{"id":1544,"date":"2022-04-21T07:28:26","date_gmt":"2022-04-21T07:28:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.appliance-world.co.uk\/?p=1544"},"modified":"2023-02-23T23:31:37","modified_gmt":"2023-02-23T23:31:37","slug":"how-to-clean-a-waste-disposal-unit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/how-to-clean-a-waste-disposal-unit\/","title":{"rendered":"Maintenance Made Easy: How to Clean a Waste Disposal Unit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Many UK households now have a garbage disposal unit in their kitchen. A waste disposal unit is an incredibly useful appliance. It helps degrade waste food which means you do not fill your bins as quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But how do you maintain these units and keep them clean? This guide looks at how to clean a waste disposal unit<\/a> in seven simple steps, so read on to discover more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Is Cleaning a Food Waste Disposal Unit Important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A garbage disposal unit is a prime area for bacteria and mould to thrive. This is because it is continually subject to food particles, grease, and debris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of how effective your waste disposal system is, food and grease will build up over time. It could get stuck on the blades, pipes, or under the guard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food and grease will degrade and rot, bacteria will grow, and the whole system will become a breeding ground. This could be a health hazard and also be incredibly unpleasant. You must therefore clean your waste disposal unit<\/a> regularly and keep it sanitised!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cleaning a Garbage Disposal Unit: A Simple Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Every time there is an unpleasant smell coming from your garbage disposal, or you observe a lot of food waste accumulating, you should clean it. Also, we advise regularly flushing it and wiping it around the input area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The below sections look at cleaning garbage disposal units in seven simple steps. Please note that disconnecting the power and cleaning the guards could vary depending on your waste disposal unit<\/a> model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Disconnect the Power Source<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is possibly the most important step! Before you do anything, disconnect the power to your garbage disposal unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attempting to clean your garbage disposal while still connected is a recipe for disaster. We have all heard horror stories of people getting their limbs mangled inside garbage disposals. Don’t let this be you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disconnect the power<\/strong>. Check, and check again that the waste disposal unit<\/a> is offline before attempting any cleaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Remove Any Excess Build-up of Food Waste<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first thing to do after properly disconnecting the garbage disposal unit is to take out any visible food that may be in the plughole rim or on the machine’s blades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is the simplest place to start and should immediately make a difference and eliminate smells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Clean the Rubber Splash Guard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most disposal units have a rubber splash guard located around the plughole and above the blades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The splash guard helps prevent any food scraps from flying back out and creating a mess all over your sink and kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, this is also an area that is rife with food scraps and small particles that need to be removed. The underside, in particular, is an area where food waste can build up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should be able to remove this guard completely. If so, pull it out so you can clean in all those hard to reach crevices. Use a scourer, an old toothbrush, or an abrasive pad and scrub the guard thoroughly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider adding a little detergent as you scrub to loosen any tough food and to help remove nasty smells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4: Clean the Food Waste Disposer Pipes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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