Deodorize your garbage disposal with these easy all-natural DIY garbage disposal cleaner tabs. These are a completely effective drain odor eliminators for those smelly garbage disposals.
Cleaning out the garbage disposal is probably not on your long list of to-do’s, am I right? There are way too many things to think about, and cleaning the garbage disposal isn’t one of them! I will say that it can get stinky, and I have a quick hack to deodorize the garbage disposal that you will love.
I am going to show you how to make the best garbage disposal cleaner for a kitchen sink that smells. This cleaner is made with all-natural ingredients, is cost-effective, and it is a hands-free cleaner! These are similar to my toilet bombs but even easier and a little smaller.
You can make a large batch of these cleaner tabs at a time, store them under the sink, and drop one down the drain when you need a little refresher.
PIN IT FOR LATER
BEST GARBAGE DISPOSAL CLEANER
As I said, I am busy, and I am guessing you are too! To me, hands-free cleaners are always going to be the best. Garbage disposals are small and tight, making it hard to get in there and really clean, so instead of trying to squeeze my hand into a small hole with sharp blades, I decided to make a cleaning tab or a “bomb” to do the work.
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For this recipe, you will need:
- Baking Soda
- Salt (any salt will do)
- Lemons
- Lemon essential oil
- Silicon mold or an ice tray
GARBAGE DISPOSAL CLEANER INGREDIENTS
BAKING SODA
The first ingredient I reached for when dreaming up this recipe was baking soda. I went straight for baking soda because it is perfect for absorbing odors. If you read the description on your baking soda box, it will have a whole section about using it for cleaning. It can add a lot of benefits, and neutralizing odor is one of them.
Baking soda is an effective odor remover and can leave your kitchen sink smelling fresh and clean. It is a great natural cleaning agent and has been used for cleaning for many, many years.
With its mild alkali properties, it can cause dirt, grime, and grease to dissolve quickly. Baking soda is effective for removing soap scrum, hard water, and whitening.
SALT
Any salt will do for this cleaner. I use Pink Himalayan salt for all of the cooking in my home, and because it is a little more expensive than other salts, I decided to purchase regular iodized table salt for this recipe. I found it to work great! You can also use Epsom Salt.
Salt works as an effective yet gentle cleaning agent. Just using salt and boiling water alone can help to unclog drains and clean them. Have you ever tried this? Simply pour a 1/2 of a cup of salt down the troubled drain, let it sit for a few minutes, then pour a pot of boiling water in the drain to flush it out.
LEMONS
I love using lemon for cleaning! First off, lemons work wonderfully as a natural cleaner, but mostly I love that fresh lemon scent. Seriously, nothing is better, in my opinion!
Lemons are a natural antibacterial, an antiseptic, and they act as a natural bleach because of the acid found in them. Just putting lemon rinds in a garbage disposal and running it for a few seconds can help to keep your disposal clean and fresh.
For this recipe, you will need two lemons. We will be using the fresh juice and the rinds.
LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL
Lemon essential oil has cleansing and purifying properties making it one of the best oils for cleaning. I use it in my all-purpose cleaner, granite cleaning spray, and daily shower cleaner. I love the way it smells and cleans.
You can also use tea tree, lime, wild orange, rosemary, or lavender. All these essential oils have cleansing and purifying properties, making them a great option for cleaning kitchen sinks, drains, and garbage disposals.
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE GARBAGE DISPOSAL CLEANER TABS?
- In a large bowl, mix together the baking soda and salt. Mash with a fork until there are no clumps.
- Using a grater or zester, zest the two lemons and add the zest to the dry ingredients.
- Cut two lemons in half and squeeze the juice from them into the dry ingredients. You will need about 4 tablespoons of lemon juice.
- Add 15-20 drops of lemon essential oil and stir all the ingredients together until well combined. You want the ingredients to hold its shape when pressed together; add more liquid if needed.
- Smash the mixture into small silicone molds.
- Allow it to dry completely, about 12-24 hours. Dry time will depend on the size of the mold you use.
- Pop the tabs out of the mold and store in an airtight container or ziplock bag. I keep mine in a mason jar with a lid under my sink.
DEODORIZE GARBAGE DISPOSAL
It is important to run water when using your disposal to help grind the food better. It is best to use cold water to keep fats and oils in solid form in order for it to break up best and not clog drains. After you eat citrus fruits like lemons, limes, or oranges, put the peels oil in the garbage disposal. Grind them to freshen the disposal.
When the kitchen sink smells, add one of the garbage disposal tabs into the disposal. After it sits for a few minutes, run some water through it.
HACKS FOR KITCHEN SINK SMELLS
- Pour salt and boiling water into the drain to unclog and clean.
- Place citrus fruit rinds into the disposal and run it for a few seconds.
- Sprinkle baking soda in the drain, followed by vinegar and 10 drops of lemon essential oil. Allow it to sit and then run water for 30 seconds.
Deodorize Garbage Disposal
Materials
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup salt
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested
- 15-20 drops lemon essential oil
- Silicon Mold
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the baking soda and salt. Mash with a fork until there are no clumps.
- Using a grater or zester, zest the two lemons and add the zest to the dry ingredients.
Cut lemons in half and squeeze the juice from them into the dry ingredients. You will need about 4 tablespoons of lemon juice. - Add 15-20 drops of lemon essential oil and stir all the ingredients together until well combined. You want the mixture to hold its shape when pressed together, add more liquid if needed.
- Smash the mixture into small silicon molds.
- Allow it to dry completely, about 12-24 hours. Dry time will depend on the size of the mold you use.
- Pop the tabs out of the mold and store in an airtight container or ziplock bag. I keep mine in a mason jar with a lid under my sink.
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
I used to have a garbage disposal and would have used this!
Laura says
They work great!
Lindsay Cotter says
This works so well! I’ll be using it often! Thanks!
Laura says
You’re welcome!
Susan says
After I let disposal tab Sit in disposal for a few minutes. Do I run the disposal after?
Thanks!
Laura says
Yes!