Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500226
06/24/03

Cleaning Garbage Disposers


Garbage disposers clean themselves if used properly.
Do not put lye or other chemical drain pipe cleaners into
the disposer.

Periodically, and always after disposing of fibrous
food wastes, purge the drainline by filling the sink with
two or three inches of cold water. Turn on the food waste
disposer and allow this water to run through with no
wastes added.

Before leaving your home for several days, check to
be sure all wastes have been flushed out of the disposer
to avoid the creation of odors. If odors should occur
through an oversight, they can be removed by running
orange or lemon peels or ice cubes through the disposer.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus with references from the Maytag
Corporation and the Association of Home Appliance
Manufacturers.

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