Clearing out the fridge, emptying the trash, and bagging leftovers are all great ways to keep your kitchen clean. But what do you do when there’s a lingering smell or a strange sound coming from deep within your sink? Here are three easy ways to clean your kitchen plumbing:
The Garbage Disposal
You know to run water when grinding up any unusable food but there are a few things you should avoid putting down the drain. Foods that are hard and fibrous, and those that are starchy or stringy, can bind up the flywheels and allow large chunks of gunk to clog the pipe. Fruit pits, corn husks, egg shells, cut flower stems, coffee grounds, and even discarded cooking grease should not be crammed down your drain.
To freshen your disposal and de-gunk your blades, try grinding up a cup of ice and flushing with hot water once a month. To eliminate a funk, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of white vinegar into the unit. Wait until all fizzing subsides then flush with hot water. If you suspect you have a clog, do not stick your hand in! Request an appointment with one of our licensed professionals.
The Dishwasher
Did you know that your dishwasher uses the same pipes as your garbage disposal to remove wastewater and food debris? Scraping excess grease and large bits of uneaten food into the trash before running your dishes will help prevent most buildup and clogs. To clean or remove a smell from your dishwasher, pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the bottom of the empty unit and run on the lowest energy setting.
If you have a mold issue, pour 1 cup of bleach into the bottom of the unit and run it on a full cycle. However, DO NOT do this if the inside of your dishwasher is stainless steel — it could corrode the metal and ruin the appliance.
The Kitchen Sink
Think your sink is invincible since you don’t have a garbage disposal? Nope — buildup from soap and hard water deposits can create a bacterial breeding ground. Older iron pipes rust and clog, causing food to get stuck and rot. Try the baking soda and vinegar trick above, or request a general assessment of your plumbing.
Looking for a trained professional to tackle that weird smell or noise in your kitchen? Use our online contact form to schedule an appointment today.
