With their ability to break down food scraps into minuscule particles, reduce food waste and minimize food odors, a garbage disposal is one of the hardest working items in your kitchen.
It's also the reason they can become stinky and grimy. Luckily, there are many ways to clean a garbage disposal, but did you know you can sanitize yours without harsh chemicals? All you need is a planet-friendly enzymatic cleaner.
Non-toxic enzymatic cleaners tackle stinky garbage disposals brilliantly
Unclog blocked pipes, eliminate odors and restore your garbage disposal back to its best with this safe, clean and effective enzymatic cleaner, which uses natural enzymes. Devouring grease, hair, food, and soap scum, the citrus and sage fragrance will keep your drains in good working order and smelling fresh.
'Enzymatic cleaners work by introducing beneficial bacteria and enzymes that 'digest' leftover food particles, grease, and grime,' explains professional cleaner Karina Toner, who is the operations manager at Spekless Cleaning.
'They’re safe for your plumbing, and because they’re non-corrosive and biodegradable, they’re also eco-friendly and safe around kids and pets,' the expert notes.
Enzymatic cleaners can help you keep your waste disposal from smelling and they can help unblock any clogs before they appear. So, to keep your garbage disposal in good, working condition, you should use an enzymatic cleaner whenever you clean your kitchen sink, with deep cleans scheduled at least once a week.
It's also worth getting familiar with all the things you should never put in a garbage disposal so you can spend more time using the clever gadget and less time learning how to unclog a garbage disposal.
How to use an enzymatic cleaner
Like many of the best cleaning tips that actually work, using a non-toxic enzymatic cleaner to spruce up your garbage disposal is simple and almost wholly effortless.
Tool-wise, you won't need much to stop your garbage disposal from smelling. In fact, according to Karina, you'll just need your enzymatic drain cleaner, a measuring cup, such as a four-cup clear measuring jug from Target to help you pour the right amount of product (if needed) and hot water.
And better yet, it will is so quick and 'takes about two minutes to apply,' cleaner Karina confirms. However, it will take anywhere between six to eight hours for the enzymes to work their magic so it's best left overnight.
Karina recommends the Earthworm Drain Cleaner, which you can also pick up from Walmart in a pack of six. She advises that you:
- Run warm water into the garbage disposal for 10–15 seconds to moisten the inside.
- Turn off the water and disposal system.
- Pour the recommended amount (usually 4-8 oz.) of the enzymatic cleaner down the drain.
- Let it sit overnight or at least 6-8 hours without running water to give the enzymes time to work.
- In the morning, flush the disposal with hot water and give it a 10-second run.
Sink cleaning essentials
'I like using a narrow brush to scrub just under the splash guard of the garbage disposal,' Karina says. 'It’s where grime loves to hide'. Coming with eight different brushes of all different sizes and styles – including a sink cleaning brush – you can reach every crook and cranny with this set.
Karina mentions that she uses a non-toxic enzymatic cleaner once a week. 'It keeps smells away and digestion going without chemicals,' the expert adds. Just like the Earthworm Drain Cleaner, this enzyme is free of harsh chemicals, or acids. It also comes with an uplifting citrus scent.
'I regularly remove and scrub the splash guard with a bit of dish soap,' Karina explains. 'It’s often the source of foul odors,' the expert adds. With its streamlined design and pump that uses 35% less plastic than the brand's previous version, we're big fans of this planet-friendly lime and sea salt-smelling dish soap from plant-based Method.
Cleaning with vinegar and baking soda (which acts as a deodorizer and scourer) is another effective and non-toxic way to spruce up your garbage disposal. Just pour half a cup of baking soda into it before adding a cup of vinegar, leave it for around 10 minutes before turning on the water rinsing.
Talking of vinegar, this white distilled one is already diluted with water to 5% acidity. It's powerful and suitable for various uses, including blasting through grease and grime around your disposal and sink area.
Essential oils are known for their powerful scents and ability to kill microbes. This set of therapeutic-grade essential oils includes lavender, rosemary, tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, and frankincense oil. If you pop a few drops down your waste disposal, they can help neutralize bad kitchen smells.
Meet our expert
Now that you have learned how to use enzymatic cleaners on your garbage disposal, you might be looking for more ways to use planet-friendly products in your home.
If that's the case, discover how to make a home less-toxic and non-toxic ways to make your home smell nice all the time without harming your health or the planet.
