Home Care Challenge: Dishwasher Grime and Disposal Odors
Cleaning Your Dishwasher & Garbage Disposal
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Last week, I shared the saga of our living room refresh, sparked by a few tech mishaps (new TV, new layout—the whole shebang!). But as they say, give a mouse a cookie… and suddenly, I'm dreaming up a bajillion more home projects!
My ADD brain has been especially tricky these past two years, making project motivation and decision-making a real struggle since baby number two arrived. But you know what? I'm actually loving this blogging journey because it's holding me accountable. Sharing my thoughts and plans here means I have to come back and give you (and myself!) an update. So, thank you for being my unofficial accountability coaches!
While I gently nudge my husband toward my ever-growing list of home improvement dreams (and work on setting realistic goals, budgets, and expectations for myself), let's dive into a task I know needs tackling: cleaning the garbage disposal and dishwasher.
Thankfully, this week's Home Care Challenge is a relatively easy win compared to the oven cleaning extravaganza (so much elbow grease!).
As homeowners, we all crave smoothly running, efficient appliances. And in the kitchen, the dishwasher reigns supreme, saving us precious time and effort. But to keep it sparkling, we need to show it some love. The same goes for the garbage disposal, our trusty sidekick for banishing food waste.
While you might not need a deep clean every quarter, regular checks for buildup are key. I swear by Affresh tablets for monthly maintenance—they keep both the dishwasher and garbage disposal smelling fresh and running smoothly.
Cleaning the Dishwasher: Operation Sparkle
First things first: empty that dishwasher!
Filter Check: Locate the filter (consult your owner's manual if needed!) and give it a good scrub with a brush and dish soap.
Wipe Down: Grab a microfiber cloth and wipe down the interior, door, and soap dispensers. Don't forget those rubber seals along the edges—they can get grimy fast!
Deep Clean: You've got two options here:
Vinegar & Baking Soda Power: Spray the interior walls with vinegar, place a bowl filled with 1-2 cups of vinegar on the top rack, and run a hot cycle (no detergent!). Follow up with a sprinkle of baking soda on the bottom and another hot cycle (still no detergent!).
Dishwasher Cleaner Magic: If you prefer a dedicated cleaner, Affresh is my go-to. Just follow the instructions on the package—usually, one cycle does the trick.
Cleaning the Garbage Disposal: Bye-Bye, Stinky
Now, let's tackle the garbage disposal.
Flap Check: Clean those rubber flaps with dish soap and a brush (an old toothbrush works wonders!).
Blade Blitz: Freeze some vinegar into ice cubes and grind them with a little water to create a slushy mix. This helps clean the blades. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Deodorizing Power: Pour some baking soda into the disposal and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, chase it with lemon peel or another Affresh tablet.
Final Flush: Run cold water for about 30 seconds while the disposal is running to flush away any lingering debris.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your dishwasher and garbage disposal in tip-top shape. Regular maintenance not only keeps things smelling fresh but also extends the life of your appliances and saves you money in the long run. It's a win-win!
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Products I use to tackle this week’s weekly home care challenge:
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