## How to Sterilize a Kitchen Sink Disposal
Your kitchen sink disposal is a workhorse, handling all sorts of food scraps and debris. Over time, this can lead to a build-up of bacteria and other microorganisms, which can cause unpleasant odors and even health hazards. Sterilizing your disposal regularly is essential for keeping it clean and functioning properly.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to sterilize a kitchen sink disposal:
### Materials you’ll need:
* White vinegar
* Baking soda
* Ice cubes
* Coarse salt
* Lemon or lime wedges
### Instructions:
1. **Clear the drain.** Remove any food scraps or debris from the disposal’s drain. You can use a small brush or a pair of tongs to do this.
2. **Pour in white vinegar.** Pour one cup of white vinegar into the disposal. White vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will help to kill bacteria and other microorganisms.
3. **Let it sit.** Allow the vinegar to sit in the disposal for 30 minutes. This will give the vinegar time to work its magic.
4. **Flush with water.** Run cold water through the disposal for 30 seconds to rinse away the vinegar.
5. **Sprinkle in baking soda.** Sprinkle one cup of baking soda into the disposal. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and will help to absorb any remaining odors.
6. **Add ice cubes.** Add 10-12 ice cubes to the disposal. The ice cubes will help to scour the disposal and remove any remaining food particles or debris.
7. **Run the disposal.** Turn on the disposal and let it run for 30 seconds. This will help to mix the baking soda and ice cubes and to scour the disposal.
8. **Flush with water again.** Run cold water through the disposal for 30 seconds to rinse away the baking soda and ice cubes.
9. **Drop in lemon or lime wedges.** Drop a few lemon or lime wedges into the disposal. The citric acid in the lemons or limes will help to freshen the disposal and remove any remaining odors.
10. **Run the disposal one last time.** Turn on the disposal and let it run for 10 seconds to flush out the lemon or lime wedges.
Your disposal is now sterilized and ready to use!
### Additional tips for sterilizing a kitchen sink disposal:
* Sterilize your disposal once a month or as needed.
* If your disposal has a removable splash guard, remove it and clean it regularly.
* Avoid putting grease, oil, or other fats down the disposal. These can cause build-up and clogs.
* If your disposal starts to smell bad, try pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for 30 minutes and then flush with water.
* If your disposal is clogged, try using a drain cleaner or a plunger. If the clog is severe, you may need to call a plumber.
By following these tips, you can keep your kitchen sink disposal clean and functioning properly for years to come.