Maintaining the garbage disposal is important when it comes to maintaining a clean kitchen. For one thing, it can easily become a trap for grime and unpleasant odors if not cleaned regularly.
Why It’s Important To Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Cleaning the garbage disposal will not only reduce odors but it’ll also ensure that it works properly.
For example, leftover food, especially within the rubber splash guard or grinding chamber, can decay over time and cause clogs.
Not only that but certain things such as grease and stringy vegetables can also leave behind a slimy residue that won’t be broken down properly.
Unpleasant Odors from Grease Buildup
Cooling fats and oils will also solidify into greasy substances, which will cling onto the surfaces inside your garbage disposal system, creating the perfect conditions for foul odors.
These microorganisms will feed on the decaying food scraps and contribute towards foul smells while also posing potential health risks.
Problems Caused By Dirty Garbage Disposals
A clean garbage disposal is about more than just having a clean kitchen. It’s an essential aspect of home maintenance that, if neglected, can lead to significant issues.
As mentioned earlier, the food waste lingering inside can lead to grime accumulation, which will not only produce unpleasant odors but can also pose potential health risks.
Not only that but oils can also accumulate inside and that can lead to clogs, which can significantly affect the unit performance.
More specifically, the buildup can restrict water flow through the pipes, causing slower drainage times along with an increased risk of backups that can damage other plumbing fixtures around your house.
How Do the Disposer Cleaning Tablets By ACTIVE Work?
Unlike DIY methods (e.g. baking soda, ice cubes, citrus peels, dish soap) ACTIVE Disposal Cleaner Tablets are specifically formulated with garbage disposals in mind.
They’re designed to disintegrate food particles and oils that have built up over time inside the garbage disposal.
They work by producing a foaming solution that fills the disposal’s grinding chamber. This ensures every nook and cranny, where debris may accumulate, is thoroughly cleaned.
They’re easy to use too as all you need to do is drop one tablet into the drain with the water running. Before you know it, it will start to scrub away the stubborn fat deposits hidden inside the appliance.
Not only that but the tablet will also neutralize any foul smells at their source – rather than just masking them like some competing products do.
The best part? The tablets are safe for all types of plumbing and septic systems.
Troubleshooting Common Garbage Disposal Issues
Garbage disposals, while handy, can sometimes throw a wrench in your kitchen routine with unexpected issues.
Here’s how to handle a few of the most typical problems.
Lingering Odors Inside The Disposal
If you notice an unpleasant smell coming from your sink drain opening, chances are, it’s due to food residue stuck in hard-to-reach places (e.g. underneath the blades).
Fortunately, there’s an easy fix – just use the cleaning tablets by ACTIVE and it will scrub away all the stubborn grime.
Visible Food Debris After Cleaning
In some cases, food debris can remain even after using disposal cleaners. To fix that, run cold water and turn on the unit for approximately 30 seconds – that will help flush out any lingering scraps.
Make sure not to use hot water as that may melt the oils and fats, which will end up re-solidifying further down the pipes, causing clogs within the drainage system. The same goes for warm water.
If food residue is still present after these steps, try another round of ACTIVE cleaning tablets.
The Best Garbage Disposal Cleaning Products
Caring for your kitchen waste disposal means choosing the right products for the job.
Some options, such as drain cleaners, can cause harm over time due to their corrosive nature or inability to provide a deep clean.
ACTIVE Disposal Cleaner, on the other hand, will effectively scrub away the oils that are trapped underneath without damaging any components in the process. It even comes with a pleasant citrus scent.
Common Questions About Disposal Maintenance
The garbage disposal is often seen as an abyss below your kitchen sink, so it’s no wonder many disposal owners have questions about it.
Here are some of the most common questions and their answers.
How Often Should You Clean Your Garbage Disposal?
Ideally, you want to clean your disposal at least twice a month using ACTIVE Disposal Cleaner tablets.
Simply toss one in with a slow stream of water running, then turn on the disposal.
For most users, cleaning the unit twice a month with ACTIVE Cleaning tablets will suffice. However, if you notice foul odors or poor performance, additional cleaning cycles may be needed.
How Do You Clean A Garbage Disposal Without Removing It?
You can effectively clean your waste disposer by using an ACTIVE Garbage Disposal Cleaner tablet. Just place one inside the disposal and let the scrubbing foam do the rest of the work!
How Do I Keep My Garbage Disposal Running Smoothly?
Avoid feeding the unit hard objects or fibrous foods (e.g. corn husks) that could cause jams or damage the blades.
It’s also a good idea to run cold water after each use to flush down any oils. Using an effective cleaning product like ACTIVE Disposal Cleaner will also help keep it squeaky clean.
ACTIVE Products For Your Other Home Appliances
We’re here to make house cleaning easier for you. Not only do we offer cleaning tablets for your disposal unit, but we have a range of other household cleaning products as well.
Vera –
I didn’t notice any odor from the drain, so I can’t coment on any improvement. I used two tabs as recommended, and while it foamed briefly in the video, the inside looked the same before and after. The buildup under the rubber remained. I plan to scrub that area myself and see if using two tabs monthly helps. I might revise my review later, but for now, I don’t think it’s worth buying. I haven’t tried other brands yet.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Brenda –
I used the septic tablets first and find them easy to use and effective. So I tried the dishwasher tabs and they were great too. The garbage disposal tabs were awesome. Took away any odors and cleaned it right up. I will probably use the washing machine tabs when I’m done with the current one’s I have. Definitely five star products!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Art –
I’ve been skeptical about these products, but this one impressed me! My dishwasher used to cause some water backup into the sink, enough to be annoying. I used two initially, then one a week later, and now my drain flows smoothly. The process was simple, and my drain smells better too. Considering my house is about 20 years old and has never been snaked, it’s remarkable that it made a difference.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Taxman420 –
Enjoy a full year’s supply, showing that the company truly cares! It’s easy to store in the box or switch to a jar.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Nathan –
Amazing new product! My sink smelled great in just a minute! After a week of dealing with odors, this easy-to-use solution arrived with a year’s supply. I’m sold! Thank you!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Frank Curtis –
i love watching the foam and smelling the freshness as it cleans the disposal
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Vernon –
PRO’s:
– The first tablet showed no foam, while the second created a lot, possibly due to the first clearing buildup.
– One tablet lasts a year with bi-monthly use.
– Easy to use and efficiently cleans without contact.
CON’s:
– Some physical scrubbing is still needed, but these tablets lessen the cleaning effort.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Mat –
No foam or scent; tried it three times
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
HandyHank –
This is definitely NOT a year’s supplyand unless you never clean your sinks. We regularly deal with pet food and other waste, so we clean frequently. With rising prices for other products, I tried these since they offer more tablets. The note included looked handwritten, which is a nice touch, and the individually wrapped tablets are easy to handle. Some reviews mention a lack of foam, but I assure youand THEY FOAM. If you don’t see foam, you might not be using running water correctly. I run hot water, drop the tablet in, let a thin stream flow, then turn on the disposal. The pleasant scent emerges as it foams. With a double sink, I keep the water running until it drains completely. Whether they clean effectively is debatable; I still notice some odor, possibly from my pipes. I use 1-3 tablets weekly before dishwasher cycles, keeping the disposal clean since we wash pet dishes in the sink. I’m pleased with the brand and plan to keep buying them, and I’m interested in trying their other products as well.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Xavier R. –
i used these twice and didn’t get much sudsing, despite following the instructions. the disposal stopped functioning within a day. my husband contacted the manufacturer, and they helped him fix it. it’s functioning fine now, but i won’t use these cleaner tablets again since i’m outside the return window.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal