Are you tired of the persistent odor in your kitchen despite your efforts to clean your garbage disposal? Sometimes no matter how often or how vigorously you scrub and deep clean your garbage disposal, the lingering odor doesn’t escape your kitchen.
Have you noticed that the gunky bits stuck to the splash guard are the main culprit behind the smell? If you’re not cleaning the gunky bits off the garbage disposals, it will never effectively remove all debris and odor.
A sneaky area in your garbage disposal is the splash guard. The truth is often; we forget to clean it or think it isn’t necessary to. If so, you’re not alone. Many overlook the importance of cleaning their garbage disposal’s splash guard, which can lead to unpleasant odors and clogs.
In this article, we’ll guide you on effectively cleaning your garbage disposal’s splash guard. We’ll explain why it’s essential to clean it regularly, the tools you’ll need, and the step-by-step process for cleaning it. So, get ready to scrub away the dirt and grime and say goodbye to the foul odor in your kitchen!
Why Should You Clean the Garbage Disposal Splash Guard?
The splash guard is small but important because it is a rubber flap that covers the garbage disposal’s opening and prevents food waste and water from splashing back out when it is used. Here are some reasons why it’s important to clean your garbage disposal splash guard regularly:
Food particles and other debris can be stuck in the splash guard, creating unpleasant smells. To prevent these unpleasant smells, the splash guard should be cleaned.
A dirty splash guard can also lead to clogs in your garbage disposal or drain. As food particles accumulate, they can create a blockage that prevents water from flowing through the drain. Regular cleaning routing can avoid jams in the drains.
Regularly cleaning your garbage disposal, including the splash guard, can improve the overall cleanliness of your kitchen. It creates a pleasant feeling in the kitchen.
Now that you know why cleaning your garbage disposal splash guard is important, let’s move on to the next section to learn how to do it properly.
How to Get Rid of Dirt and Smell From Rubber Splash Guard:
One of the primary reasons you should inspect and cleanse your rubber splash guards is when you sense a particular smell that won’t disappear. Nasty smells usually have two reasons for transpiring in the garbage disposal; the rubber splash guard or the drainage.
So, maintaining the sanitation of the splash guard is an absolute must. I will be discussing two methods to clean your rubber splash guard. So, keep reading and opt for the best alternative that fits you.
Cleaning a Garbage Disposal Splash Guard: Tools Required
Before you begin cleaning your garbage disposal splash guard, you will need to collect a few tools. These include
- Rubber Gloves
- Old Toothbrush or a scrub brush
- Hot, Soapy Water
- A mild detergent or cleaning solution
- Paper towels.
- Clorox Antibacterial Degreaser (optional)
Method For Non-Removable Splash Guard
- Wear your gloves and start scrubbing the top area of the splash guard.
- Lift the rubber splash guard one section at a time and wash their bottoms. With non-removable splash guards, this job might be a bit trickier. Hence, you need to lift each corner and scour them.
- Use the hot soapy water mixture and the old toothbrush to scrub off all existing gunk. Adding only a few drops of dishwashing liquid to hot water should do the trick.
- If you want more effective results, dip the old toothbrush into an antibacterial grease-erasing kitchen cleaner. This potion has proven to be highly active for immediate results.
- Repeat with each flap as needed.
- Keep polishing this section until all the gunk and slimy debris is off.
- Rinse thoroughly when done.
Method For Removable Splash Guard
- Wear safety rubber gloves and remove the splash guards carefully.
- After taking out the section, scrub the bottom and top parts of the rubber guard with the hot soapy mixture and a toothbrush.
- Again, add only a few drops of dishwashing liquid to hot water and use it.
- Rinse when you notice that all the accumulated dirt and debris are off.
- Replace it in its original position once done.
Pro tip: Cleaning the undersides of the removable or non-removable splash guards is definitive.
If your garbage disposal is a stinker, overlooking the splash guards and, majorly, their bottoms are a big no-no, as most of the origins of debris and odor reside there.
The best part is often, you don’t even have to remove the entire section to rinse and clean them adequately.
Here’s another tip, if you notice any evident splits or breakage in your rubber splash guards, you must replace them.
In extreme cases, when the rubber splash guards aren’t cleaned sufficiently or regularly, they could store stubborn germs and gunk, which is only best if replaced. Worry not; replacing your splash guards will not deteriorate the quality of your garbage disposal.
How to Replace a Splash Guard?
As I’ve revealed, replacing an old, dirty, or worn-out splash guard isn’t the most challenging job with garbage disposals. So much that even you can do it yourself without the help of a professional. And let’s get real; this will also give you a chance to save a couple of bucks, so it’s a win-win.
I understand that dealing with the base of the splash guard is particularly complicated. This is why many people often slack on cleaning it, requiring a replacement.
However, if I know a thing or two about garbage disposals, it’s that, like many other components, splash guards are one of the integral parts too. Here’s how you can replace a splash guard all by yourself. Have a gander.
- Start by removing the old splash guard.
- Substitute the new splash guard and assemble it correctly into the garbage disposal.
- After mounting it to the garbage disposal unit, reconnect this section to the drainage.
- Test the brand-new installation by closing the garbage disposal’s mouth and filling it with water.
- You’re good to go if you don’t see any evident leaks in the system.
- Finally, reconnect the garbage disposal to the power outlet and give it one last test run.
If this DIY replacement doesn’t seem like your cup of tea, make sure to ring a professional. Undoubtedly, an expert touch is all vital devices like these occasionally need.
Garbage Disposal Splash Guard Maintaining Tips
To keep your garbage disposal splash guard clean and prevent odor buildup also use it for a long time, consider the following tips:
- Create a regular cleaning schedule to stay on top of maintenance. This is the main tip I recommend to everyone with higher results.
- Avoid putting certain foods and waste down your garbage disposal, such as grease, fat, and fibrous vegetables.
- Use a garbage disposal cleaning solution to clean your unit and prevent odor buildup.
Final Words:
As you can already tell, the procedures of cleaning and maintaining a hygienic splash guard aren’t the most demanding. Even if you’re a first-timer, cleaning an intricate piece such as the splash guard isn’t troublesome.
However, I would recommend you remember that rubber materials can be delicate. You must be gentle yet exert enough pressure to remove any remaining debris from the splash guards. It is a necessity that you remain very precise and careful throughout the entire ordeal.
I’m confident that all your doubts and crazy, day-long searches of the ‘stink’ will finally end. Phew.
Now that you know where the garbage disposal stinks might be coming from, you better get to the action. Slap on those handy-dandy gloves and get to work!
James is an organic fertilizer professional who owns a successful organic fertilizer company in new jersey. He is an expert in waste management in both houses and community cases. In his free time, he loves to write about his experiences in the field.