Author:
Clyde Lopez
Date Of Creation:
19 June 2021
Update Date:
1 July 2024
Content
- Steps
- Method 1 of 3: Cleaning the Recyclers
- Method 2 of 3: Eliminate odors
- Method 3 of 3: Caring for your waste disposal unit
- Tips
- Warnings
Kitchen waste disposers are amazing devices that help eliminate unwanted food waste in an instant. Even though they are usually self-cleaning, recyclers need a little care and attention from time to time. This will keep them in perfect condition and there will be no odors. This article contains easy step-by-step instructions on how to care for your recyclers and effectively eliminate odors, as well as some useful information on maintaining your recyclers.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning the Recyclers
1 Remove everything from the recycler. If there is a large object in it, remove it before cleaning. It is very important to turn off the fuse that turns on the waste disposal unit so that it will not turn on during cleaning. - Use pliers or forceps to remove the stuck object. If necessary, use a flashlight to help you see better. Avoid damaging the heat exchanger.
- Try not to stick your hands into the recycler. If you need to do this, make sure it is not turned on.
2 Washing with water. A simple rinsing of the disposal unit with water will help remove any debris or dirt. After plugging the hole, add a little dish soap and hot water until a 2 to 4 inch level is formed in the drain. Remove the plug and turn on the heat exchanger, allowing water to pass through it. - Make sure you used hot water, not cold water, as any oil or grease will dissolve in hot water and wash off with water.
- This flushing method is much more effective than just tap water as the entire waste heat exchanger is flushed and cleaned of any accumulated debris.
3 Use ice cubes and salt. Grinding ice and salt cubes in a waste disposer is a great way to remove harder residues and debris that adheres to the crushed particles. Place two cups of ice, then one cup of rock salt in a waste disposer. - Turn on the heat recovery unit, run a small amount of cold water, and the blades will crush the ice and salt.
- An alternative to ice and rock salt can be small frozen cubes of white vinegar, which are also crushed in a waste disposal unit.
- In addition to cleaning, grinding the ice will sharpen the blades and remove any unwanted odors.
4 Cleaning with an old toothbrush or scraper brush. You can manually clean the inside of the waste disposal unit using an old toothbrush or a dedicated scraper brush. If possible, remove the grate from the drain hole for better visibility and easier cleaning.
Method 2 of 3: Eliminate odors
1 Use citrus peels. An effective natural remedy for freshening a waste disposal unit and eliminating odors in the kitchen is to grind a handful of citrus peels. Any citrus fruit will do - orange, lemon, grapefruit, lime. The citric acid in the skin will clean the blades and remove odors. 
2 Use baking soda and vinegar. Baking soda and vinegar are great at eliminating odors. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain hole, then gradually pour in a cup of white vinegar. The mixture will sizzle and bubble, and after 5 to 10 minutes you need to rinse it off with very hot or boiling water. 
3 Rinse with a little bleach. Bleach is effective in killing germs and quickly freshening the drain, but do not use it in large quantities as it will harden any grease in the disposal unit. - Dissolve a tablespoon of liquid chlorine bleach in a gallon of water and slowly pour the solution into a disposal unit.
- After a minute or two, turn on the hot water tap for a few minutes to rinse off the bleach.
4 Use borax. Borax is a safe and natural cleaning agent that effectively cleans the recyclers and minimizes odors. Pour 3 to 4 tablespoons of borax into a recycler and rinse with very hot or boiling water after an hour.
Method 3 of 3: Caring for your waste disposal unit
1 Only substances that are biodegradable can be placed in the waste disposal unit. This is rule number one. A recycler is not a trash can, and if you use it to eliminate everything that you don't need, then disaster cannot be avoided. You can extend the life of your recycler and reduce cleaning time by using it only on biodegradable products. You can use it to dispose of products such as: - Fibrous foods: onion or grain husks, artichokes, and celery stalks. They can become entangled in the motor.
- Starchy foods such as potato skins. The starch can form a thick paste that sticks to the blades of the chute.
- Products that can swell - rice or pasta. They can swell in water and clog the drain. The coffee grounds can also clog the drain.
- And foods such as eggshells, small fish or chicken bones, and small fruit bones will even help in cleaning the recycler.
2 When you use the heat recovery unit, do not turn it off immediately. Many people make the mistake of turning off the heat recovery unit as soon as the grinding noise subsides. It is better to leave the heat recovery unit operating with the water turned on for a few seconds after grinding stops, then the water will wash away the small particles remaining in the heat recovery unit. 
3 Try not to pour fat into the sink - vegetable or any other oil, lard. Grease can build up in the waste heat exchanger, slowing down the motor and clogging the drain. Before washing pots and pans, try to remove as much grease from them as possible with a paper towel. 
4 Cut large pieces into small pieces before disposal, then they will not get stuck in the disposal unit. For example, you can cut fruits or vegetables and other foods into small pieces if you think they will be difficult for the recycler to handle.
Tips
- If the scraper is having difficulty grinding hard lemon or lime rind, add a few ice cubes.
Warnings
- Before doing anything with your hands in the heat exchanger, be sure to turn it off. If it suddenly turns on while cleaning, the sharp blades could seriously injure you.
