How To Clean Splash Guard On Garbage Disposal?
A splash guard on a garbage disposal is a rubber ring that sits at the top of the disposal mouth to prevent water and food waste from splashing out.
Over time, the splash guard gets covered with grime or gunk. If a persistent foul odor comes out of the disposal despite cleaning the disposal regularly, I bet the splash guard gets dirty.
This guide on How to Clean the Splash Guard on the Garbage Disposal will walk you through easy-to-follow steps to rinse the splash guard like a charm.
Necessary Tools & Cleaning Supplies:
Here is the list of essential tools and cleaning supplies you need to clean the splash guard on a garbage disposal:
- Tongs or long-handled brush
- Dish soap or baking soda
- Vinegar
- Scrub brush
How To Clean Splash Guard On Garbage Disposal: Step-By-Step Instructions
To clean the splash guard on a garbage disposer, go along with these easy-to-follow instructions:
1. Turn off the power to your garbage disposal to avoid accidental electric shocks.
2. Remove the splash guard from the top of the garbage disposal. Most garbage disposals now have a removable splash guard.
To remove the splash guard, grab it with your fingers. Then, pull the splash guard or sink baffle straight up to remove it from the top of the disposal.
3. Soak the stinky or dirty splash guard in the soapy water solution for several minutes. Then, use a toothbrush to scrub the splash guard to remove any grime or gunk. Finally, rinse the splash guard thoroughly under running water.
Don’t forget to clean the inside of the garbage disposal. Use long-handled tongs to fish out any visible debris. Sprinkle baking soda in the grinding chamber and pour in vinegar.
Leave the disposal for several minutes to let the mixture sit. Then, run hot water to flush out the grinding chamber.
4. If your garbage disposal has a non-removable splash guard, don’t worry. Scrub the top side of the splash guard with soapy water. Then, lift up each rubber section of the sink baffle and clean it.
Next, run cold water to flush out the food residue from the splash guard. And this is how a splash guard looks once you clean it:
5. Once you clean the splash guard, replace it by pushing it down in the sinkhole.
Maintenance Tips
To keep the splash guard gunk-free and the disposal in tip-top conditions, follow these garbage disposal maintenance tips:
- Clean the Splash Guard Once A Month: Clean the splash guard every month to prevent buildup and odors.
- Flush The Disposal: Run your garbage disposal regularly with hot water and a few drops of dish soap to flush out the disposal. It will help remove the buildup or food particles from the grinding chamber that can cause a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Never Use Harsh Chemicals: Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach to clean the garbage disposal because they can corrode the disposal’s components and pipes.
FAQs
What are the common mistakes to avoid when cleaning a garbage disposal splash guard?
Here are the key mistakes you should avoid when cleaning a garbage disposal:
Neglecting to turn off the power: Verify that the electric supply to the unit is off before cleaning the splash guard. Otherwise, it can lead to accidents.
Ignoring the underside: Most people only clean the visible part of the splash guard. But the bottom of the splash guard often accumulates gunk and grime, which can cause odors. Ensure to clean the top and the bottom side of the splash guard thoroughly.
Using harsh chemicals: Don’t use bleach or harsh chemicals as they corrode the internal components of the disposal and the piping. Instead, choose natural cleaning solutions like baking soda and vinegar to clean the splash guard.
Using Improper Tools: Never use your fingers to remove debris from the splash guard because it’s unsafe. Instead, I suggest you try long-handled tongs to reach inside the disposal safely. Additionally, avoid abrasive scrubbers that can damage the rubber splash guard.
Forgetting to rinse: Wash the splash guard after cleaning it. Otherwise, cleaning agents or residue may linger in the disposal, leading to odors or attracting pests.
How can I tell if my splash guard is damaged and needs replacement?
To verify if your splash guard is damaged and needs replacement, look for the following signs:
- Check the garbage disposal for visible cracks, tears, and deformities.
- The splash guard won’t fit tightly against the disposal if it gets warped.
- A persistent unpleasant smell will come out of the disposal despite regular cleaning, which indicates that the splash guard is harboring mold or bacteria due to damage.
Food particles get frequently trapped because of a damaged splash guard.
How often should I clean my splash guard to ensure hygiene?
Clean your splash guard on a garbage disposal every week to ensure hygiene. Regular cleaning of the splash guard will prevent food buildup and debris, which can lead to foul odors and mold growth. Additionally, disinfect the garbage disposal splash guard every few weeks using a solution of vinegar and water.
Conclusion
To maintain a fresh and functional kitchen, clean the splash guard on your garbage disposal once a month.
Follow the step-by-step cleaning techniques mentioned above and get an efficient garbage disposal.
Remember to provide feedback on cleaning your garbage disposal splash guard.
Related To:
Sohel Rana is the founder of FixTheDisposal.Com. He is a plumbing expert with 7+ years of hands-on repairing garbage disposals, water heaters, space heaters, and other appliances used in a home. Before the launch of Fix The Disposal, he wrote and provided advice on water heaters, sump pumps, and space heater repairing & troubleshooting tips for LilDutchUncle.Com.
