Garbage disposals don’t have sharp blades; instead they use blunt impellers to grind food. However, you can maintain and enhance their effectiveness by cleaning and “sharpening” them with these simple steps:
1. Ice Cubes
- Why it works: Ice cubes help remove buildup on the impellers and grind ring, improving performance.
- How to do it:
- Turn on the cold water.
- Drop a handful of ice cubes into the disposal.
- Run the disposal until the ice is ground up.
2. Rock Salt
- Why it works: Rock salt can act as an abrasive, scrubbing the disposal’s interior surfaces.
- How to do it:
- Add about ½ cup of rock salt along with the ice cubes.
- Turn on the cold water and disposal.
3. Citrus Peels (Optional)
- Why it works: Citrus peels don’t sharpen the impellers but can clean the disposal and leave a fresh scent.
- How to do it:
- Add a few small citrus peels (orange, lemon, or lime) after using ice cubes.
- Run the disposal with cold water.
4. Baking Soda and Vinegar
- Why it works: This combination cleans and deodorizes the disposal, keeping it efficient.
- How to do it:
- Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the disposal.
- Follow with ½ cup of vinegar.
- Let it fizz for 5-10 minutes, then flush with cold water while running the disposal.
These methods won’t physically sharpen the impellers but will keep your garbage disposal working efficiently. Regular maintenance can prevent clogs and wear over time.
If you’re having any problems with your garbage disposal or sink you can contact us 24/7.
