The Kitchen Essential That Makes Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal A Breeze

Garbage disposals are a handy appliance, but with frequent use, they can harbor plenty of buildup and bacteria. Cleaning your garbage disposal helps maintain its performance and creates a cleaner-smelling kitchen. However, compared to other appliances in your kitchen, they can be hard to clean. Their compact environment, combined with various food scraps running through, means that smells can build up quickly. At the same time, using the wrong cleaner, such as bleach or other harsh chemicals, can damage the appliance and your plumbing. Luckily, you can use a common kitchen essential to get a cleaner-smelling garbage disposal in no time. Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, offers an all-natural, affordable, and non-toxic way to clean the disposal's blades.

There are many smart ways to use Epsom salt around the house, and this is one of the easiest. The salt's abrasive nature can help gently scrub the blade's surface without damaging it, removing stubborn food deposits or other gunk. In addition, the salt's fine particles mean it can go into the tightest nooks and crannies, scouring away any lingering bits that could otherwise cause quite a stink. The combination of magnesium sulfate with water in your disposal packs a one-two punch, as the salt cleans the blades, loosening debris so it can flow down the drain. 

Cleaning your disposal with Epsom salt is easy to do, provided you follow the right steps. First, measure 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt and drop it into the empty disposal. Turn on your (cold) water, then run the disposal along with the water for 15 seconds to 1 minute to fully rinse away the debris. Optionally, you can throw in about 10 ice cubes as an additional abrasive to clean the blades, with a slice of lemon to deodorize to it. Epsom salt is generally considered safe for pipes if it completely dissolves after use. If you've never used magnesium sulfate in your plumbing system before, check the packaging notes for any comments about dissolving. Undissolved salt may accumulate and eventually lead to clogs, so it's better to be safe if using it for the first time. 

Like you should when cleaning any appliance, practice safe use. Always run cold water while using your garbage disposal to protect the motor, prevent overheating, and easily force liquids and fats during the drain. Never put your hand near the blades. Aim to clean your garbage disposal at least once or twice a month, increasing the frequency with heavy use or anytime there are persistent odors. With regular cleaning and by avoiding throwing certain items into your garbage disposal, such as fibrous vegetables and shells, you can ensure your appliance lasts for years to come.