disposal or you just want to keep things smelling fresh and clean, these homemade disposal cleaner tabs are an easy, affordable solution. With just a few minutes of prep work, you can have a ready supply of these little cleaning powerhouses on hand to tackle any funky sink situations that come your way.
And hey, while you’re at it, why not give your kitchen cleaning routine a little upgrade too? A quick wipe-down of the counters, a scrub of the sink, and a spritz of all-purpose cleaner can make the whole space feel so much brighter and more inviting. Pair that with a freshly deodorized disposal, and you’ll have the sweetest-smelling kitchen around. Bring on the home-cooked meals and baking sessions – your sink is ready!
